(10/31/2017) The Creator is Different

Today, topics include the Christian knowledge of GOD, and the joy imparted to men that exists as an aspect of divine fullness.  The integrity of mankind as part of the Creation put forth by GOD is abolished through the operations of sin.  One of the unique features of men making them distinct from angels, sacred beasts, and other living creatures is that they are capable of acquiring sacred knowledge, communicating through divine operations that include obedience to holy law, praise, prayer, and rebirth; and may be equipped to experience ongoing personal relationship with the Creator while still on the earth.  Because of sin, it is incumbent upon mankind, not GOD, to learn to forgive, accept forgiveness, and undergo permanent changes that re-establish godliness.  The joy that resides within GOD is being imparted to the living; however, in the same way many deny and despise mercy, among those still enslaved to sin, there also is a widespread rejection of divine joy.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


How much happier would God be if he learned to forgive?

It must get tiring being so angry, flooding the earth, killing a nation of first born, or committing acts of genocide against a nation of people.
Imagine if he learned to love and forgive people and instead chose to accept us for who we are.
Buddha says "Forgive others, not because they deserve it, but because you deserve peace."
I think the God of Abraham could learn a lesson from Buddha. What do you think?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:  the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.  But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him:  in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.  Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD:  and not that he should return from his ways, and live?  But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned:  in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.  (Ezekiel 18:  20-24, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Undergoing A Sacred Transformation (10/24/2017); Accepting Christ, Accepting Change (10/20/2017); Wrath Against Sin? (10/17/2017); Without the Divine Image? (10/15/2017); The Makeup of GOD (09/25/2017); Idolatry -- Exalting Human Devices? (09/21/2017); “and without Him nothing” (08/14/2017); How Would We Understand? (03/17/2017)
 

“Anonymous”, here are some points you might find useful to avoid spiritual confusion:

The GOD revealed through Jesus Christ is a Creator, a God of Judgment, and a God of Salvation.  The knowledge of GOD you are sharing describes a divinity who operates on the basis of desires, feelings, lack, thoughts, and things that must be known as temporal (i.e., that come and go, and only endure for brief periods).  You seem to be believing that the character, makeup, and substance of GOD is no different than that within created beings and living creatures as though the awareness and sovereign will of Deity may be dominated by the operations of sin the same as angelic or human consciousness and self-will that now include flaws, malice, exaggerated pride, and selfishness.

The sacred knowledge that pertains to divinity is being provided to developing Christian believers through the imparting of spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  All undergo permanent change (we say, are born again), must grow up again and mature, and then continuously embody the revelation conveyed using inseparable aspects of the GODhead.  Included are balance, faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, person, presence, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Rather than a peace that comes by the emptying of ones mind, Christians seek to be filled with the oneness and sameness (you might say, peace) that comes by the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).

All Christians are in a sacred process of transformation by operations of GOD that will allow them to exist as immortal, incorruptible companions of divinity.  With this in view, there are multiple eternal conditions, fixed and unchanging standards as well as operations that go forward displaying continuity and diversity, rather than change or the passage of time.  Believers do not expect to deal with GOD as they might deal with an ordinary man, someone who is a heathen, someone who is not exalted, or someone who is unconsecrated. 

Consider again the following that uses the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Psalms 57:  4-5, King James Version (KJV):  4 My soul is among lions:  and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.  5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.

(2.)  Isaiah 5:  15-16, KJV:  15 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:  16 But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  3-5, KJV:  3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

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


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/30/2017) GOD Is Imparting Truth

Depicts the mezzotint by John Martin, The Creation of Light (1827)

Today, topics are the authenticity of accounts within the holy writings, and the creation of light.  While the Bible is a single source of truth for all believers, including the young, the Scriptures may not be read and correctly applied by small children and those who are immature, simple, and underdeveloped.  The young must have added guidance and structure from their caretakers and parents, for the holy writings present sacred information not usually focused on in our day-to-day conversation and worldly pursuits.  The sun, moon, and stars were created to permit the ordering of events among mankind, not to serve as the vehicles of light for divinity.  The GOD we serve as followers of Jesus Christ is one who imparts truth.  Revelation to make divinity properly known, exalted, and served by created beings and living creatures in a way that is heartfelt and reliable can not be tainted by deceit, malice and manipulation.  There must be responsiveness, righteousness, and continuous interaction between the Creator and the created.  Devotion, exclusiveness, faith, and loyal love are called forth by divinity using platforms of clarity, communion, oneness without sameness, security, and genuine trust.  It is with this in view that the Bible has authority, power and value for mankind as a document correctly expressing the heart and mind of the Creator.  Just as the sphere of life and all within it are characterized by diversity of form and process, truth also may appear having different forms and be proclaimed using different methods (e.g., sacred law, parables, preaching, principles, promises, prophecy, testimonies in judgment).  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


The bible is wrong from the begining?

God said, "Let there be light" but how could there be light before he created the sun and the stars? He created them after he allegedly created light without the sun or stars. This is very contradictory.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  (1st John 1:  5, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Undergoing A Sacred Transformation (10/24/2017); Becoming Joined To GOD (10/13/2017); Making Sense of Preexistence? (10/06/2017); Our Glory From GOD (09/24/2017); Sun Worship? (07/27/2015); Living In The Light? (01/18/2015); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); The Obedience of Jesus? (04/15/2013)


“Anonymous”, your credentials are questionable, here, and to many of us, you are “wrong from the beginning.”  How could you think the Almighty would not know?  Mature Christians disagree with you because their understanding provided from GOD is that sacred things must be examined and endorsed on the basis of their containing and displaying the same inseparable spirit content from the makeup of GOD that is imparted through water baptism to transform sinners to exist as developing believers.  Included are life essence (we say, breath, spirit, Word), faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Both existence and life contain aspects of “divine being” that must be imparted to objects, persons, and processes that will have duration before GOD; therefore, divine order must respond to the active presence of GOD appearing as sovereign will.  The revelation whereby GOD is made known, knowable, accessible and approachable employs multiple streams of sacred truth that have been embodied through the Incarnation of Deity in Jesus Christ, who is called “the 2nd Adam.”  The guidance and instruction from GOD allows us to understand the calling forth of “light” as a presence before the creation of diverse forms and objects to direct, emit, and focus light (such as the sun, moon, and stars) in discrete amounts, and for set periods.  Thus, light can be received as an aspect of supernal glory, and the ceaseless effulgence and emanation of the persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) who are the fullness of divinity.

In addition to acquiring sacred (not secular) knowledge, all who come to Christ that are “born again,” also must “grow up again” and become mature through life experiences on the earth that include “growing pains,” suffering, and unselfish service.  Commitment and discernment (the ability to recognize and respond to ones own spirit content from the makeup of GOD as it resides within events, other persons, prophecy, the holy writing, etc.) are increased through growth and practice.  Believers who will be “ripe” when Christ appears to remove those who belong to him from the earth (we say, the Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming) will be lifted up and transformed in the “twinkling of an eye,” to meet the Lord in the air.

While still on the earth, believers are to rely on the holy writings as an authentic appearance of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity, for the Scriptures share a “divine eyewitness” to the operations of GOD using thousands of events and thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.  In addition to emotions, motives, and thoughts in the living, such features as the praise, prayers, errors, and repentance of sinners also are displayed.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the Creation that has been put forth.  Sin contains and imparts no divine substance; thus, sin, that may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures, can never be correctly spoken of as a “product” or “work” from GOD.  Sin promotes nonexistence and return to the chaos, flux, and numberless levels of darkness that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth.  To accomplish the eternal purposes that have been revealed, the “tools of GOD” (so to speak) can not be such elements as division, hate, ignorance, indifference, lawlessness, lies, exaggerated pride, and unrighteousness.  Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 32:  1-4, King James Version (KJV):  1 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.  2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:  3 Because I will publish the name of the LORD:  ascribe ye greatness unto our God.  4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect:  for all his ways are judgment:  a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

(2.)  Isaiah 43:  9-11, KJV:  9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled:  who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified:  or let them hear, and say, It is truth.  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 examined, and made a part of our own spirit makeup.  (For example, (3.)  1st Corinthians 15:  39-45, KJV:  39 All flesh is not the same flesh:  but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.  40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial:  but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.  41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars:  for one star differeth from another star in glory.  42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:  43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:  44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.  45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/29/2017) Jesus Demonstrated Perfected Humanity

Today, focus is on the demonstration of perfected humanity that was shared by the GODhead using the device of Incarnation.  As the heir to Adam, created from dust and sacred breath, Jesus appeared on the earth as someone inheriting the human condition that includes appetite, sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), mortality, and being limited by emotion (e.g., anger, fear, sorrow) and finite human tools of the mind (e.g., “secular knowledge,” carnal reason, logic, philosophy, science).  Jesus was not born having recall of his exalted station within the GODhead, or full knowledge of the promises to Abraham, the covenants of Moses and David, or the role he was to  ultimately fulfill as Messiah, and the one prophesied to die on the cross.  Jesus also encountered evil, and was tested by the Devil in the wilderness.  The things Jesus spoke and performed had to be expressions of his own conviction, discoveries, and faith.  Correctly understood, then, the holy writings only provide descriptions of Jesus Christ on the earth as another man who, through the active presence who is GOD the Father, also fulfills multiple sacred offices (e.g., exorcist, healer, judge, king, prophet, priest, teacher).  What continues to puzzle many believers is that the Lord’s origin has been by operations of the Holy Spirit that are not aspects of Creation, that have not been detailed and revealed to created beings and living creatures, and that speak to the use of form by spirit without corruption, defilement, or profanity.  More than this, many are overwhelmed by the teaching that Jesus became the embodiment of our sin on the cross, faced sacred judgment, and endured divine wrath.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” with the ID “Corvus Blackthorne” (Level 4 with 4,355 points, a member since August 02, 2017) posted the following:

 

If Jesus was God, why are there multiple instances in which he worships God as a separate entity?

John 17 leaps to mind.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:  Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.  (Hebrews 1:  1-4, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What Would Moses Say? (10/27/2017); The Device of Incarnation (10/18/2017); Making Sense of Preexistence? (10/06/2017); The Word of GOD (09/05/2017); Conforming to Divine Standards (06/18/2017); A Species of Animal? (01/31/2017); Word, Son, and Christ? (08/24/2016)  
 

“Corvus Blackthorne,” looking upon Christ we are to see a man within a process of GOD, not a god in a process of men.  Jesus Christ appeared on the earth to carry out and fulfill, multiple divine, eternal purposes.  In addition to exposing the operations of sin as a personification of sacred law, Christ would embody the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit).  The Word (breath, life essence, spirit, utterance) appearing embodied in flesh and blood as a son of Adam would continue and complete divine revelation of the character, makeup, and substance of divinity using praise, prayer, proclamation, promise, prophecy, and rebirth to establish among mankind the same oneness without sameness that exists within the GODhead.

Even though the witness of Adam and many of the Patriarchs was available on the earth for nearly one thousand years, and the duties of sacred priesthood were being performed for atonement, expiation, and remission of sin, it was still required that Jesus be sent to demonstrate perfected humanity.  While his conception was through the authority and power of GOD, his development, birth, growth to manhood, his entry into ministry, and his dying on the cross all were required to acknowledge and respond to cycles and patterns of natural law, earthly Creation, and human affairs.

Christian believers are cautioned to discern and understand that, where  Jesus appears to have been gifted with special abilities and powers, that has more to do with the operations of imparted Spirit from GOD than his identity in the Heaven as Son of the Highest.  Thus, in the same way we as sinners must undergo permanent change by the Holy Spirit through baptism and receive a fresh endowment of the inseparable aspects of the divine makeup (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, wrath against sin), the Savior also had to age, acquire sacred knowledge (not merely secular knowledge), communicate through prayer, and be both an instrument to bring about, and an anointed/sworn witness to sacred events (we say, miracles).  In the same way the Lord’s body became tired and weary, and he needed separation from the crowds for rest and refreshing, he also needed renewal to continue against the many questions, thrusts, and streams of spiritual confusion.

As the Second Adam, Jesus received a greater endowment of the imparted Spirit.  There are times in the Scriptures we see only his humanity that includes times when we do not have full knowledge, are uncertain, or seek a different path than the one commanded.  Even so, Jesus is father to a new creation, and through the holy writings and his imparted Spirit, the divine offspring are receiving instruction and nourishment to become ripe (mature) for harvest at his appearing (we say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  The ongoing transformation to exist as companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity that was begun following the fall of Adam and Eve will be completed “in the twinkling of an eye;” and the believers will become perfected before their Maker.  Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.)  John 1:  11-17, King James Version (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.  15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me:  for he was before me.  16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.  17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

(2.)  Galatians 4:  4-7, KJV:  4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  7  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

(3.)  John 11:  41-45, KJV:  41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.  42 And I knew that thou hearest me always:  but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.  43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.  44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes:  and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.  45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

(4.)  John 14:  10-11, KJV:  10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself:  but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.  11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:  or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, 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

(10/27/2017) What Would Moses Say?

James Jacque Joseph Tissot -  Moses and Joshua in the Tabernacle
(a scene that probably never occurred, neither being High Priests, and both within the veil at the same time)

Today, focus is on the manifestations of prophetic ministry presented by Moses, Joshua, and Jesus Christ.  In the same way the holy writings report changes in sacred institutions and divine law, offices and serving as agents and spokespersons for divinity (e.g., seer, prophet, apostle, evangelist) are seen continued, yet, becoming a new form.  The anointing granted to Joshua and Moses fitted them to fulfill promises and prophecies to mankind that addressed the establishment of a sacred nation upon the earth.  Their endowments included angelic visitations; authority as judges, rulers, and worship leaders; covenant relationship; knowledge to command military operations as well as access to receive divine proclamations of sacred law, and guidance to partition and distribute allotments of territory.  Even so, neither may have correctly understood that their works were for transforming mankind to exist as companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity.  As an incarnate person of the GODhead, the anointing upon Jesus Christ was greater, for the Son of the Highest would be endowed to serve as Judge, King, High Priest in the heavens, and Prophet as well as the architect and builder of the heavenly City (the New Jerusalem).  A writer at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Roche” (Level 1 with 77 points, a member since August 16, 2017) posted the following:


What do you think that Moses would say to Joshua if he could see us now?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?  For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.  For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.  For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.  And it is yet far more evident:  for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,  Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.  For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.  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.  (Hebrews 7:  11-22, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Christ Our High Priest (10/25/2017); The Generation That Wandered (06/14/2017); Rulers Who Are Prophets? (01/25/2017); Material Things in Heaven? (11/10/2016); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Covenants and Relationships (01/29/2014); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013)


“Roche”, despite the existence of national Israel, the present condition for the ancient covenant people is very much one of Diaspora, disbelief, scattering, and spiritual confusion.  Both Moses and Joshua were used by GOD as expressions of divine wrath against sin, and as instruments in punitive judgment (e.g., the plagues of Egypt; destruction of those in the camp who had worshiped the golden calf fashioned by Aaron; the five kings who had hidden in the cave at Makkedah; the utter destruction of Jericho).  Even so, they were being embraced by a God of deliverance, and, like developing believers today, were caught up in the many emotional and psychological conflicts between seeking to garner and apply sound (secular) information (for example, by sending out the spies) and operating strictly on the basis of revelation, divine promise, prophecy, and sacred knowledge.  Keep in mind, both these men had suffered extended periods in a place where most of the inborn citizens excluding the Hebrews were the private property of one man (i.e., slaves to Pharaoh of Egypt).

Both Joshua and Moses were anointed to serve as prophets; however, only Joshua is spoken of as a general over the armies of Israel.  The two men both acknowledged the active presence who is GOD as having appeared through emblems that included the burning bush, the tables of stone, the Shekhinah within the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and visitation by the Captain of the Host of Heaven.  While Moses was so filled with the Spirit of GOD (we say, breath, life essence, Word) that a portion of his anointing could be granted to seventy of the elders of Israel, and he remained more empowered than all of them put together, neither he nor Joshua were consecrated to the level of Jesus Christ.  Because they did not receive the fresh endowment of imparted Spirit established by Christ dying upon the cross, neither of them could completely and correctly grasp the subtle (i.e., barely visible; having hidden shifts in meaning, quality, and value), yet powerful upsurge in the operations of GOD that have been revealed to us.  Foremost are the movements from deliverance to salvation, from condemnation to forgiveness, and from fulfilling the sanctions of the law to outpouring mercy and reconciliation.

Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 14:  1-2, King James Version (KJV):  1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God:  ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.  2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

(2.)  Hosea 6:  5-7, KJV:  5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth:  and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.  6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.  7 But they like men have transgressed the covenant:  there have they dealt treacherously against me.

(3.)  John 1:  11-17, 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.  15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me:  for he was before me.  16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.  17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

(4.)  Romans 5:  8-10, KJV:  8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Hebrews 3: 1-6, KJV:  1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;  2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.  3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.  4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.  5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;  6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/26/2017) Foolish People and Unwise

Today, points are shared on the present generation, prophecy, and final judgment.  While a present generation is correct to acknowledge, confess, and petition GOD to forgive the sins of their parents and forbearers (as seen in Ezra 9 and Daniel 9), it is foolishness to compare the sins of modern nations against those of ancient Israel.  Believers are unwise to focus on claiming their own salvation by judging others, even those whose sins are on record and already exposed.  More than this, judgment to pronounce damnation is fraught with subtlety (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning, quality, and value) and should be regarded as the exclusive privilege of the King.  It is more correct that developing believers focus on their own walk with the Lord, and on achieving the highest levels possible for expressing their own godliness and righteousness.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:



Christians: Are we worse than our forefathers?

My Mum (who is a bible scholar) keeps quoting and reminding me of Jeremiah 16:12. She believes every scripture can be applied to today's society. Do you believe that YOU have acted more wickedly than your ancestors?

Something feels wrong in my heart and intuition when I hear that. But they say the heart and intuition is deceptive.



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.  Ye are the salt of the earth:  but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  (Matthew 5:  10-16, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Caution! Work In Progress (10/19/2017); Temporal and Eternal Judgment (02/15/2017); Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); Where Society Is Headed? (01/11/2016); Enduring As A Believer? (12/06/2015); About The End Of The World (08/30/2015); To Walk As He Walked? (11/16/2014); To Continue In His Footsteps (11/17/2014)



“Anonymous”, the human predicament established through the error of the first pair, Adam, itself has not changed, and only responds to divinity acting through a myriad of sacred devices.  Thus, the operations of sin, the requirement that there be death and mortality, and opposition to the continued existence of divine law remain an enormous challenge to the Creation of GOD.  Even the appearance of divinity using human form (we say, flesh and blood) by a person from the GODhead (Jesus Christ), and the imparting of the Holy Spirit to reside within the living have not been enough to eliminate sin.

When Moses asked GOD to show his glory, he revealed himself to be a God of judgment, and exposed sin as a threat to all existence, even that of divinity.  The operations of sin promote nonexistence and the return to conditions of chaos, flux, and multiple streams of darkness.  The sins committed by a present generation will continue to have direction, effect and presence to the third and fourth generation that follows.  (In Scripture, a single generation is a period of 40 years:  do the math—40, 80, 120, 160 years.)  The following generations are not condemned and punished for that of their ancestors, yet, as the offspring of sinners they will be increasingly challenged; and must turn to GOD for relief, redemption, and salvation.

Finite human tools such as intellect, logic, philosophy, and science are not able to transform consciousness and self-will (we say, willpower) to completely reject and resist sin (sinners are even found among university graduates and faculty).  The divine process for mankind allows sinners to  receive atonement, rebirth, and sacred (not secular) knowledge through discovery, gradual growth, continuing sacred practices (we say, sacraments such as baptism, holy matrimony, penance, etc.), and maintaining fellowship with GOD through those who are anointed and sent.  To avoid spiritual confusion as you continue your course as a developing believer, consider the following points of admonition, proclamation, promise, and prophecy that are shared through the holy writings:

(1.)  Daniel 12:  1-4, KJV:  1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people:  and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time:  and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.  2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.  3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.  4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end:  many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 32:  4-6, KJV:  4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect:  for all his ways are judgment:  a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.  5 They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children:  they are a perverse and crooked generation.  6 Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

(3.)  Ecclesiastes 7:  9-11, KJV:  9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry:  for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.  10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.  11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance:  and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

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



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/25/2017) Christ Our High Priest

The prayers of the saints are mingled with incense offered
to GOD by the Divine High Priest

Today, focus is on Jesus Christ as head of the church, High Priest, and Risen Lord.  A relatively new writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Clarissa” (Level 1 with 3 points, a member since May 06, 2017) posted the following:


If Jesus was still alive, what do you think he'd have to say about the world today?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.  And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.  (1st Corinthians 15:  22-28, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Lower Than The Angels? (09/12/2017); “Occupy Till I Come” (08/30/2017); George Washington Owned Slaves (08/17/2017); Resurrected With The Lord (04/16/2017); Proclaiming A New Kingdom? (04/13/2017); Material Things in Heaven? (11/10/2016); I Go To Prepare... (05/19/2016)


“Clarissa”, given that divine utterance speaks to eternal purposes, and is immutable and unchanging, many of the things the Lord might say, approve, and endorse about present-day conditions can be known by examining the sacred record now being shared as divine law, proclamation, promise, and prophecy. While many Christians acknowledge the death on the cross, his burial, his resurrection from the dead, and the return of Jesus Christ to the heavens, developing believers often have yet to fully consider the many excellent points of instruction from the holy writings that describe Jesus as alive now and serving above in the office of divine High Priest.

Christ should be understood as primarily occupied with multiple tasks begun on the earth that must be completed in the heaven.  In addition to making atonement for sin and cleansing the Sanctuary within the Temple of heaven by applying holy blood, the Christ (1) presides over his followers on the earth who receive inheritance through the Holy Spirit as Priests and Kings; (2) is completing construction of the Holy City (we say, the New Jerusalem); (3) is preparing for the tribunals wherein the wicked will appear alive for judgment; and (4) must begin preparations to carry out the sentence for those who will be destroyed in the Lake of Fire (i.e., the second death).  These are sacred duties, and may not be spoken of as something you can start and finish in hours, days, years, or thousands of years.

The inseparable fullness of divinity has been imparted to all those alive in heaven (the angels, the twenty-four elders, the sacred beasts, etc.).  According to the depictions of these and other things (such as the reading of the sealed scrolls) that we have received by studying the Tabernacle of Moses and the Temple at Jerusalem, when the High Priest is ministering atonement for the people within the Most Holy place, the congregation should be continuing in contrition and humility before GOD.  This includes confessing error and faults, fasting, and sorrowing for sin.  Given Christ is not available to hear and respond to the prayers of the people (that should be directed to the Father) various agents must appear in his behalf upon the earth (e.g., the Comforter (also called the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth), the apostles, his disciples, the assemblies of believers).  Because the High Priest alone enters within the sacred precinct, his activity is secret and unseen; therefore, even among the holy angels the completion of the new testament in his blood must be known through faith.  This “knowing by faith” further describes the oneness without sameness shared within the GODhead, and is to exist throughout the church as well.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 15:  12-21, King James Version (KJV):  12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:  14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.  15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ:  whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.  16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:  17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.  18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.  19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.  20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

(2.)  Hebrews 13:  8, KJV:  8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

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

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own spirit makeup.  (For example, (4.)  Colossians 1:  12-20, KJV:  12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/24/2017) Undergoing A Sacred Transformation

Today, the language “cost of discipleship” and the profound nature of salvation are topics.  Discipleship as a Christian is established and maintained through commitment and content (fitness; sacred substance; oneness without sameness) of spirit not on the basis of ambition, emotion, or the “four-letter words” (good, hate, love, work).  Sinners coming to GOD through Jesus Christ must accept that salvation is not a simple process used to gain favor with GOD for oneself so much as it is a complex sacred operation directed to sinners becoming a new creation, and ministering their own divine spirit content to others.  A broad range of special explanations, illustrations, images, parables, and terms are used to make otherwise unseen truth clear and understandable.  So to speak, the Bible uses different ideas and ways to present the same concept over and over (e.g., brethren, firstborn, husbandmen, stewards, disciples).  From Genesis to Revelation, the meaning and value of various passages and statements are intended to be recognizable only to those endowed with spirit matter from the makeup of divinity that prepares them to receive a greater anointing from GOD through the further ministry of Jesus Christ.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


If salvation is a free gift, why is the cost of discipleship as shown in Luke 14:26-33 so high?

If Luke 14:26-33 is to be taken literally, Christianity is the strictest religion on Earth and the criteria to avoid burning in hell forever is very high.

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20171024071524AAO86Zm&page=2

In past questions, I probed into the nature of compassion with respect to a deity that sends a majority of people to hell. One of the common responses was that God is merciful because I am merely "rejecting a free gift."

But is salvation really a free gift? According to the Bible, the price seems to be very high - hating your family and your own life, forsaking all you possess, etc. And if discipleship is not the same as salvation, why does the book of Acts refer to Christians as disciples? Why is there not a separate category for believers who aren't disciples?

My broad point is that if Jesus has such harsh requirements, then going to hell is because Jesus sends you there, not because "you send yourself there," and it's hardly a merciful set of requirements. So what makes God different than a bank robber or thief?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And there went great multitudes with him:  and he turned, and said unto them,  If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.  For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?  Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,  Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.  Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?  Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.  So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.  Salt is good:  but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?  It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.  (Luke 14:  25-35, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Accepting Christ, Accepting Change (10/20/2017); Without the Divine Image? (10/15/2017); Becoming Joined To GOD (10/13/2017); Developing A Moral Compass? (10/03/2017); Rebirth, Growth and Transformation (09/29/2017); Humility and The Cross? (03/15/2016); Can Someone Be Happy? (12/10/2013); Asked to Help? (12/11/2013)


“Anonymous”, the things of GOD require we adopt another way of speaking and thinking.  Throughout the holy writings there are many points for guidance and instruction that appear extreme or outlandish when taken out of their proper context (the complete revelation from GOD) in the same way a suggestion that GOD is no different for you than a bank robber or thief appears to be apostasy, blasphemy, gross ignorance and wickedness when taken out of the actual context of your intent, and the full framework of what you are seeking to share (e.g., your opinion, your conviction, your faith, your condemnation of divinity).  Both discipleship and salvation pertain to profound and permanent changes for the transformation of mankind to exist as an immortal, incorruptible companion to divinity.  Multiple streams of sacred truth and divine operations have come together that now allow created beings and living creatures to have ongoing communication, exchange and interaction (we say, personal relationship) with the Creator.  In addition to angelic visitation, divine law, covenant, inheritance, promise and prophecy, mankind has been knit and bound to the persons of GODhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) through Incarnation (appearing in flesh as Jesus Christ).

Before a sinner apprehends the full meaning and value of “salvation”, they must become “born again” and shift to routinely applying sacred (instead of secular) frameworks for understanding.  In place of time, space, natural law, or self-importance, there has to be continuing awareness of spirit presence and divine process.  The sinner who becomes a developing believer will have to master language that speaks to accountability, atonement, commitment, forgiveness, judgment, mercy, repentance, unselfish service, and the sovereign will of GOD. 

Consider again:

(1.)  Proverbs 9:  6-10, King James Version (KJV):  6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.  7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame:  and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.  8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee:  rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.  9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser:  teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.  10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:  and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

(2.)  Romans 6:  3-11, KJV:  3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.  8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(3.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-12, 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.  12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.) 

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


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/23/2017) ...And They Will Know

Today, reply is made on discernment, and the benefits of both church attendance and ministry through activity on the Internet.  The liberty provided by the imparted Spirit of GOD allows sinners to acknowledge the atonement and propitiation for sin established by Jesus Christ through the cross, demonstrate repentance, and to pursue new life through ministry and service, not to answer the Father with fleshly lusts, do-as-you-please, pleasure-seeking, and self-promotion.  Freedom and liberty from GOD will never mean that sinners do not have to accept the consequences and results from their own actions and choices; and the alternatives granted as salvation are not to be taken lightly.  There is no provision from GOD that is a substitute for physically attending church.  Even so, believers may apprehend the inseparable aspects of fellowship, prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, and exhortation), and ministry that are shared because they must be spiritually discerned and received.  Simply having a habit of church attendance accomplishes no more than ones private prayer life using unknown tongues for self-edification that does not also edify the church.  Mature believers all should put into practice the important declaration shared by Christ:  I came to minister, not to be ministered unto.  To be loved and ministered to by GOD is also to be loved and ministered to by his sons and daughters on the earth who are willing vessels of his Spirit.  The work of responding to others through the social media now available is no less important than the work once carried out by the first apostles who traveled by foot, and those of earlier times who served as missionaries to colonial peoples traveling, first, by great sailing ships and later by steamers.  Believers are correct to use the means provided by GOD through present day technology that allow personal contact, the making of brief, yet complete, presentations, and the ability to respond quickly to the direct questions and comments that arise when evangelizing.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

If christians on here are true christians what are they doing on here from 10-12 o clock ?shouldnt they be paying attention to the service?

Most church services are from 10-12

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I will bless the LORD at all times:  his praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul shall make her boast in the LORD:  the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.  O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.  (Psalms 34:  1-3, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Becoming Joined To GOD (10/13/2017); In Spirit and Truth? (10/02/2017); Prophets and Christian Ambassadors (08/07/2017); ...Gathered In My Name (05/29/2017); ...Because GOD Loves You (03/05/2017); Become Like Jesus Christ? (10/27/2016); The Right Place to Get Knowledge (02/17/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014)

“Anonymous”, while the “name” of GOD is proclaimed throughout the holy writings, and divinity is made knowable, known, and present by describing the sacred deeds and works of GOD (his reputation, so to speak), Christian believers are to be identified and recognized primarily through “discernment” (the sacred practice of using ones own spirit content from the makeup of GOD as a standard to examine and respond to deposits of the same spirit within events, other persons, motives and purposes, promises and prophecies, doctrines and teachings, etc.).  Inseparable aspects of divinity will appear in those who are offspring of GOD and joint heirs with Christ that include faith, holiness, forbearance, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The finite gifts of authority and office, intellect, carnal reason, and secular knowledge all have less value; and believers will be discovered by their displays of spirit content through words, deeds, outreach, and unselfish service more than by their formal spiritual practices and religious disciplines (such as observance of ceremonies, church attendance, and rituals intended for their own edification), their strict obedience to sacred law, and the peculiar good works they may perform (e.g., giving, healing, music ministry).  This being said, sinners who lack and do not practice divine discernment will fail to acknowledge and respond to believers as legitimate agents and spokespersons sent from GOD.  For the present time, many have found the unmistakable “mark of GOD” to be manifest as forgiveness, mercy in judgment, and faith that the return of Jesus Christ to harvest those belonging to him from the earth will be in our lifetime.  Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 12:  3, King James Version (KJV):  3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed:  and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

(2.)  2nd Corinthians 3:  17, KJV:  17 Now the Lord is that Spirit:  and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

(3.)  Romans 8:  4-9, 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.

(4.)  John 13:  34-35, KJV:  34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

There is far more to be said, thoughtfully practices, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st John 5:  1-6, KJV:  1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God:  and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.  2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.  3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments:  and his commandments are not grievous.  4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:  and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC