(01/30/2020) Miracles and Christian Belief

The image depicts the Pharisees confronting the man born blind who was healed by Jesus on the Sabbath.

Today, reply is on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the imparting of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD as the primary divine tools that result in commitment and Christian belief, rather than the Lord’s ministry of miracles. Miracles, wonders, and peculiar events conforming to mechanical process and natural law were used by divinity as signs to indicate the divine origin and certainty of fulfillment for demonstrations, proclamations and oracles delivered by those serving as consecrated seers, prophets, and spokespersons. The life and ministry of Jesus on the earth were to actualize, fulfill and seal the many sacred promises, prophecies, and signs that appear in the holy writings. Included are admonitions, covenants, judgments, divine law, revelation, and visions. Carnal and secular knowledge, superstition, and the occult all are exposed as vain (i.e., void of divine substance). It is written: 1^st John 4: 1-6, King James Version (KJV): 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shown) posted the following:

Jesus proved himself to be from God by performance of miracles. Those who saw believed in him.?

If in the future a man who claims to be another 'Son of God' performs proven miracles and says that he is the second 'son of God', would you believe in him?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 16: 13-17, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Tools Of Divinity (12/09/2019); A Complete Divine Revelation (11/15/2019); Acceptable Displays Of Faith (10/04/2019); Believing That GOD Is (06/24/2019); Where Be His Miracles? (05/07/2019); Why Spirit Displays Personhood (06/06/2018); Sabbath Acknowledges Divine Personhood? (05/14/2018); Called “The Anointed One” (05/08/2018)

“Anonymous”, among mature Christian believers, it is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the imparting of the Holy Spirit to indwell his followers that establish Jesus as authentic, and truly sent by GOD. The church has been warned that in the last days deceivers will present counterfeit miracles. The church displays the image of GOD through those born again who resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. More than simply teaching the proclamations, principles, promises and prophecies from GOD, Jesus went about fulfilling the word. Also, Jesus was acknowledged and endorsed by those whom the people respected as living prophets of the day including both Simon and Anna, who for years appeared daily in the Temple at Jerusalem awaiting the appearance of Messiah, and John the Baptist who had served in the priesthood there. As an evangelist and traveling preacher, Jesus taught from the holy writings, cast out devils and unclean spirits (we say, performed exorcism), and healed multitudes of the sick appearing in the synagogues, and in open areas (e.g., the seashore, the mountains, the plains). He did not rely on the miracles he performed that included changing water to wine, calming the storm, providing abundant supplies of fish when the fishermen first took nothing in their nets, feeding the hungry crowds using the small offerings that had been shared (e.g., 5 loaves, 2 fish), and walking on the water. While the operations of Spirit substance from divinity that include faith may result in miracles, miracles do not always result in faith. Some will respond to miracles with appropriate awe and express gratitude toward GOD, however, many also become afraid, confused, skeptical, and unbelieving. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Numbers 14: 20-23, King James Version (KJV): 20 And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: 21 But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. 22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; 23 Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:

(2.) John 9: 15-18, KJV: 15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. 16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. 17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. 18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

(3.) John 17: 17-23, KJV: 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

(4.) Acts 17: 29-31, KJV: 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

(5.) Revelation 13: 11-17, KJV: 11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w1TekpF-AU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 7:37 AM, January 30, 2020 @ https://media.freebibleimages.org/stories/FB_Jesus_Blind_Man_Pharisees/overview-thumbnails/014-jesus-blind-man-pharisees.jpg?1538657799

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/28/2020) Divinity Commanded the Void

Today, reply is on preexistence; the commandment by GOD that resulted in illumination to displace the multiple forms of darkness, and institute a process for time; and some of the obstacles to human knowledge concerning mankind’s beginnings. GOD is active presence and spirit. Divine fullness is to be known and spoken of as the source of all light, yet, does not beam or radiate as a glowing, shining object. It is written: Genesis 1: 3-10, King James Version (KJV): 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. 6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. 7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. 9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. The fighter in “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “🌟👑Stevan 👑🌟” (Level 1 with 35 points) posted the following:

Who was God speaking to when he said, Let There Be Light?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity. To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? (Isaiah 40: 12-18, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Not Impossible With GOD (01/06/2020); Sin Opposes All Existence (12/13/2019); GOD Is The Creator? (07/04/2019); Possibilities Through “Active Presence” (04/30/2018); Wisdom In A Mystery (11/22/2017); About Using “Sacred Logic” (11/19/2017); Existence, Mortality and GOD? (08/31/2017); “and without Him nothing” (08/14/2017)

“🌟👑Stevan 👑🌟”, the major focus of mature Christian believers correctly has been on salvation and the revelation of divinity appearing in human form and using flesh as Jesus Christ, rather than the operations and process of Creation. Even so, many acknowledge the accounts found in the holy writings as complete and satisfactory guidance regarding the origins of heaven and earth, mankind, and preexistence. The active presence did not command a “who”; command was made to the void. What we now know as darkness, and the material and physical forms, objects, and points of focus that mankind relies on today were not in place. Chaos, confusion, and multiple streams of motion without direction continued until divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) gave expression to divine order through sacred law expressing dominion, consecrated prerogative, eternal purpose, judgment, and the sovereign will of GOD. Existence and order were emanated (put forth) by the accord and the oneness without sameness that characterized the active presence, the Word, and the Holy Spirit. The major obstacles to mankind having full knowledge of our beginnings result from such elements as dependence on the flesh and on finite human tools such as appetite, emotion (e.g., anger, fear, sorrow), intelligence, irreverence, exaggerated pride, lack of the fresh endowment of spirit substance imparted from the Holy as life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word), science, secular knowledge, sensation, and the operations of sin. There is no record of divinity creating demons, devils, or sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Genesis 1: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

(2.) Isaiah 45: 8-13, KJV: 8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. 9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? 10 Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth? 11 Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. 12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. 13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

(3.) John 1: 1-5, KJV: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

(4.) Acts 17: 24-31, KJV: 24 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; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 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; 27 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: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxZczkQ-UTM.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 7:30 PM, January 27, 2020 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T4LVxodfx0Aw3V9HgtLAqyJIWk5tuoy3WyUxIDsx1o6Z6td3BfzXWdelmWXTuDneAd2Jck6OTgiaiL1LRTHxLuGRlu9vEAgdut8ucAd5m2FVXZPFfvHjreEkdL06eSIO_Ey10PIcnBjs/s1600/Big+Bang.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/26/2020) Priests Keeping Their Jobs?

The fullness and perfection of GOD’s kingdom does not yet exist on the earth.

Today, reply is on priesthood, sexual abuse, and the process of sacred law within the kingdom of GOD. Since the fall of Adam, sexuality is an aspect of authentic humanity governed more by mechanical process and natural law than by the indwelling spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD as life essence. The justice of GOD as seen provided to the first pair is directed to preserving life, renewing creation, and making the universe secure. Those outside the church are cautioned to understand that the extraordinary goal and process for the body of Christ—to draw sinners into a saving relationship with divinity—requires sacred administration, authority, autonomy, continuity, creativity, discipline, and discretion. More than this, extremes of sacrifice, fulfillment of promise and prophecy, sharing, and unselfishness also must appear. For both heaven and earth, the operations of sin may dominate awareness and self-will (willpower) within created beings and living creatures. The mindset and mission of the church is to make divinity knowable, known, approachable, and accessible through the lifestyles and daily routines of its members. Anointed and ordained workers are provided to display and make visible inseparable aspects of divine fullness. Included are commitment, faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The operations of the church may not be compared or contrasted with those of the world as a belief system providing survival made up from secular organizations, governments, and codes of civil law. The church is to be acknowledged as a kingdom set apart, and the new creation of GOD. The church does not function without law, sacred principles, focused doctrine, and tested practices. The church has even appeared having its own courts, inquisitors, prisons, and punishments. It is written: Ezekiel 18: 20-23, King James Version (KJV): 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 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? One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Why have there been so many instances of Catholic priests being moved to other places (keeping their jobs) after sexually abusing children?

Do people in the Catholic church not believe that sexual abuse should be stopped or at least reported to the authorities?

Are Christian values more important to them than secular values?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (Ephesians 3: 8-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Comfort Through New Life (08/22/2019); Responses To Clergy Scandals (03/28/2019); Challenges To The Church? (03/01/2019); Appetite and Human Sexuality? (10/19/2018); Thoughts on Sexual Relationships (03/07/2017); The Cross Condemns Fornication (05/20/2016); Scandal and Sin Among Believers? (06/05/2015)

“Anonymous”, for those not belonging to the church and the kingdom of GOD (misfits; outsiders), the issues of administration and government for others who are anointed and ordained as priests embrace many secular elements that foster and continue spiritual confusion. For many the church is a form of family that encourages and permits the same flexibility, intimacy, and respect as ones home. Invisible elements of guilt, purpose, and wrong-doing are not easily separated from those of the commitment by divinity to those vulnerable to sin, the provision of divine mercy for those found guilty in judgment, the continuous divine display of unconditional love, and the certain truth that divine righteousness will prevail. There are such unseen features as cause, consequence, effect, hope, and origin.

Priesthood is not an industry that provides its workers with a “job”, professional employment, or a guaranteed career. Through the priesthood things that are immaterial, invisible, yet, active and present are brought into clear focus. Priesthood is a form of servitude distinguished through such features as commitment; conformity to the image of GOD, and the life and ministry of Jesus Christ; humility; longsuffering; oneness without sameness; and personhood. Priests and all who follow Christ are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of their Redeemer and Savior. Even so, none on the earth are as yet perfected; and all must be understood as in a process of transformation that will be complete only at the appearing of the Lord to harvest those who are his from the earth (we say, the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming).

Men lose jobs everyday without also losing their homes, their spouse, their offspring, their ability to function and apply their needed skill in new settings and situations. Similarly, Christian believers err, fall short of divine standards, and transgress sacred law on a daily basis. Even so, the kingdom of GOD is not overturned and threatened, nor is the word of GOD made vain and bereft of power. There are provisions from GOD for cleansing, continuing grace, healing, recovery, and renewal. The process and substance of divinity has priority for those in priesthood, and makes it that the “letter” of the law must be applied and read with an awareness of the spirit conveyed by the law along with divine prerogatives, sacred precedents, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD.

Sexuality is a permanent aspect of human makeup attendant to the flesh in the same way hunger and thirst exist from birth to death. The expression and meaning of sexuality changes for us as we advance through stages of growth and maturity. The priesthood is an appearance of divinity using human flesh as in the Incarnation; and it would not be correct to deny priests freedom to express their authentic humanity on the basis of their connection to divinity. Attacks against the priesthood and those who serve Christ as apostles, clergy, prophets, and spokespersons also are to be dealt with among believers as attacks against the person of Christ. Often, such disguised attacks appear against the priesthood, against the grace of GOD, and against salvation for mankind. The element of sexuality alone is not enough when seeking to compose a “jury of our peers.” While fasting (feeding on the word of GOD) may be accomplished for as much as 40 days and 40 nights, appetite is not eliminated by imagination, reason and thought; it is suppressed and answered by operations of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Within the church as a body, many priests receive chrism that replaces the sexual appetite; however, others must also endure the same challenges, conflicts, stresses, and tensions experienced among those to whom they minister (e.g., bankruptcy, divorce, drought, poverty). King David, King Solomon, and the Apostle Paul are acknowledged as important examples and instruments regarding divine instruction on human sexuality. Also, consider the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) 1^st John 1: 5-10, King James Version (KJV): 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(2.) Romans 8: 33-35, KJV: 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

(3.) Psalms 34: 22, KJV: 22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozsJSXJ3gWQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

"THE PURPOSE OF PROPHECY" 01/25/2020

(01/20/2020) The Visibility of GOD

The Drum Major, Ernie Barnes

Today, reply is on Christ presenting both authentic humanity and complete divinity; and for many, this is a National day of memorial in America. Sunday morning, I listened to the last sermon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached before his assassination, “The Drum Major Instinct” (February 4, 1968; Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA). Jesus Christ demonstrated that all men have opportunity and are called to serve their Creator in ministry on the earth by displaying the image of GOD in their lifestyles and daily routines. As we acknowledge and remember Citizen King, who was the son of a preacher, we can see the same truth was manifest within Marvin Gaye, also the son of a preacher. Sinners who turn to GOD through Jesus as their redeemer and savior all are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of the Lord. It is written: Colossians 2: 6-10, King James Version (KJV): 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: The writer at the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Princess” (Level 3 with 3,698 points) posted the following:

Christians claim Jesus was fully god and fully man. Isn't that like saying a person is fully male and fully female?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. (Luke 17: 7-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Twenty, 20-20 (01/17/2020); The Light Of Life (12/04/2019); Godly Exercise of Authority (12/16/2018); Life And Divine Purpose (05/04/2018); George Washington Owned Slaves (08/17/2017); Divine Presence and Spirit (01/18/2017); What the Preacher Said…? (03/24/2015); About Good Sermons? (08/26/2014)

“Princess”, you use fully male/fully female, a contrast (showing differences between 2 things), where Christian believers use fully God/fully man, a comparison (showing likeness between 2 things). Through Jesus Christ mankind receives opportunity and possibilities to experience authentic humanity, and to exist on the earth as the children of GOD, heirs of divinity, and the new creation. The operations of divinity to draw sinners into a saving relationship are more correctly understood beginning at forgiveness, going on to acknowledge divine fullness appearing on earth using human form and flesh and blood as Jesus Christ, then, receiving into oneself a fresh endowment of spirit content from the makeup of GOD. Inseparable aspects of divinity will be imparted that include balance, faith, forbearance, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

GOD is a spirit, and the properties of spirit do not include measurable dimension (e.g., color; form; height; size; weight) and the regular excitement of sensory receptors within the living (e.g., ears, eyes, hands, noses). Through revelation that includes appearing in human form, divinity makes themselves knowable, known, accessible and approachable using sacred operations and material objects such as birth, sequential change, commitment, covenant relationships, emotions, death, discovery, gradual growth, humility, integrity, judgment, personhood, eternal purpose, sacred law, divine order, and discursive thought.

Divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) may be described as the summation of all spirit substance who is characterized by completeness, finality, perfection, and permanence. Divinity is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible. Spirit appears and is “visible” through human attitudes, behavior, and expressions of self-will that display awareness, direction, effect, existence, life essence, movement that is self-regulated (in its initiation, direction, tempo, and termination is modulated and self-controlled), meaning, quality, presence, and value. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry archives by Marvin Gaye:

(1.) Colossians 1: 12-20, King James Version (KJV): 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

(2.) 2^nd Corinthians 5: 17-21, KJV: 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDxomUk52H4.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:35 AM, January 19, 2020 @ http://picture.xsrv.jp/sms/img/lineup_img_thedrummajor.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/19/2020) Do Animals Have "Souls"?

Today, the reply is on whether animals and other living creatures have “souls”. At Creation, dominion over the earth was granted to mankind; the awe, humility, and submission shown to man by other creatures is to display and make visible what is to be humanity’s relationship with GOD who remains invisible and unseen. While all that exist and are alive on the earth have come into presence through GOD, consciousness and self-will within all created beings and living creatures may be dominated by the operations of sin. The holy writings do not include instruction that divinity responds to every living thing as having equal ability and presence with GOD, yet, there are many acknowledgments of the Creator’s concern, grace, and provision to even the least of them. It is written: Psalms 84: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. 3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Also: Job 38: 35-41, KJV: 35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go and say unto thee, Here we are? 36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? 37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven, 38 When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together? 39 Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions, 40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait? 41 Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat. One of the writers in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Josephette Maria (Level 1 with 162 points) posted the following:

Do only mammals have souls? What about simpler creatures like birds, turtles and fish?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. (Luke 12: 4-9, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Fully Communicating Human Potential? (09/30/2019); Divine Spirit Within Animals? (09/05/2019); Was Creation A Failure? (05/13/2019); How Did Noah Know? (10/14/2018); A Species of Animal? (01/31/2017); GOD’s Peculiar People (12/11/2016); Spirit, Spirit Beings, Spirit Persons? (10/13/2015); Another Gospel? (10/19/2013); A Visit from an Angel? (10/20/2013); The Head Not The Tail? (10/21/2013)

“Josephette Maria”, relying on the holy writings for guidance and instruction, many mature Christian believers agree that a “living soul” is a created being or living creature whose form has been fashioned by divinity, and who has been infused with consciousness, self-will (we also say, willpower), and inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD. Included are angels, animals, mankind, and the sacred beasts of heaven. Diverse finite abilities, properties and tools are found among them such as alertness, intelligence, logic, carnal reason, and discursive thought. Only divinity is immortal and incorruptible. Through the operations of sin, death and mortality continue as a condition of challenge and limitation for all living on the earth; and the duration of celestial creatures (who are neither mortal nor immortal) is on the basis of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD.

The earth is to be inhabited, and was created as a home for Adam, who was fashioned to be a companion to divinity. Of the many creatures on the earth, only mankind has received life essence in his nostrils (as breath; spirit; word) imparted from GOD. However, through transgression of sacred law, there now is enmity between the created and the Creator. Following the flood survived by Noah and the animals on the ark, new covenant relationships were provided for those on the earth. Even so, only humans are allowed to become reborn through operations of the Holy Spirit to exist as offspring, and the children of GOD. Acknowledging Jesus Christ as the Son of the Highest, the Lamb of GOD, sinners may receive fresh endowments of divine DNA, so to speak. Then, as developing Christian believers, joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, and the new creation, repenting sinners are to display the image of GOD, and are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the praise, prophecy and music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Genesis 2: 4-7, King James Version (KJV): 4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, 5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. 6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. 7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

(2.) Ezekiel 18: 20-23, KJV: 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 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?

(3.) Ecclesiastes 3: 19-21, KJV: 19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. 20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. 21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

(4.) John 1: 10-14, KJV: 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yd8nVLtnAA.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:05 AM, January 19, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/77/1d/6f/771d6f8ec17c5c61439d46d34534c475.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/17/2020) Twenty, 20-20

Today, choosing a gift to give suitable for celebrating the coming Citizen King holiday, I share an original poem, that does not have to be ribbon-ed and wrapped, along with special music selections to put us all on the same page. Happy Holiday.

Twenty, 20-20

[A poem acknowledging Martin Luther King, Jr. - January 20, 2020]

The citizen day will be shackled to the cold

again and flakes of white may drift to fill the distant

lover thoughts that rise like childless parents

turning to wake their charges with news of a snow day

we once more brace ourselves

for the bathroom bedroom rush

to the break off fasting table

manners if you please

awaken sleeping joy with freedom call

have we now overcome

the street safe classroom pull

we cant resist

nonviolence hushed to work for climate change

awed by new gun lawlessness

the old ways will not linger

for dressed in pjs we vow to be on time

not wanting things to start before we get there

have I become an old man

racism out of the closet

or is it just the sun is not as warm

and love will never die

©Michael Andrew Williams, 2020. All rights reserved.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. (Philippians 2: 14-16, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Was Divine Power Squandered? (01/14/2020); White People Becoming Atheists? (10/03/2019); Black History Month, 2019 (02/24/2019); Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth? (07/10/2016); Poem, 2015: MOONLIGHT (01/19/2015); A Godly Take on Guns (01/18/2013); It Is Finished (01/19/2013)

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. Hear Marvin Gaye: “I want you” and “I want you extended remix 62889”

@ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjRLbzxz_3Y  

and @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_Z0eEnS-pI. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/16/2020) Joseph Received Divine Spirit

The image depicts Joseph son of Jacob who ruled over the Egyptians as a vizier and second in command to Pharaoh.

Today, reply is on the response by Joseph to his wicked brothers who had sold him into slavery. Joseph expressed no anger or bitterness, no desire for revenge, and no self-pity as an innocent victim of hatred and malice. Instead of denying them, forcing them to endure imprisonment for more than ten years as he had done, or even refusing to provide food to them and their families, Joseph behaved as their deliverer, and a truly wise ruler. It is written: Genesis 50: 14-21, King James Version (KJV): 14 And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father. 15 And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. 16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. 18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Annie” (Level 2 with 620 points) posted the following:

If you were Joseph and you became a powerful official in Egypt, would you forgive your brothers for selling you to slavery or execute them?

I saw the film Prince of Egypt and was puzzled how Joseph would forgive his brothers after they hurt him so much.

Selling your own sibling to slavery is just unthinkable. I wouldn't be so forgiving, but why was he?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not: And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children’s children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast: And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty. (Genesis 45: 4-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Pray For Your Enemies? (01/03/2020); Presuming To Judge Others? (12/16/2019); Violating Commandments On Love? (10/13/2019); Willingness To Forgive Others? (05/24/2019); Sacred Characters, Not Fictional (12/12/2018); Kingdom and One-world Empire (09/08/2016); Slaves to Sin? (04/13/2015)

“Annie”, Joseph was an instrument and a living tool used by GOD to provide divine grace. Many mature Christian believers, who practice discernment and the careful recognition of spirit substance appearing within events, themselves, and other persons, willingly acknowledge that Joseph was a prophet and spokesperson prepared and sent by divinity. As the son of Jacob, and heir to Adam, Abraham and Isaac, Joseph demonstrates divine government by Messiah/the Christ; and he serves in multiple sacred roles. Included are that of a judge; a high priest; a primary heir among the tribes of Jacob (who was not determined by law or tradition promoting the firstborn and birth order); a living sacrifice; a savior to the then known world; the father to 2 new tribes in Jacob (Ephraim and Manasseh); and a father to those who left Egypt to form Israel as a new nation under GOD, in place of Pharaoh.

Like those called to be Christian believers, today, Joseph was to display authentic humanity made in the image of GOD; and to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. In addition to forgiveness for those who have practiced betrayal and transgression of sacred law (we say, sin), Joseph demonstrated mercy in judgment toward those clearly guilty. Moreover, rather than condemn his brothers following the death of Jacob, while they were still mourning their father, Joseph was a source of comfort, healing and lovingkindness. Joseph practiced sacred redemption, and affirmed the device of perpetual covenant between divinity and mankind that appears through family, kinship, and blood relation.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, during the years of famine, the Egyptian people sold their livestock, their land, and themselves as slaves to Pharaoh; the Hebrews continued to acknowledge the dominion of I AM. In all Egypt, earthly inheritance existed only for the Pharaoh. The eternal kingdom of GOD, spiritual inheritance, and sovereign rule through sacred law are contrasted against that of a one world empire having rule generated from the extremes of the flesh (e.g., anger, covetousness, imbalance, pride). Joseph also represents divine grace, the fulfillment of promise, freedom, and manifesting the righteousness within the law, rather than idolatry, poverty, strict obedience, and relying on the letter of the law.) Even so, I trust this fragment that includes a selection from the music ministry of Shirley Caesar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV9TqW-_fkU) will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:35 PM, January 15, 2020 @ https://mattsbibleblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/joseph-of-egypt.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/15/2020) Power To Get Wealth

A depiction of what some call “power”

Today, reply is on GOD allowing the living to get wealth, and to enjoy material things. The primary sphere of life for the existence of mankind has been and is to be the earth. It is no sin to admire things that display quality, or to acknowledge when a job has been “well done.” Divinity is not offended that men labor, rest, and are refreshed on the earth by material things, things that engage their mind, natural wonders, and things displaying diverse forms of beauty. Even so, the influence of man-made things should never overpower the correct fear (respect; reverence) of divinity through our observance of praise, prayer, unselfish service, sacred studies, sufferings, thanksgiving, and worship. It is written: Ecclesiastes 3: 12-14, King James Version (KJV): 12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. 13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. 14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “shoeshopper3” (Level 2 with 294 points) posted the following:

Do you ever think that even if you were a millionaire God still wouldn't want you to have anything nice or desirable?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Do not err, my beloved brethren. 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. (James 1: 17-18, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Love Of Money (10/27/2019); Parable of a Fool (08/04/2019); The Use of Money? (01/07/2019); You Will Receive Power? (12/28/2018); Anything We Ask For? (09/12/2018); The Mammon of Unrighteousness? (04/03/2017); Money Is No Object? (10/14/2015)

“shoeshopper3”, as those who now receive life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, mature Christian believers are to be guided by admonition, comfort, correction and encouragement that appear in the holy writing such as the following:

(1.) 1^st Chronicles 29: 11-13, King James Version (KJV): 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.) 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.

(3.) 1^st John 2: 15-16: KJV: 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

(4.) Jeremiah 9: 23-24, KJV: 23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) 1^st Peter 5: 2-3, KJV: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 8:15 AM, January 15, 2020 @ https://growchurch.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC