(09/27/2020) Scriptures To Provide Comfort?

 A depiction of the resurrection for the dead in Christ.

Today, the reply presents specific verses and passages within the Bible that provide comfort to those established in Jesus Christ. Ordinarily I don’t share my favorite Bible readings and such to avoid becoming grounded in emotion and feeling, exercising improper influence upon others, and practicing self-promotion. Properly understood the Scriptures continue the divine presence on the earth, manifests the processes of GOD, and imparts consecrated substance from the divine fullness (i.e., the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). By the revelation of Jesus Christ, the character, nature, and substance of divine fullness that are otherwise immutable, invisible and unseen become knowable and known. Inseparable aspects from the makeup of GOD are imparted through the Scriptures that include balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: Romans 15: 1-6, King James Version (KJV): 1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. I shared a single verse and chose not to share this blog with one of the fighters in the public forum on Religion & Spirituality at “Yahoo! Answers” who used the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared). He had posted the following:

What passage in the Bible do you find comforting?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10: 19-25, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020); Grace Abounds Much More (04/02/2020); Spirit Process and Substance (02/27/2020); Sword Of The Spirit (11/20/2019); Unprofitable and Vain Questions (11/13/2019); GOD Present Within Words (11/07/2019); The Kingdom Within You (09/26/2019); Scripture Has No Ethnicity (05/27/2019)

“Anonymous”, the comfort many look for from the holy writings often centers on relief in times of bereavement and mourning. However, passages and verses that command our expectations (hope), impart prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, exhortation; spirit substance), and that give expression to the heart and mind of divinity appear throughout the Bible. Readers are to apprehend divine intent, sacred prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD, therefore, there must be the practice of discernment (i.e., spirit matter imparted from the makeup of GOD must be used to acknowledge, recognize and respond to the spirit substance residing within events, messages, other persons, visions, etc.). The holy writings present a record of divinity appearing on the earth using multiple covenants and thousands of events within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years. In addition to a single revelation of divinity that includes the use of human form and life process on the earth (we say, the Incarnation of divinity as Jesus Christ), the Bible presents divine law and identifies the specific benefits, duties, gifts, and privileges mankind receives as the offspring of Adam and as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. Along with assurances, declarations and promises from GOD, there are admonitions, guidance, instructions, and warnings. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry prophecies of Sandi Patti:

(1.) 2^nd Timothy 3: 16-17, King James Version (KJV): 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

(2.) Numbers 23: 19, KJV: 19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

(3.) Psalms 23: 4, KJV: 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

(4.) Psalms 119: 75, KJV: 75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

(5.) James 1: 17, 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.

(6.) 1^st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, KJV: 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 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. 16 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: 17 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. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (7.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kuZMs2Fo-c.) 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

(09/20/2020) Jews In Perpetual Covenant?

Excerpt from Our High Calling where the Sabbath of Creation identified is in perpetual covenant by the 7th Day Adventist Prophetess Ellen G. White.

Today, reply is on whether the Jews continue to exist as the “chosen people” of GOD. Many Messianic and Christian believers hold that the character, process and substance of GOD are manifest as divine law, and are immutable and unchanging because divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD are being expressed. Through Jesus Christ, Gentiles and repenting sinners who once were denied as the people of GOD and were called “the Uncircumcion” now experience rebirth and exist as divinity’s new creation. It is written: Deuteronomy 7: 6-11, King James Version (KJV): 6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. 7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; 10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. 11 Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Are Jews gods chosen people?

I have heard many Christian preachers say that jews are all gods people.Galatians 3:28 doesn’t says different.

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus and the Moneylenders (05/10/2020); The Meat That Perishes (01/13/2020); The Tools Of Divinity (12/09/2019); A Divine Covenant Partner (06/11/2019); Sabbath Now and Then? (08/15/2018); Lost For 40 Years? (09/17/2018); Continuing A Perpetual Covenant (08/03/2017); The Holy Week Continues (04/14/2017)

“Anonymous”, that Jews through their culture and shared social values still continue to observe aspects of their ancient covenants with divinity is evidenced in the fact that we have just begun the Jewish New Year 5781 following Rosh Hashanah (in Hebrew literally, “head of the year”). Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holidays or Yamim Noraim (“Days of Awe”), celebrated ten days before Yom Kippur (in Hebrew, “Day of Atonement”). Mature Messianic Jews and Christian believers hold that the earlier observances to acknowledge the judgment and mercies of GOD have been elevated through the Incarnation and sacrifice of divinity as Jesus Christ who is to be acknowledged as having died in the crucifixion and was resurrected from the dead for the remission of sin on the earth. As in the Bible and other holy writings, all of human history and the entire range of contact and relationship between GOD as Creator and mankind as the created comes into view. The Sabbath for divine rest that is shared with mankind was established among the Jews as an emblem and token of their sanctification (i.e., being set apart to serve divinity). Sabbath-keeping has its value through divine promise and sovereign grace. Many argue that properly understood, the Sabbath appears according to provisions of natural law (the rising and setting of the sun; from sundown to sundown) rather than man-made law, and the Sabbath may not be legislated by churches, governments, and other human institutions. Moses and the mixed multitude of Gentiles who left Egypt and crossed the Red sea on dry land together would witness the manna that fell for 40 years, the pillar of cloud over their camp by day, and the pillar of fire over their camp by night along with the blessing or the curse that would appear for their observance of the Sabbath. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and Great Is Thy Faithfulness, a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

(1.) Exodus 31: 12-17, King James Version (KJV): 12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. 14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

(2.) Jeremiah 31: 31-37, KJV: 31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. 35 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: 36 If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. 37 Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

(3.) Hebrews 10: 14-23, KJV: 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

(4.) Isaiah 58: 13-14, KJV: 13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvwyLnHtXZ8.) 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

Atonement, Covenants, Feasts and Festivals, Grace, Jews, Judgment, Promises, Prophets, Sabbath, Sanctification, blood, chosen, culture, faithfulness, fasting, gifts, miracles, new creation, the crucifixion, values

Excerpt from Our High Calling where the Sabbath of Creation identified is in perpetual covenant by the 7th Day Adventist Prophetess Ellen G. White.

(09/15/2020) As Your Father Forgave

A depiction of the Prodigal son acknowledging the forgiveness of his father.

Today, reply is on forgiveness that demonstrates sovereign authority, grace, power, and restraint. As with judgment, redemption and salvation, forgiveness pertains more to revealing that divinity is justified, rather than mankind. Because forgiveness is a divine act and process to convey love, sinners do not have to beg for forgiveness so much as they are to acknowledge a sacred gift shared because of divine righteousness and unselfishness. Even so, it is correct to perform importuning and to repeat petitions and requests during private prayer that center on forgiveness and the mercy that may be shown to those found guilty in judgment. It is written: Matthew 12: 30-32, King James Version (KJV): 30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. 31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. The fighter who uses the ID “watchmaybewatch” (Level 1 with 55 points) in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion & Spirituality posted the following:

Christians, when God says forgive as your Father forgave you, doesn't that mean to forgive only if that person asks you for forgiveness?

I have recently gone back to church, but there has much hurt from Christian "friends" in the past. Some do not feel like they did wrong, but they did. I am being told I HAVE to forgive them no matter what. What is your take on this? (Non-believers, do not respond. I already know your answer)

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. (Psalms 51: 1-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Outcomes Of Judgment (06/28/2020); The Justification Of Divinity (04/06/2020); That Not Of Yourselves (08/13/2019); Blaspheming the Holy Spirit (05/08/2019); How Are We Justified? (03/05/2018); Called, Justified, and Glorified? (01/08/2017); Justified Through Christ? (08/26/2015)

“watchmaybewatch”, mature Christian believers may think and speak of forgiveness as a freely-given gift from GOD provided to express divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Divinity does not practice forgiveness as a result of tribunals for judgment, as an outcome of affection, emotion and feelings, or to carry out punishments, rewards, and sanctions provided within the sacred law. Forgiveness appears as the manifesting of consecrated grace, and is another inseparable aspect of the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Thus, forgiveness pertains to the makeup of GOD along with such elements as balance, commitment, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Forgiveness is not “all we need” to be free of sin and to know the fullness of salvation. The believer also must engage atonement, confession, repentance, and sanctification. Gifts from the Holy Spirit are provided to further permit forgiveness to establish the Christian believer as one who shares with divinity through the resurrection life of Jesus Christ, and who is to exist as the new creation of GOD. Christians are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character, likeness, and presence of Jesus Christ on the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and Rescue, a selection from the music ministry of Acappella:

(1.) Isaiah 55: 6-8, King James Version (KJV): 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

(2.) Romans 15: 1-5, KJV: 1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

(3.) Colossians 3: 12-14, KJV: 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPSt7tynaBk.) 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

(09/14/2020) When Is Anger Ungodly?

 

Today, reply is on when human anger transgresses sacred law. Properly understood anger is an emotion that itself does not respond to the Spirit of GOD, the law of GOD, nor the intellect and rational faculties within mankind. Anger is an aspect of human potential whereby the living present themselves as having character and inner substance as animal, human, or creatures capable of displaying divine process, purpose, and spirit substance. Anger and its complements (e.g., bitterness, envy, grudges, hate, impatience) do not conform to the demands of logic and reason, therefore anger may cause and produce unintended consequences and effects among material and social beings. Saying this another way, anger can be dangerous, beyond human control, and self-destructive. Where the wrath of GOD against sin appears, it is always a manifesting of the eternal divine nature, not an appearance of temporary emotion or feelings that may pass away. It is written: Ecclesiastes 7: 8-10, King James Version (KJV): 8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:

When does anger become sinful?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. (Ecclesiastes 9: 17-18, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Fullness Includes Wrath (02/23/2020); Sin Opposes All Existence (12/13/2019); The Sovereignty Of GOD (11/24/2019); Divine Anger at Harvest? (05/26/2019); Moses Was Not Divine (04/24/2019); Anger Against Our Parents? (01/10/2019); Jesus Rebuked The Moneychangers? (05/16/2018)

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers are encouraged to regard anger as an expression from operations within ones own flesh rather than a product from the Holy Spirit imparted to believers as life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) from the makeup of GOD. As a human emotion and feeling, many refuse to condemn anger for it is commonly experienced as acceptable, justifiable, natural, normal, and unavoidable. Anger is understood as operating according to mechanical process and natural law rather than sacred law. To the extent that human anger opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the fullness of divine order throughout the universe, human anger also opposes divine forgiveness, redemption, repentance, and salvation. Wrath against sin is an inseparable aspect of divine fullness that the living may receive as a fresh endowment from the ministries of Jesus Christ. Included are balance, commitment, discernment, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, and wisdom. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and We Can Be Kind, a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Galatians 5: 16-26, King James Version (KJV): 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

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

(3.) Revelation 11: 15-19, KJV: 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. 16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. 18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. 19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ-iXt14nrg.) 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

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior // Sounds Like Reign

(09/13/2020) GOD Can Forgive Us

Today, reply is on divine and human forgiveness. GOD can forgive mankind for the transgression of divine law, for when required to fulfill the sovereign will of divinity, nothing is impossible with GOD. In the same way, tabernacle and temple priests did not cure those with leprosy, yet, were to acknowledge and discern the workings of GOD to declare a leper fit to return to the congregation, men may serve GOD by confirming that other men are forgiven for the transgression of divine law and again are fit as members of the worship community. As seen through Jesus Christ, expressions of divine forgiveness may appear only when carried out by those consecrated and ordained as an agent and embodiment of divinity with privilege to manifest divine authority and power. Where sin is divinely forgiven, multiple sacred operations also appear that may include atonement, birth, death, sacrifice, the imparting of spirit substance from the full makeup of divinity, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, and the second death. Through Jesus Christ the living now may operate as the new creation, and at the coming of Jesus are to become gathered with those raised from the dead who will receive eternal life. It is written: 2^nd Corinthians 5: 17-19, King James Version (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. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Luigi Shadow” (Level 3 with 1,820 points) posted the following:

Do you agree that if God can forgive us for our sins we should forgive others for their sins too?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellow-servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Matthew 18: 23-35, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Character Must Appear (08/13/2020); Forgiveness is not DIY (07/22/2020); Divine Forgiveness Ministers Grace (07/20/2020); The Outcomes Of Judgment (06/28/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); Forgiveness A Sacred Practice (05/28/2020); Believers Are To Forgive (05/17/2020)

“Luigi Shadow”, GOD can forgive, and it is only by the operations and substance of GOD becoming alive within mankind that men are able to forgive. Where mankind exercises forgiveness among themselves it is consistent with the operations of humanity to express the character, image, and nature of divinity that was imparted from GOD to Adam as life essence (we say, breath; spirit; utterance; word). Those living on the earth as vessels of divine fullness are carnal and material expressions of sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Forgiveness is not the outcome of judgment so much as an outcome of grace; and forgiveness does not provide or replace atonement, confession, and repentance. Forgiveness reveals the active presence of such inseparable aspects of the divine makeup as balance, commitment, completeness, forbearance, lovingkindness, mercy, personhood, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The response to forgiveness is to be change and correction, rather than punishment. Instead of a demand for legality and strictness of discipline, there is a requirement for faithfulness and perseverance. Forgiveness is to signal a revival of covenant relationship and the continuation of spiritual development and growth. All divinity (i.e., the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) participates in the process of sacred judgment that is ongoing and eternal through the existence and life of GOD. Because transgression of divine law is also the violation of all divine order, the removal of sacred spirit from Creation, and the introduction of imbalance throughout the universe, death (that first appeared as a tool when establishing Adam as both male and female yet one) becomes a divine tool along with delay of judgment, for permitting mankind salvation through discovery, gradual growth, rebirth, and sanctification. The sanction of death declared in the law of GOD becomes elimination through the second death, because through Jesus Christ divinity now allows resurrection from the dead. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the selection from the music ministry of Dallas Holm:

(1.) 2^nd Peter 3: 9-15, King James Version (KJV); 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

(2.) Romans 8: 1-9, KJV: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 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.

(3.) Revelation 2: 10-11, KJV: 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

(4.) Revelation 20: 6, KJV: 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IzsF5F1xrI.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:55, PM September 12, 2020 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/l1pf2vksCWs/hqdefault.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/07/2020) Chosen Because Already Committed

A depiction of the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she is to be the mother of Jesus

Today, reply is on whether the Virgin Mary was free to refuse carrying out the will of GOD, and could quarrel against the Angel Gabriel who announced to her that she was chosen by divinity to become the mother of Jesus. The visitation she received was in the nature of a sovereign proclamation to publish a royal decision, rather than a request for acceptance and accord, or a secret communication intended to preserve confidentiality and trust. The purpose of the visit to Mary was not the foretelling of future events or an occasion for her to worship an angel so much as the making visible of otherwise invisible and unseen divine purposes. There would be no question and answer sessions; and the young woman would have to develop her understanding through such tools as discovery, gradual growth, edification by the Spirit, study of the holy writings, and suffering. Mary was raised as one dedicated, sanctified, and set apart for divine service. Her lifestyle and daily routines would encourage no defiance, no hesitation to serve, and no rebellion. She was chosen to serve because she was both committed and prepared. It is written: Luke 1: 28-35, King James Version (KJV): 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

What if Mary had said "No thanks" to the angel?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4: 3-7, KJV)

DOUBLE DAGGER: Angels Appearing As Men (04/09/2020); Divinity and Human Reproduction (11/08/2019); The Virginity of Mary (01/14/2019); Mary and Joseph Followed (11/28/2018); Jacob Wrestled With GOD? (09/26/2018); Doctrine, Faith and Mary? (09/01/2017); The Mother of GOD? (12/09/2016)

“Anonymous”, the Annunciation should be accepted as another important aspect of full gospel truth. Christian believers have found that conjecture and speculation that contradict Bible truth often generates confusion and does not edify or increase their spiritual growth. Mary was chosen to serve as the female vessel for the birth of Jesus because she was sanctified and connected to GOD through her faith. Mary’s responses to angelic visitation flowed from her inner spirit that had been nurtured and prepared to unselfishly serve and exalt Almighty GOD. The divine process and substance of such sacred events center in the message, and not in the appearance or manner of the messenger. The one who receives a divine communication has understanding of the event by exercising discernment. Only through operations by the Holy Spirit are the authority, origin, source, value, and weight of the message established and proclaimed as authentic expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, prophetic revelation, and the sovereign will of GOD. The frameworks of divine law, covenant relationship, redemption and salvation are correctly understood as the context wherein the message must fit, more than the frameworks of politics, secular knowledge or time and space. As servants who also carry out and perform aspects of the divine will that include judgment, angels are privileged to use admonition, sharpness, and warnings even when dealing with those beloved and blessed of GOD. Because matters having eternal consequences and effects are involved, the messenger expects and requires displays and responses of accountability, gravity, maturity, and sobriety. The angels are to tolerate no challenges, impropriety, presumption, or skepticism. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible describing the birth of John the Baptist, and a selection from the music ministry of the Pro Musica Girl’s Choir from Hungary acknowledging the Angelus that was offered as daily prayer by Catholic believers:

(1.) Joshua 5: 13-15, King James Version (KJV): 13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my LORD unto his servant? 15 And the captain of the LORD’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

(2.) Luke 1: 9-20, KJV: 9 According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. 11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. 20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

(3.) Luke 1: 59-66, KJV: 59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. 61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. 62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. 64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. 65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. 66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

(4.) Luke 1: 67-79, KJV: 67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;  70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV7l0uqOD_8&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLN0d5BuUaMYlRM-Z4tim65s&index=4&t=0s.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:23 PM, September 07, 2020 @ https://billditewig.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/annunciation.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/01/2020) Our Desires Are Weighed

A depiction of the Holy City, the New Jerusalem

Today, reply is on whether believers must have a desire to “go to heaven,” and whether GOD might force a person to appear and continue in the celestial presence. Properly understood, the going to heaven has to do with fulfilling the sovereign will of GOD by completing multiple sacred tasks, and is not a matter of having human independence and carnal preferences. Such works as further construction and allocation of portions within the Holy City may be required along with building and cleansing within the Sanctuary, providing witness to the tribunals of final judgment, and the distribution of rewards to the laborers for Christ. Many now on the earth feel they already have a healthy and positive relationship with divinity. However the connection they speak of may not be grounded in divine covenant, doctrine, obedience to divine law, sacred practices (i.e., sacraments), revelation, study of the holy writings, unselfish service, or suffering. It is written: Romans 1: 18-22, King James Version (KJV): 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “ringostarr (Level 4 with 3,556 points) posted the following:

If i'm a righteous person and i worship God but i don't want to go to heaven, would God force me to?

Maybe i want to just rest and not be alive anymore. Would he force me to go to Heaven or throw me in Hell because of it?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. 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. For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it? Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly. (Jeremiah 23: 16-20, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Character Must Appear (08/13/2020); The Outcomes Of Judgment (06/28/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); The Justification Of Divinity (04/06/2020); The Purpose Of Worship (10//10/2019); “Sneak Previews” Of Heaven (09/16/2019); Expect Challenges In Heaven (08/12/2019); The Penalty of Death? (04/26/2019)

“ringostarr”, mankind is to exist on the earth as immortal and incorruptible with GOD following a one thousand year period of work in heaven. Many Christian believers agree that the final judgment by GOD of mankind and the full Creation includes divinity assigning meaning and value to the desires, hopes, and eternal purposes of all created beings and living creatures including those on the earth. To be in an ongoing relationship with GOD who is Creator requires acknowledgment of his authority, divine prerogative, dominion, immutable, unchanging self-expression, sacred law, and sovereign will. The language used tends to speak in terms of acknowledgment, love, reverence, and the acceptance of ones connection to GOD through their own endowment of substance imparted from the makeup of divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Inseparable aspects of the divine makeup should appear within the living such as balance, commitment, faith, holiness, mutuality, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Conceived to exist as life companions to divinity, mankind is to display the image of GOD in terms of character, focus, nature, and purpose. While life in the flesh often demands concern for exchanges and interaction to gain material and social advantage, or ensure ones duration and survival, the living are to exist as vessels of consecrated life essence (i.e., divine breath; spirit; utterance; word). Sinners who turn to Jesus Christ are to reflect, resemble, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus. What many are willing to call “unkindness” and even “cruelty” on the part of GOD comes into view as fulfillment of divine imperatives and sacred terms of authentic covenant relationship with our Maker. At this time in the plan of GOD, Christians are not called to present their own righteousness. Rather, by their display of sacred content using their lifestyle and daily routines, developing and mature Christians are to establish the presence of Christ upon the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection, Rescue, from the prophecy and music ministry of Acappella:

(1.) Leviticus 26: 12-21, King James Version (KJV): 12 And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. 13 I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright. 14 But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; 15 And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant: 16 I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17 And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. 18 And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. 19 And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: 20 And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits. 21 And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

(2.) Hebrews 6: 4-12, KJV: 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

(3.) 1^st Peter 1: 3-12, KJV: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 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.

(4.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPSt7tynaBk.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:52 PM, August 31, 2020 @ https://rapturewatcher.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/the-magnificent-new-jerusalem.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC