(01/31/2018) Divine Priesthood on Earth

A depiction of Adam as High Priest making sacrifice for atonement that must be received by GOD through fire from heaven.

Today, the Bible is discussed as a record of the divine priesthood in heaven appearing on the earth through mankind.  Those in the office of prophet are to serve as spokespersons in the relationship between GOD and mankind while only those consecrated to serve in the office of priest are to offer blood for the remission of sin.  From skins to holy garments, from the blood of circumcision to the blood of the cross, the priesthood has performed the works of atonement, manifesting the active presence who is GOD, and countering the operations of sin through divine provisions.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Jim” (Level 1 with 90 points, a member since December 21, 2015) posted the following:




Whose idea was it to create the Bible?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.  To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:  and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious:  but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient:  whereunto also they were appointed.  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:  which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.  (1st Peter 2:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Divinity of “Word” (01/26/2018); What Would Moses Say? (10/27/2017); Christ Our High Priest (10/25/2017); The First Book of the Bible? (11/20/2014); The Beginning of Wisdom? (11/21/2014); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013)


“Jim”, the Bible began through what we call “oral tradition” before the development of reading and writing.  Adam and others of the Patriarchs lived for nearly a millennium (1,000 years); and it is thought that worship was held “in the gate” (i.e., at the entrance) to the Garden of Eden, and in the witness of the angel posted there.  In addition to understanding the Bible to be a written record of GOD revealing divinity to created beings and living creatures by using thousands of events within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years, another important way for Christian believers to apprehend the many streams of truth from the Bible is to acknowledge that the holy writings document the development on earth of the sacred priesthood from heaven that is carried out and performed by Jesus Christ as High Priest within the Temple of Heaven.

The priesthood of Jesus as Son of the Highest was demonstrated to Adam, and shared with mankind replacing their lost inheritance.  Through the mechanism of the priesthood the offspring of Adam would become the new creation; would continue as “joint-heirs” with Christ; would receive words of comfort, promise, and prophecy to be proclaimed and repeated to future generations; would be granted sacred knowledge to practice the mysteries of atonement and propitiation for sin; and would continue the sacred work of reconciliation.

Many Christians believe that, under the guidance through Moses, the many oral traditions held among the Hebrews who formed the tribes of Jacob were blended with those from the mixed multitude that left Egypt.  In order to survive the years of famine, the Egyptian people and many others literally sold their land, their livestock, and themselves as slaves to Pharaoh.  As absolute ruler over a one-world empire, Pharaoh presented himself as a false god.  Details of the idolatry, occult practices, and impure worship that existed among the Egyptians were carefully separated from the doctrines and teachings that were to be a platform for a new nation and covenant people of GOD.  The Pentateuch that serve as the first five books of the Bible establish the pattern for all authentic holy writing.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Genesis 3:  21, King James Version (KJV):  21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

(2.)  Exodus 28:  1-3, KJV:  1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.  2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.  3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.

(3.)  Hebrews 7:  11-17, KJV:  11 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?  12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.  13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.  14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.  15 And it is yet far more evident:  for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,  16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.  17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

(4.)  Hebrews 7:  21-28, KJV:  21 (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:)  22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.  23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:  24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s:  for this he did once, when he offered up himself.  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 spiritually apprehended.  [For example, (5.)  Hebrews 9:  19-24, KJV:  19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,  20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.  21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.  22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.  23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.  24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:]  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/30/2018) Eternal Praise and Worship?

 

Today, reply is on the responses of praise and worship that must appear as aspects of acknowledging divinity.  It is fitting that those who offer praise, service, and worship as gifts and expressions of love to an immortal, incorruptible Deity would want their oblations to have the highest, most enduring value.  The blood and body of Jesus Christ—as well as his life and ministry from within our own lifestyle and daily routine—are regarded as the perfect offering and sacrifice for worship, because Jesus is Son of the Highest, and firstborn.  For created beings and living creatures, praise and worship serve as communication, exchange, and outreach that amplify the spirit content within such features as consciousness, existence, life, and self-will.  Thus, as with endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD, praise and worship are essential for becoming joined in personal relationship with divinity.  Autocrats, dictators, and tyrants are those who exercise dominion expressing cruelty and relying on violence to govern as a matter of ones own prowess and personal achievement, rather than a process of shared commitment, balanced exchange, and mature understanding that ensures the survival of a people.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “va2906” (Level 1 with 4 points, a member since July 30, 2016) posted the following:

Why would God want his followers to praise and worship him for eternity? Is he an autocrat or dictator?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.  At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.  The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?  While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.  And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field:  they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.  The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar:  and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.  And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:  And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing:  and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth:  and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?  At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.  Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment:  and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.  (Daniel 4:  28-37, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  “New Creation” and Life (01/01/2018); What Does Divinity Want? (03/13/2017); The Firstborn of GOD (01/02/2017); To Give Glory? (11/11/2015); GOD Inhabits Praise (01/27/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013)

“va2906”, Christian believers are willing to offer their lives in expression of love toward divinity.  It is in line with mature love (we say, behavior to add value to another) to seek accountability as well as continuous and uninterrupted contact, freedom to freely respond, and opportunity to maintain intimate relationship.  Just as receiving praise and worship are natural and “normal” to divinity, giving praise and worship are to be natural expressions of existence and life for those who willingly engage the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) in continuing personal relationship.  Where they are joined to divinity in oneness without sameness through baptism and rebirth, it is not unnatural or unreasonable that the living should praise GOD, for all created beings and living creatures also must have within their makeup somewhat of divine purpose and value that comes only from the Creator.  Sinners may choose to receive a fresh endowment of spirit content imparted from the makeup and substance of Deity who is immortal and incorruptible.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, respect, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Thereby, they become heirs, offspring, and the sons and daughters of GOD.

As with prophecy (the declarations for comfort, edification, and exhortation to believers), praise often appears as celebration and thanksgiving displayed through music ministry and song.  Genuine praise makes divinity active, known, present and “visible” among those who are vessels of divine spirit.  Similarly, the acknowledgement of the active presence and sovereign ruler who is GOD, appears through specific sacred actions and practices to return glory put forth from GOD as well as through utterances (we say, breath, life essence, spirit, Word) to add to his exalted, singular station.  Worship must convey divine substance, rather than only  finite and temporal content from angels, men, and other living creatures.  Consider again the following that uses language from the holy writings:

(1.)  1st Chronicles 29:  10-13, King James Version (KJV):  10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation:  and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.  11 Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty:  for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.  12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.  13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

(2.)  Psalms 47:  5-9, KJV:  5 God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.  6 Sing praises to God, sing praises:  sing praises unto our King, sing praises.  7 For God is the King of all the earth:  sing ye praises with understanding.  8 God reigneth over the heathen:  God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.  9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham:  for the shields of the earth belong unto God:  he is greatly exalted.

(3.)  Psalms 22:  3-5, KJV:  3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.  4 Our fathers trusted in thee:  they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.  5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered:  they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  John 4:  23-24, KJV:  23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:  for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  24 God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/29/2018) Choosing to be Reborn

Today, topics include decision-making, rebirth, and the operations of will within mankind.  Our abilities and behaviors that derive from properties of the flesh include appetite, the processing of sense data (hearing, seeing, touching, etc.), and the functions of heart  and mind (e.g., emotion, imagination, recall, thought).  The choice by sinners to return to GOD (we say, repentance) is a choice to allow divinity to make multiple, permanent changes in the full pattern of our makeup and personhood.  Through rebirth, sinners are to become vessels of divine spirit, and to continue as the offspring of GOD on the earth.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “john” (Level 2 with 307 points, a member since March 26, 2016) posted the following:

 

Beliefs and opinions are created outside of will , so How can you choose to believe something ?

My opinions are influenced by outside forces . So I don't understand the saying you can choose what to believe .


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  (Romans 12:  1-3, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  There Must Be Rebirth (01/21/2018); Flesh As Divine Vessels? (01/14/2018); Convinced/Convicted? (05/16/2017); His Birth Signals Rebirth (01/03/2017); No Repentance Without Rebirth? (12/14/2016); Choice, Duty, and Obligation? (11/17/2016); Judgment Focused On Content? (08/30/2016)


“john”, in the “analysis” many Christian believers are willing to make, the differences between the faculties of our mind and the operations by our spirit content from GOD must be accounted for.  Conviction, decisions, and opinions are products of finite tools for human survival such as awareness, intellect, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, science, secular knowledge, and self-will (we also say, willpower).  For the sinner who seeks a correct relationship to the Creator, a divinely provided process must be entered upon wherein ones inborn life essence put forth by GOD at Creation (we say, the breath; spirit; Word) undergoes permanent changes; and the sinner becomes a “developing believer” who will begin to operate on the basis of their own fresh endowment of sacred substance imparted from the makeup of divinity.

Those who are “born-again” do not choose “to believe” so much as they choose to make commitment to new experiences of discovery, gradual growth, fellowship with other believers, and regular practices that will nourish themselves as sons and daughters of GOD (e.g., praise, prayer, study of the Bible, unselfish service, regular worship).  Those born-again also must “grow up again” and encounter “growing pains” and life challenges on the earth that include bereavement, disappointments, hardship, and suffering.  As developing believers, all are supplied with inseparable spirit content from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin).  Even so, there are differences in their levels of ability, insight, maturity, etc.

The operations of sin may dominate consciousness and self-will in created beings and living creatures; yet, sin is contrary to human and divine nature.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law and promotes chaos, non-existence and the elimination of the divine order that maintains the universe.  Where believers will welcome and perform in agreement with the sovereign will of GOD they become more capable of recognizing, rejecting, and resisting sin through their lifestyle and daily routines.  With these points in mind, consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  John 4:  24, King James Version (KJV):  24 God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 2:  1-5, KJV:  1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.  2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 2:  12-14, KJV:  12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

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

(01/28/2018) Not A Financial Transaction

Today, reply describes the sacred process of GOD for salvation as a transformation of ones spirit content that should not be compared to the buying and selling of material goods.  Those set apart as his “peculiar people” are held accountable as those who help each other meet all their human needs.  While it is true, the followers of Jesus are spoken of throughout the Bible using language that describes believers as an offering, a cash-crop ripening for harvest and sale, refined gold, servants, and sheep, men do not come to GOD as chattel and souls purchased using money as though slaves at auction.  He who owns and “possesses” the lives of men as their Creator also has “purchased” the lives of men through operations we speak of as atonement, rebirth, redemption, and sacrifice.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


I just sold my soul to Jesus, will he make me rich and successful as he promised?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee:  and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.  If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:  But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.  Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.  Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him:  because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.  For the poor shall never cease out of the land:  therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.  (Deuteronomy 15:  6-11, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Giving, A Divine Discipline? (10/09/2017); The Mammon of Unrighteousness? (04/03/2017); Fundraising A Sacred Practice? (01/01/2017); Are All Debts Forgiven? (10/11/2016); To Him That Hath... (07/08/2016); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013)


“Anonymous”, be encouraged!  Those who belong to Jesus Christ enter into an organic, personal relation with divinity wherein divine fullness (we also say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is experienced as active and present.  Deity is no longer to be regarded as an abstraction, an academic concept, or another secular idea.  GOD is a spirit, and sinners seeking GOD must employ a new framework that accounts for the many inseparable aspects of spirit substance that includes faith, forbearance, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. 

The holy writings collected as the Bible present the new language and “way of thinking” that should appear among Christians.  Sinners who become “born again” (i.e., experience the death, burial, and resurrection of their inborn spirit from GOD) receive divine DNA, so to speak.  As “offspring” of GOD, they  acquire “an inheritance” that further makes them fit to be known as the sons and daughters of GOD.  The Scriptures themselves contain and impart aspects of divine spirit, and therefore, will nourish godliness, growth and life experience within developing believers on the earth.   The Scripture instruct developing believers using much of the same sacred knowledge and principles of belief used by Christ and all his disciples.

The process of GOD for believers who are to appear as the new creation through Jesus Christ is one of discovery, edification, gradual growth, and learning.  Throughout the Bible expressions appear from finite human events that are intended to describe sacred covenant relationship and other possibilities for exchange, interaction, and joining to divinity in oneness without sameness.   However, the plain and simply worded things, there, also are profound (deep; having broad impact; far-reaching in their application).  Just as disbelievers often do, developing believers can  misapply or misunderstand the intent, meaning, and value of statements put forth as guidance, proclamation, promise, and prophecy.  Correctly understood, created beings and living creatures must rely upon GOD to complete the many operations, establish meanings, and supply all the sacred substance that must appear.  Language devices from poetry are used for beauty and elegance (such as consonance, metaphor, simile), however, they sometimes result in misapplications by those not yet mature in their studies of divine law, sacred history, and other truth from GOD.  Thus, readers must be careful to continue their focus on things of the spirit even when words are used like “poverty”, “riches”, and “wealth”.  Appetite and carnal needs may not be the primary feature being spoken of.  Consider the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Philippians 4:  19, King James Version (KJV):  19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

(2.)  Zechariah 13:  9, KJV:  9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried:  they shall call on my name, and I will hear them:  I will say, It is my people:  and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

(3.)  1st Peter 1:  3-8, KJV:  3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

(4.)  Revelation 3:  17-19, KJV:  17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:  18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:  be zealous therefore, and repent.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  John 4:  31-34, KJV:  31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.  32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.  33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?  34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/26/2018) The Divinity of "Word"

Today, reply addresses whether “word” is the divine person we speak of as “God”.  Many who believe in GOD are comfortable saying that divinity existed as the Word in the beginnings of Creation, yet, these same folk often are very troubled by the teaching that the Word became incarnate, and appeared embodied within another person on the earth using human form, Jesus Christ.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “LOVE” (Level 4 with 4,011 points, a member since May 11, 2011) posted the following:


Is the word same as God? Why?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  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:  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  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.  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.  And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.  (John 1:  11-17, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  “New Creation” and Life (01/01/2018); The Device of Incarnation (10/18/2017); The Word of GOD (09/05/2017); “and without Him nothing” (08/14/2017); Also Called “The Amen” (01/29/2017); Jesus Known As Word (01/17/2016); GOD Appearing As Word (01/14/2016); The Preeminence of the Word (08/23/2015)


“LOVE”, where developing Christian believers grasp the notion that “GOD is a spirit” who imparted aspects of himself to Adam and Eve (the male and female figures he had fashioned to exist as vessels containing divine content) they also are challenged to accept that the material or substance from GOD that established life within the pair may be spoken of as breath, life essence, spirit, utterance or Word.  The figures existed before the infusion of divine content that established life. 

GOD is knowable and known through the objects divinity has put forth and manipulated as the spheres of life and all that they hold.  With that said, GOD is no mere abstraction, intellectual creation, or hypothetical construct.  Because the inseparable aspects of the Word may be known to created beings and living creatures operating as active presence, the Word is described as having and conveying such features of Deity as accountability, authority, commitment, direction, duration, focus, grace, and personhood (i.e., ability to communicate, exchange, respond, and interact in continuing personal relationships) as well as power to express compassion, divine love, purpose, truth, and value.

The Word is to operate within the consciousness and self-will of the living through their immeasurable dimensions of spirit substance (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, purity, wisdom, wrath against sin).  Thus, the Word appears in multiple forms or incarnations such as blessings, covenants, curses, divine law, instruction and parables, proclamation, promises, and prophecy.  The Word is acknowledged as on a higher plane than features of the living that present as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sex), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mental functions (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall).  Consider again the following that use language from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 55:  10-12, King James Version (KJV):  10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:  the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

(2.)  Psalms 107:  17-20, KJV:  17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.  18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.  19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.  20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

(3.)  Romans 10:  12-17, KJV:  12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek:  for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 1:  18-25, KJV:  18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.  22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;  24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/25/2018) Meanings for "These Three"?

Today, the meanings of divine faith, hope and love are considered in the light of the personhood of GOD being spirit substance that also puts forth flesh and blood.  Among Christian believers these three are made visible in lovingkindness, obedience, respect, restraint, and sacrifice (we say, unselfish giving).  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


Christians: What does it mean , that GOD Loves you? and what does that Love do for you?

....and what is hope. isn't hope just a wish.
...and faith what about faith


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.  Owe no man any thing, but to love one another:  for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.  For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  Love worketh no ill to his neighbour:  therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:  for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  The night is far spent, the day is at hand:  let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.  (Romans 13:  7-14, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Through Love Not Persuasion? (01/18/2018); Praying For “More Faith”? (01/12/2018); What Do Christians Expect? (01/09/2018); To Define “Godly Love” (08/20/2017); The Practice of Love (07/27/2017); Divine Law Expresses Love (05/10/2017); Hope That Is True
Saying (02/20/2017); “GOD is Love” (12/18/2016); Herein Is True Love (10/21/2016)


“Anonymous”, the definitions and meanings for “faith”, “hope”, and “love” that are used by Christian believers must be received as elements within a full system and vocabulary of sacred things, and things that pertain to duration, existence, immortality, incorruption, and sovereignty.  Just as more than simply passing, or temporal emotions, feelings and thoughts must come into view, inseparable, unseen aspects of the content and makeup of GOD always must be addressed.  For example, there also are forbearance, holiness, oneness without sameness, eternal purpose, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
Deity must provide the elements that allow created beings and living creatures to be in continuous, ongoing communication, exchange, and interaction with themselves (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).  Only by the multiple operations of GOD can divinity exist to the living as knowable, known, accessible, and approachable.  Sinners must search for, and discover within their own life experiences the many points of truth that fit together as divine revelation, and sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge.

There is no single object or thing to completely, correctly describe all that is involved where we speak of faith, hope, and love.  Therefore, throughout the holy writings we find different and new expressions to “approximate” (i.e., get increasingly closer) to the full and most necessary understandings.  For this reason, definitions will vary in agreement with the intent of the statement they appear in; in agreement with the peculiar covenant relationships shared by GOD and those of his creation; in agreement with various sacred operations (e.g., deliverance, judgment, reconciliation, salvation, sanctification); and in agreement with specific proclamation, promises, and prophecies.

Because “love” pertains to the “quality” of ones experience of life, “to love” is to impart, or add dimension (e.g., completeness, depth, richness) and value to another without demanding payment, or return.  Because believers are commanded to be forward-looking, main specific memorials and observances, and prepare to witness fulfillment of all divine utterance, “to hope” is to obey commands to continue in expectation of the word of GOD actually being carried out, performed, and completed by GOD.  Because “faith” is a blending of accountability, commitment, and integrity of ones makeup, “to have faith” is to display balance, maturity, stability, and a similitude of divine immutability (we say, “the image of GOD;” the likeness of the unchanging character and nature of GOD).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  John 4:  23-24, King James Version (KJV):  23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:  for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  24 God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

(2.)  Colossians 3:  9-17, KJV:  9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:  11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free:  but Christ is all, and in all.  12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;  13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/24/2018) On Recognizing Divine Judgment

Today, annihilation (the second death), David and Goliath, stoning, and the plagues of Egypt are in view.  Only through judgment that displays divine grace, mercy, and righteousness can there be the completeness of divine revelation.  Because so many of us first heard an account of David and Goliath as a bedtime story, or something to amuse and entertain us, many continue to dismiss and undervalue the important aspects of divine revelation that appear.  In addition to judgment against the enemies of GOD’s peculiar people, that there is judgment against GOD’s people themselves is not to be overlooked.  Goliath was one of the last remaining descendants from the seven tribes who had lived in Canaan as the covenant people of GOD prior to Israel leaving Egypt.  For their transgression of sacred covenant, his entire culture and race were to have been removed from the Promised Land.  Thus, he may be thought of as part of “Israel’s unfinished business,” and his destruction a fulfillment of divine mandate.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Racket” (Level 7 with 25,403 points, a member since November 14, 2015) posted the following:


David betrayed Goliath !!! Why didn't he use a sword instead of throwing a stone? Anyone can win wrestling if he use catapult?

Is this not a cheating of a God-chosen?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength:  and ye would not.  But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee:  and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.  One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee:  till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.  And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you:  for the LORD is a God of judgment:  blessed are all they that wait for him.  For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem:  thou shalt weep no more:  he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.  And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:  And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.  (Isaiah 30:  15-21, King James Version, KJV)  


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Secular History, Sacred Revelation? (01/11/2018); GOD Protects the Faithful (12/19/2017); David, Goliath and GOD (05/26/2017); The Wisdom of Years? (10/31/2016); The Accounts of Giants (05/24/2016); Christ the Son of David? (06/12/2015); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012)


“Racket”, many disbelieve that GOD exists on the basis of their failure to recognize the real “presence” of divine judgment.  Mature Christians may describe the confrontation between David and Goliath as one expressing divine judgment, and wrath against sin that is an inseparable aspect of the divine fullness along with faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, and wisdom.  What on surface is merely a contest or a “fair fight” between two proud, or reckless individuals on a battlefield also must be acknowledged as a conflict between two nations, two different covenant relationships with GOD, and a sacred event that addresses divine promise, prophecy, and eternal purpose.  In the same way, sinners make too little of the judgment displayed against Egypt as 10 plagues, they also make too little of the judgment that came against the Philistines.

No longer should Goliath’s offense against Israel be understood as only having challenged, insulted and mocked the army of Israel.  Goliath blasphemed; denied glory to GOD, the Creator and King over Israel; and manifested himself as a living idol among the Philistines.  That only David was sensitive to this, or reacted as personally attacked can be discerned as an indication that the divine anointing by Samuel the Prophet, and the imparted Spirit of GOD already were operating within, and speaking out through David.

The rules of engagement and warfare center on conflicts for conquest, gaining territory, and expanding wealth.  Use of stoning as a sanction against sin comes into view as a provision that further binds a community through shared accountability, obedience to sacred law, and fundamental principles pertaining to divine sovereignty.  Mortality in mankind introduced through Adam must be completed and fulfilled.  Even so, divine provisions may include rebirth, resurrection, and new life.  In communal judgment, every member of the collective casts only a single stone.  The person who casts the stone that delivers the fatal blow may remain secret, and known only to GOD.  There can be no “fair fight” between a full grown, seasoned warrior and a teen-aged shepherd boy; however, as part of becoming mature on the earth, there must be a “fight of faith” for every believer.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Samuel 17:  4-11, King James Version (KJV):  4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.  5 And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.  6 And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.  7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron:  and one bearing a shield went before him.  8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.  9 If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants:  but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.  10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.  11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

(2.)  1st Samuel 17:  32-37, KJV:  32 And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.  33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him:  for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.  34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:  35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth:  and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.  36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear:  and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.  37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended regarding the Spirit imparted from GOD through Jesus Christ.  (For example, (3.)  1st Samuel 17:  40-50, KJV:  40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand:  and he drew near to the Philistine.  41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.  42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him:  for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.  43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.  44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.  45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield:  but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.  46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.  47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear:  for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands.  48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.  49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.  50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Washington, DC

(01/23/2018) Attending Church a "Chore"?

Today, the church is in view as an organization whose members also must complete “chores”, menial tasks, “grunt work,” and suffering.  The church is a temple that serves as a dwelling place and a place of worship.  One of its mottoes is:  “No Cross; No Crown.”  While many aspire to battlefield glory, the triumph of heaven over Satan, and eternal victory over Death, Poverty, and Suffering, the continuing work of the church must be acknowledged as discovery, growth, and the “doing of simple things well.”  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Norfolk&Chance” (Level 4 with 4,149 points, a member since September 03, 2017) posted the following:


Does going to church feel like a chore to you?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:  and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  (Hebrews 10:  22-26, King James Version,  KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Pattern To Follow? (01/19/2018); Standing On The ABCs? (11/09/2017); ...Gathered In My Name (05/29/2017); Working to Pay GOD? (02/23/2017); Salvation By Faith Alone? (01/19/2017); Good Christians and Church? (10/19/2016); Church Attendance and Inheritance (09/11/2016); Skipping Church A Sin? (11/17/2015); Saul of Tarsus (03/26/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014)


“Norfolk&Chance”, the process and eternal purpose of the church are to transform hearts and minds.  Here are some ideas I would like to share as a follower of Jesus Christ:

The church is both a membership organization, and a gathering of those having spirit content imparted from the makeup and substance of GOD.  As a sacred body bearing the image of GOD and Christ, the church is an authentic representative and spokesperson for divinity.  Even so, while still on the earth, the church must use forms and practices that are recognized as institutional, material, secular, and social.  Multiple cycles, recurring patterns, and regularities appear that are to establish and promote features for continuing exchange and interaction such as balance, completeness, focus, godliness, divine order, sobriety, and stability.

Tasks in the church that may seem menial and small are to be met with the same attitude shown by the Apostle Paul, a tent maker, who understood that a single stitch to hem a cloth is a very small thread, yet, every stitch must be carefully put into place.  The place where a stitch is dropped becomes the point of weakness where the hole opens that allows dust, light, sand or the wind to enter and destroy all of a person’s belongings.  Works of personal ministry offered exclusively to the membership should not be thought of as more important than the duties for recruiting new members, and shared as outreach to those not yet believers.  The soul-winning work of the church uses many simple things to convey things that are profound.  Thus, the work of setting up or taking down folding chairs, preparing and distributing boxes of envelopes to be used for regular offerings, and cleaning the pews following a service all contribute to displaying inseparable aspects of the Spirit imparted from GOD.  Included are divine faith, gratitude, holiness, hospitability, humility, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Those who are “born again” must also “grow up again,” and become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his Advent (also called, his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming).  All must endure “growing pains,” life challenges, hardships, and suffering on the earth as part of their transformation to exist as immortal, incorruptible companions of GOD.  The Spirit imparted by GOD operates to correct and disentangle developing believers from the many errors, false hopes, and relationships in ones life that are vain (lacking sacred substance).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Proverbs 11:  29-31, King James Version (KJV):  29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind:  and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.  30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.  31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth:  much more the wicked and the sinner.

(2.)  James 5:  19-20, KJV:  19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;  20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

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

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, Jude 1:  21-25, KJV:  21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.  22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:  23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.  24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,  25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC