(05./31/2018) When Prophecy Opposes Desire

Today, reply centers on the acceptance and finality of prophecy, and on the warnings in Scripture against false prophets.  The disapproval, skepticism, and unbelief of created beings and living creatures have no power to annul divine utterance, or make it vain (empty; without spirit substance from the makeup of GOD).  Sacred prophecies declaring divine prerogative, eternal purposes, and the sovereign will of GOD all are certain of fulfillment, and are dismissed or ignored only at great risk.  Included are prophesies that address Advent (we say, the harvest; his appearing; the Rapture; the Resurrection; the Second Coming), the end times, the final judgment of the wicked, the second death,  the elimination of mortality and sin as well as the descent of the holy city, New Jerusalem, from heaven to the earth.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the  ID “Skittles” (Level 3 with 1,292 points, a member since May 12, 2012) posted the following:


What does this verse mean: “Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and Security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them.”?

1 Thessalonians 5:3
Who says this? How is religion and government involved? How will it affect us?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:  but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.  (2nd Peter 1:  16-21, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  “The End Is Near” (03/14/2018); The Coming(s) of Christ (03/11/2018); Recognizing True Christian Prophets (02/26/2018); Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); Why Is Lust Condemned? (07/20/2016); World Peace Is Coming? (05/08/2016); About The End Of The World (08/30/2015)
 

“Skittles”, many respond to prophecy with denial.  (For example, when Jesus prophesied that he would be crucified, the Apostle Peter insisted on voicing his own desire (it would not be so), and was severely rebuked by Jesus.)  Given the operations of the flesh will resist prophecy, the sacred wisdom developing Christian believers receive through the holy writings include multiple admonitions, advice, alerts, counsels, declarations of divine law, guidance, instruction, divine proclamations, warnings, and prophecies that provide comfort, edification, and exhortation.  Believers must practice discernment whereby they use their own spirit endowment from GOD as a standard to recognize, respond to, and connect with the same spirit content as it appears within events, exchanges, other people, relationships, the Scriptures, etc.  Often, legitimate messages announcing the will of divinity are despised, dismissed, and rejected because they do not agree with popular opinions, carnal reason, or material and social dictates.  Disbelievers, skeptics, and those bearing malice will contradict, distort, and oppose divine truth by offering alternative ideas and “what they want to hear” that are properly labeled and understood as “false prophecy,” even though they may contain useful information from such areas as philosophy, politics, science, and technology.  Consider again the following points that use language from the Bible:

(1.)  Jeremiah 23:  14-17, King James Version (KJV):  14 I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing:  they commit adultery, and walk in lies:  they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness; they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.  15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall:  for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.  16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you:  they make you vain:  they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.  17 They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

(2.)  Ezekiel 13:  1-3, KJV:  1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,  2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;  3 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

(3.)  Ezekiel 13:  10-14, KJV:  10 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar:  11 Say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall:  there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.  12 Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?  13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it.  14 So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof:  and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Isaiah 30:  8-15, KJV:  8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:  9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:  10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:  11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.  12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:  13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.  14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters’ vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare:  so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.  15 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/30/2018) Abraham Demonstrates Spiritual Growth

Today, reply is on the demonstration of spiritual growth provided by the faith and works of Abraham.  While Abraham is spoken of in Scripture as one of the most prosperous and wealthy of the Patriarchs and the “Friend of GOD,” Abraham did not start out as one who was “perfect”.  Abraham’s beginnings were those of a simple man, a youth, challenged to commit himself to a lifestyle that included many trials and uncertainties.  Like most of us today, Abraham had to take on new knowledge, sacred knowledge, and become a new creation of Jesus Christ.  Abraham had to respond to divinity with correcting his own mistakes, discovery, gradual growth, learning, and becoming mature in the things of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).   A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


Why did Abraham question God when he was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, but never questioned him when he was told to kill his child?

It's odd that he didn't trust that God had good reason to destroy the city, but then trusted that Good knew best when it came to having him slaughter house own child...


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.  For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:  Because the law worketh wrath:  for where no law is, there is no transgression.  Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,  (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.  Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.  And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:  He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;  (Romans 4:  13-20, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Firstborn Of Every Creature (05/09/2018); The First “Chosen” People (05/03/2018); Demonstrations of Spirit Truth (02/28/2018); The Heir To Abraham (10/23/2016); Why Was Lot Spared? (12/20/2015); The Judgment Against Sodom? (04/10/2015); A Common Heritage? (07/13/2014); Asleep Through the Holocaust? (07/14/2014)


“Anonymous”, you are speaking of both the faith and works of Abraham.  Along with building sacred altars, offering sacrifices to GOD, and demonstrating acceptable worship, Abraham dug life-giving wells of water, maintained a coherent community of thousands while living and regularly traveling as a nomad, and led his entire household into a covenant of circumcision.  Here are some other points to consider:

(1.)  Abraham did not challenge or question whether GOD had good reason to destroy Sodom; Abraham sought to know whether judgment to punish would also display divine righteousness (e.g., correction, forbearance, forgiveness, impartiality, mercy, reconciliation, thoroughness without giving attention to arbitrary details).

(2.)  The account of Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah is presented within the Scriptures chapters before the account of Abraham challenged to sacrifice Isaac.  The meaning of Isaac in the covenant of circumcision was no different from that for Ishmael.  However the meaning of the two was not the same in prophecy and in revelation.  Thus, Isaac was the “firstborn” and promised heir to Abraham, as is Jesus Christ, where Ishmael was the “first born” foreshadowing the trials that would be endured by the descendants of Abraham in Egypt.

(3.)  By his acknowledgements and responses to the Creator, Abraham increasingly expressed faith that was being edified, nourished, and built up by GOD himself.  Abraham experienced similar spiritual growth and the permanent changes that are made within those who are “born again” through Christian baptism.

(4.)  In Abraham, the personhood of divinity and mankind were joined through commanded expectation (we say, hope), obedience to divine law, patience, promise, and prophecy.  Reverence and trust were built up gradually within multiple settings (i.e., through time and space) by divine deliverance, fulfillment, and the bearing of fruit.  Consider again the following verses from the Bible:

1.  Genesis 18:  17-21, King James Version (KJV):  17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;  18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?  19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.  20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;  21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

2.  Genesis 22:  6-8, KJV:  6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.  7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father:  and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood:  but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?  8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:  so they went both of them together.

3.  Hebrews 11:  7-19, KJV:  17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac:  and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,  18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:  19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, James 2:  19-24, KJV:  19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:  the devils also believe, and tremble.  20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?  22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?  23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:  and he was called the Friend of God.  24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/29/2018) Blessed In Our Deeds

Today, the reply explains that blessing and relationship with GOD require that the living be active and not passive.  It is a sin and a serious error among followers of Jesus Christ to think that our greatest need is money, and not that we become truly Christ-like.  The process of GOD as our Creator is one both to become known, and come to know the full potential and possibilities of the created.  Human means and resources (e.g., manpower, money, secular knowledge) are to be used to address human needs and problems, rather than seeking to call forth sacred events (i.e., miracles), sacred knowledge, and returning to GOD his own divine answer in place of one that puts forth godly humanity.  Thus, the process of GOD for mankind includes discovery, duty, expectation (we say, hope), gradual growth, learning, unselfish service, waiting, and works.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Sebastijan” (Level 6 with 13,019 points, a member since February 16, 2016) posted the following:


Why exactly does the church need money?

"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will recieve, if you have faith."
So why would the church need money from its congregation when they could simply pray and receive anything they need?
Or does god not grant their prayers because they don't have enough faith? If that case, what is the point of the church in the first place?
Update: *In that case


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee:  behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)   Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:  But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;  By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,  By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,  By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report:  as deceivers, and yet true;  As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;  As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.  (2nd Corinthians 6:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Parable That Exhorts (05/28/2018); Not A Financial Transaction (01/28/2018); Giving, A Divine Discipline? (10/09/2017); Fundraising A Sacred Practice? (01/01/2017); Actions Make Divine Essence Visible? (12/18/2015); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); The “Jesus Way”? (05/17/2013)


“Sebastijan”, mankind was created to exist as a life companion, an instrument for performing the divine will, and a vessel containing divine substance along with GOD who is immortal and incorruptible.  Man is to operate in the divine presence displaying accountability, balance, obedience, responsibility, respect, stability, trust, and truth.  Relationships between the Creator and the created beings and living creatures of the earth all are ordered and structured in accordance with the fact that divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) exists as an active presence (we say, breath, spirit, word) who has put forth existence, life, and the material universe.  GOD makes divinity knowable, known, accessible and approachable by using elements that include divine prerogative; specific eternal purposes; expressions and imperatives of sovereign will (we say, divine law); recurring patterns for communication, exchange and interaction (we say, mechanical, natural, and interpersonal or social laws); fresh endowments of spirit substance that may be imparted from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, wrath against sin) as well as the multiple levels of consciousness, maturity, and self-will that may appear within the living.  Mankind is to operate displaying integrity as a living entity who is independent and separate from the Creator; who is not an equal or peer to the Creator, yet, may exercise authority, autonomy, choice, self-direction, and self-expression similar to that of the Creator; and who displays self-government while acknowledging being under the government of GOD.

The GOD of Creation is also a GOD of judgment.  Creation as a process of forming and establishing new objects, procedures, and standards entails the continual assessment, examination, monitor, and review of multiple inputs, operations, and outcomes for the living and their spheres of life (environments).  Additionally, there is divine judgment to determine the content, duration, quality, value and utility for all that has been put forth.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Psalms 115:  15-16, King James Version (KJV):  15 Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.  16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s:  but the earth hath he given to the children of men.

(2.)  Isaiah 45:  18-19, KJV:  18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited:  I am the LORD; and there is none else.  19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth:  I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain:  I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

(3.)  Romans 6:  11-16, KJV:  11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:  but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  14 For sin shall not have dominion over you:  for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.  16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  James 1:  22-25, KJV:  22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/28/2018) A Parable That Exhorts

Today, the reply highlights an epistle to the Hebrew believers within the early Christian church and a parable shared by Jesus Christ to describe the lawfulness of his authority, his priesthood, and that for the kingdom of GOD.  The greater importance of practical action to language and speech seems to have been in the view of the person posing the question.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “?” (Level 1 with 85 points, a member since May 27, 2018) posted the following:


Is there a parable about better to do well than to say well?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:   Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.  And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?  Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.  He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory:  but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.  (John 7:  14-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Did The Prophets Know? (05/23/2018); Obstacles To Developing Believers (07/24/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); The Testimony From Jesus (08/05/2016); Using Parables to Obscure the Gospel? (05/29/2015); Parables About the Kingdom? (05/02/2014);  Loving Someone Unseen? (05/03/2014)


“?” both an epistle to counsel the Jewish believers who had become part of the early church, and a parable spoken by Jesus Christ himself immediately come into my thoughts; and were I to do a thorough study, I would look also among the proverbs (e.g., Ecclesiastes 5:  1-7, KJV).  Even so, consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 21:  28-32, King James Version (KJV):  28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in my vineyard.  29 He answered and said, I will not:  but afterward he repented, and went.  30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir:  and went not.  31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.  32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not:  but the publicans and the harlots believed him:  and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

(2.)  James 2:  14-19, KJV:  14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?  15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,  16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?  17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works:  shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:  the devils also believe, and tremble.  20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

(3.)  James 1:  17-27, KJV:  17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.  19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.  26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Matthew 21:  33-44, KJV:  33 Hear another parable:  There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:  34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.  35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.  36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first:  and they did unto them likewise.  37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.  38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.  39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.  40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?  41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.  42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner:  this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?  43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.  44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken:  but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/27/2018) When Christians Attend Funerals

Today, reply is on the duty of Christians to proclaim hope, share divine ministry, and acknowledge genuine sacred events (miracles; resurrection) when attending funerals.  Within the church, only apostles have been granted lawful authority and faith by being charged and ordained to raise the dead as representations of Jesus Christ.  Therefore, like atonement accomplished only by Christ as High Priest, raising the dead is not a benefit, duty, or privilege routinely imparted to born-again followers of Jesus Christ.  The raising of the dead is not intended to cause confusion, intimidate, strike fear among, or threaten the living.  For Christian believers the raising of the dead is a divine operation and entails sacred processes that reveal the authority, power, and eternal purposes of divine fullness.  Responding to the needs or requests of loved ones, Jesus raised multiple persons from the dead (e.g., Jairus’ daughter; the son of the Widow at Nain; Lazarus) in demonstration of his divine origin (“I am the resurrection”); none of them are alive on the earth today.  This helps us understand that the aspects for resurrection that pertain to eternal life are very different.  Followers of the Lord will not endorse accounts and explanations that continue antichrist sentiment; horror movie and fictional characters along with so-called living things created or re-animated by science (e.g., clones, Frankenstein, flesh-eating ghouls, vampires, zombies); superstition; beliefs in the occult and the supernatural; sorcery and witchcraft; or other forms that allow and generate spiritual confusion.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “?” (Level 4 with 3,457 points, a member since August 31, 2014) posted the following:


Should Christians only attend funerals if they are planning to raise the dead as Christ instructed us to do?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.  (1st Thessalonians 4:  14-18, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Be Still Before GOD? (05/20/2018); “I Am The Resurrection” (03/25/2018); Jesus Rose? (11/08/2013); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Sacrificed and Risen? (10/06/2013); Assurances of Salvation? (10/07/2013); Our Present Comfort? (06/28/2013); Come As You Are? (06/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013); Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013)

“?”, it is a Christian’s duty to counsel and assist those who are in mourning to practice forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, and “the patience of the saints.”  The raising of the dead pertains to the deceased appearing alive before GOD through the harvesting of the earth by Jesus Christ (we say, Advent; his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming) as well as the restoration of the dead to appear in tribunals of final judgment.  Resurrection of the dead provides more than a response to human needs that are emotional, financial, and social in nature.  The primary purpose of a funeral is a public witness to the burial and internment of the physical remains (body; cadaver; corpse) of someone deceased.  With this in view, Christians are to attend funerals as acquaintances, co-workers, family, and friends who respond to the bereavement and loss of others through personal expression more than as spiritual spokespersons sent to alter the beliefs of others, to make prophetic demonstrations, or to be witnesses who authenticate and testify regarding divine operations and sacred process.  Believers may not raise the dead by the application of their own self-will, on the basis of their own emotions and feelings, or as a practice of personal power.  Christians are to establish the active presence of divinity by being those who prophecy (i.e., comfort, edify, exhort) and share testimony in divine judgment.  The believer is to display humility, glorify GOD, and avoid magnifying his own office and self-promotion.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Luke 9:  57-60, King James Version (KJV):  57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.  58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.  59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.  60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead:  but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 15:  12-14, 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.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 15:  50-57, KJV:  50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/25/2018) Natural Law, Enmity, Sin

Today, reply is on divine judgment, why there are many false accusers, and the Scripture tools for understanding the end times.  The revelation of GOD to created beings and living creatures has been provided through patterns of events that display divine personhood and sacred process, and that make divinity visible as active presence.  The use of false accusers to glorify GOD pertains to a form of judgment (testing; trial) different from that of tribunal for condemnation and punishment.  When challenged in the same way as was Jesus himself, otherwise hidden, Christ-like character and spirit makeup will be exposed.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:


Why are there so many disrespectful false accusers in these last days?

I'm excited to go home with my Father


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:  and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?  Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.  (1st Peter 4:  12-19, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Neither “All-knowing” Nor “Omniscient” (11/07/2017); The Peace to Endure? (03/28/2017); A Child Is Born (12/28/2016); How Is Flesh Evil? (10/28/2016); Why Is Lust Condemned? (07/20/2016); Hardness of Heart? (11/24/2013); Prayer on Behalf of Others? (11/25/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013)


“Anonymous”, there is an ongoing process of GOD.  The holy writings do not allow mature Christian believers to completely and correctly explain all the eternal purposes of divinity, the imperatives generated by multiple streams of divine truth, or “why” GOD may have used specific events and methods to express the divine heart, prerogative, and sovereign will.  Much of the ungodly behavior that is manifest in the public arena, today, appears in response to such influences as ignorance; mechanical and natural laws; the operations of sin that dominate awareness and self-will in the living; and secular knowledge that empowers covetousness, exaggerated pride, selfishness, and presumption against divinity.  Rather than declarations of “why” from the divine fullness, there are many Scripture tools from GOD to comfort, prepare, and steady the church of Jesus Christ.  Included are admonitions, descriptions of conditions, doctrines, instructions, parables, prophecies, signs, and warnings.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Genesis 3:  14-16, King James Version (KJV):  14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:  15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.  16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

(2.)  Acts 2:  17-21, KJV:  17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:  and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:  18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:  19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:  20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:  21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

(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.

(4.)  2nd Timothy 3:  1-5, KJV:  1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Corinthians 15:  22-28, KJV:  22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  23 But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.  24 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.  25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  27 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.  28 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/24/2018) What May We Request?

Today, reply is on covetousness, lust, acceptable prayer, and showing respect to divinity.  More correct than prayers that the character, personality, and challenges for ourselves, or other persons be changed are prayers that ongoing works of GOD be completed; that the benefit and value from GOD in disappointments, hardship or suffering be made bearable and understandable; and that GOD’s will be done.  Building a relationship of full trust between the Creator and the created also demands self-exposure by the living, and their putting away of disguises, lies, and masks.  Sinners are correct to offer themselves to GOD through heartfelt and honest communion, acknowledging duty, praise, rejoicing, sacrifice, and unselfish service.  All things, anything, and everything are not acceptable to Deity.  Where Israel requested a king to rule over them as practiced in other nations their prayer was called “sin” for it denied divine order and the sovereignty of GOD (see 1st Samuel 12:  8-25, King James Version, KJV).  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers (UK & Ireland)” using the ID “?” (Level 1 with 86 points, a member since May 19, 2018) posted the following in the Religion and Spirituality forum:


Can we pray for anything we want?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me:  then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.  (Psalms 19:  12-14, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What Divine Salvation Requires (05/15/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); Christian “Thoughts and Prayers” (03/01/2018); As An Anointed Body (10/04/2017); Divine Delay and Prayer? (03/22/2017); Intercession (12/27/2013); Jesus Is GOD’s Word (12/28/2013)


“?”, for Christian believers, starting up and keeping a correct relationship with GOD is the most important thing.  Therefore, born-again believers approach prayer as conversation and exchange with GOD by displaying gratitude, humility, respect, and restraint more than by trying to expose every aspect of their desires, feelings, personhood, problems, and private thoughts.  Foremost should be petitions and requests for godly responses, and the sacred supplies that come from GOD only, and not mankind.  Included are comfort, holy boldness, discernment, forbearance, forgiveness, spiritual gifts, guidance, healing, instruction, mercy, miracles, salvation, understanding, and willpower.  Those who habitually cuss, use foul language, and swear in their day-to-day relationships with others should seek to use speech that is circumspect, yet heartfelt; plain and simple, yet, thorough and true.  The wrath of GOD is triggered against all who approach his majesty to dispute his sovereign will, and who show themselves to be over-familiar and presumptuous.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Proverbs 28:  9, King James Version (KJV):  9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

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

(3.)  Luke 12:  13-15, KJV:  13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.  14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?  15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness:  for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Luke 12:  27-32, KJV:  27 Consider the lilies how they grow:  they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?  29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.  30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after:  and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.  31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.  32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/23/2018) Did The Prophets Know?

Today, reply is on doctrine of the Trinity, the Gospel, sacred knowledge, and the process of GOD for relationship with mankind.  Man is to live on the earth and become mature for more perfect companionship with divinity through life experiences that include rebirth, discovery, gradual growth, praise, prayer, practice of holy sacraments, and unselfish service.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following in the Religion and Spirituality section:


Did Abraham, Noah, and all the prophets know that God was a Trinity or was that only revealed during Jesus' time?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.  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.  No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.  (John 1:  10-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What Divine Salvation Requires (05/15/2018); Sabbath Acknowledges Divine Personhood? (05/14/2018); Firstborn Of Every Creature (05/09/2018); The Origin And Source (04/26/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); Thoughts On Divine Personhood (12/07/2017); That GOD Is Immutable (05/04/2017); 3 Persons, 3 Minds? (02/03/2016)
 

“Anonymous”, revelation whereby divinity now becomes knowable, known, accessible, and approachable must appear for mankind using Incarnation and the frameworks of time and space.  The church and the doctrines of grace, repentance, and salvation did not exist in the beginning, and appeared in accordance with sacred process.  Consider the following that may enrich your study on the revelation of divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit):

1.  The Creator immediately began to communicate, exchange, and interact with Adam in ongoing relationship in the first Sabbath that followed the creation of the female, Eve.

2.  Sacred knowledge, divine law, and multiple streams of sacred truth are unchanging as artifacts of divine personhood and eternal purpose that remain everlasting, immortal, and incorruptible.

3.  Changes in mankind, the holy angels, and relationship with divinity were introduced through the operations of sin that included correction, death, mortality, priesthood, rebirth, resurrection, and the second death.

4.  While mankind may receive fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (we say, the imparted, indwelling Spirit), those “born again” must “grow up again” and become mature/ripe for harvest from the earth at the Advent of Jesus Christ (we say, his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming).  The finite tools for gaining secular knowledge must be put aside, and developing believers must rely on such divine gifts as atonement, covenant, forbearance, forgiveness, prophecy, and reconciliation.

Also, here are some points that use language from the Bible:

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

(2.)  2nd Peter 1:  16-21, KJV:  16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.  19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:  but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

(3.)  1st Peter 1:  7-16, KJV:  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:  9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.  10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:  11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.  12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.  13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Luke 24:  25-27, KJV:  25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?  27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/22/2018) On Diversity and Equality

Today, diversity, equality, and divine judgment are topics.  With immortal, incorruptible divinity, the things that are at core and that are principle(s) do not change, while diversity establishes multiple choices, progression, and effects similar to growth, motion, and streaming.  The impartiality that is required with balance, completeness, and mercy for divine judgment correctly to be seen and understood as righteous operates with creativity, divine prerogative, and diversity allowing created beings and living creatures to understand divinity as adaptable, fertile, flexible, fruitful, and generative.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “?” (Level 2 with 273 points, a member since November 15, 2017) posted the following in the Religion and Spirituality forum:


Why do people say we are all created equal when the bible says there is great and small people?

Update: Even some Christians say we are all created equal.
Update 2: Revelation 19:5
Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!”


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;  Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;  And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:  (Acts 17:  24-27, King James Version, KJV) 


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Life And Divine Purpose (05/04/2018); Diversity Within The Body (04/13/2018); Not All Are Welcome (11/28/2017); Will There Be Diversity? (10/22/2017); My Sheep Hear My Voice (11/16/2016); The Respect of Persons? (10/14/2016); Diversity and Divine Purpose (08/28/2016); GOD’s Way Not Equal? (07/17/2016)


“?”, the modern day secular conversations on economic, gender, political, and social equality of benefits, opportunities, and privileges within cities, communities and nations are very different from the sacred discourse on participation of created beings and living creatures within the kingdom of GOD.  Personhood displayed by the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is characterized by oneness without sameness that also is imparted to the living through rebirth.  Christian believers acknowledge the GOD who is Creator also is a GOD of judgment who uses standards that set fixed differences among men.  Here are some points that use language from the Bible that have been very useful to developing Christians for avoiding spiritual confusion regarding diversity and equality:

(1.)  Psalms 7:  8-12, King James Version (KJV):  8 The LORD shall judge the people:  judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.  9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just:  for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.  10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.  11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.  12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

(2.)  Genesis 18:  24-26, KJV:  24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city:  wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?  25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked:  and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee:  Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?  26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.

(3.)  Ezekiel 18:  4, KJV:  4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine:  the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

(4.)  Ezekiel 18:  23-32, KJV:  23 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?  24 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.  25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?  26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.  27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.  28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  29 Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?  30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.  31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit:  for why will ye die, O house of Israel?  32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD:  wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

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

(6.)  Romans 3:  19-26, KJV:  19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law:  that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight:  for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:  for there is no difference:  23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness:  that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (7.)  1st Corinthians 1:  10, KJV:  10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC