(03/13/2016) Sadducees and The Cross?

Today, dismissing the Scriptures, Pharisees, Sadducees, and the death of Jesus Christ are in view.  Points are shared exposing the Sadducees as a threat against the covenant people of GOD that was opposed by the ministry of Jesus, and his death upon the cross.  Errors among the people could be laid to their defilement during captivity and exile, and even the latitude characterizing oral tradition.  However, for those of the Temple community, there was ignorance of prophecy and the holy writings.  Just as we see within present day congregations, some having great influence, who lacked humility,  accounted the Scriptures an obstacle to progress and survival.  Long-standing error became disguised through unquestioning acceptance, habit, and subtlety (barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning, purpose, and value).

Jesus identified the error of the Pharisees as hypocrisy, imbalance and exaggeration in relying upon ceremony, legal procedure, and tradition.  The Savior warned his followers to be careful embracing the doctrine of the Pharisees, for it was “puffed up,” and had the appearance of godliness, yet, lacked sacred content and divine substance (e.g., forbearance, forgiveness, grace, healing, love, mercy, rebirth).  Even so, the greater error was that of the Sadducees, for they refused to endorse the foundation events in Scripture that were the platform for the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ.  The death of Jesus upon the cross was to be more than a “simple fix” or repair of damage and wear upon the covenants of the Jews.  Given the influence and politics of the Sadducees, the very foundation and infrastructure of Israel required an overhaul (see the following Scriptures, and the presentation below):

Mark 8:  14-16, King James Version (KJV):  14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.  15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.  16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.

Matthew 16:  11-12, KJV:  11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?  12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Matthew 23:  13, KJV:  13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men:  for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Matthew 23:  23, KJV:  23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith:  these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Acts 23:  6-9, KJV:  6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee:  of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.  7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees:  and the multitude was divided.  8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit:  but the Pharisees confess both.  9 And there arose a great cry:  and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man:  but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

The Sadducees denied prophecy, resurrection from death, revelation, and the existence of angels.  Correctly understood, their belief system even denied there was a “destroyer” who passed over the homes in Egypt marked by the blood on the lintel.  Their positions also imply that no Shekhinah presence actually resided over the Ark of Covenant within the Sanctuary of the Temple.  (The High Priests who were Sadducees, Caiaphas and Annas, presided over the crucifixion of Jesus, and the persecution of the early church, and were certainly in a position to share testimony in accordance with their entering the Sanctuary annually to make atonement.)  To this very hour there are Sadducees having influence among modern day believers, and lifting up their voices against the imparting, and indwelling of blessings and gifts from the makeup of divinity. 

In effect, the teachings of those at Jerusalem  declared that mankind may only serve divinity through maintaining a consecrated priesthood authorized to approach GOD by offerings, acknowledgment of sin, and blood sacrifices.  Men may not contact, exchange, interact with, or serve (we may even say, find grace) as chosen spokespersons of GOD who is a spirit.  That beliefs among the people endorsed healing by an angel stirring the waters of a pool there, in the Temple, was dismissed as a folk custom, ignorance, and superstition.  The continuous line of prophets modeled after Moses, that had served from the time of Samuel, had ended with Malachi—more than 400 years before John the Baptist appeared.  Doctrine regarding an “anointed one” or Messiah, was counted a “cultural longing” as was hope for a King and restoration of the House of David, the recurring desire for return to a simpler, “golden age.”  The people only needed more enlightenment that would come from the priestly class, and their strict insistence upon the law (e.g., healing on the Sabbath forbidden, offering daily sacrifice approved).

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.  Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.  And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts:  the whole earth is full of his glory.  And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.  Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips:  for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.  Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:  And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.  Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.  And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.  Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.  (Isaiah 6:  1-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus Under Judgment? (12/16/2015); How Could Angels Fall? (12/17/2015); Sacred Events Were Dismissed? (11/05/2015); Sight to the Blind? (07/30/2015); Christ Brought A New Nature? (07/15/2015); Ark of the Covenant? (03/17/2015); Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013)

Sadducees are those who do not trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  Their discipline and faith do not allow for such truth from the Bible as the following:

(1.)  Exodus 33:  17-18, King James Version (KJV):  17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken:  for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.  18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.  19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

(2.)  Exodus 12:  22-24, KJV:  22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.  23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.  24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.

(3.)  Exodus 25:  21-23, KJV:  21 And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.  22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

(4.)  2nd Chronicles 7:  1-3, KJV:  1 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.  2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’s house.  3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

(5.)  1st Chronicles 21:  15-17, KJV:  15 And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it:  and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.  16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.  17 And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father’s house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

(6.)  Luke 2:  8-14, KJV:  8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:  and they were sore afraid.  10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not:  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

(7.)  Romans 10:  1-3, KJV:  1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.  2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

(8.)  1st Corinthians 13:  1-6, KJV:  1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.  4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;  6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

(9.)  1st Corinthians 15:  20-23, KJV:  20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  23 But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.) 

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (10.)  Revelation 3:  7-11, KJV:  7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;  8 I know thy works:  behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.  9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.  10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.  11 Behold, I come quickly:  hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/16/2015) Jesus Under Judgment?

The attitude, authority, and behavior of Christ during his arrest, trial and crucifixion are topics, today.  The holy writings come to us as a partial record that does not detail and document all the aspects of culture and process used for communication and exchange in ancient times.  We know that values of their day also included ideas we now count as self-contradicting (e.g., preferring the end of a matter to its beginning; asking the best question gains more praise than making the best answer).  The Lord’s manner and way of working was as much a product of the flesh and of the times, as of fixed divine process for life and salvation.  Divine wrath against the sins of Israel had closed both the door of consecrated priesthood, and that of anointed prophets.  The nation became spiritually stagnant, grounded in ceremonial law, customs, and tradition.  The Lord was challenged to demonstrate humility, simplicity, thoroughness, and transparency (we say, openness) as well as divine restraint.  The language, method, and process of divine spokesperson (we say, prophet) had not appeared for more than 400 years (i.e., since Malachi).  Also, as the Son of David, Christ was to reconstitute the priesthood that had been defiled and tainted since the reign of Saul through the divine curse upon Eli and his sons.  While the ministry of Jesus was to benefit all upon the entire earth, only those chosen and elect, who would apprehend prophecy through Spirit, would be able to receive him as more than a simple rabbi from Galilee.  Consider again the Scriptures, and the points shared below:  Mark 15:  37-41, New International Version (NIV):  37 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.  38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:  “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”  39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:  40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.”  41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.  Also, John 1:  9-13, NIV:  9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.  10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.  Luke 8:  10, NIV:  10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’  Mark 6:  4-5, NIV:  4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”  5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “abdul” (Level 1 with no points shown, a member since May 12, 2015) posted the following:


Why did Jesus seem to evasively answered the high priest?

Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” - John 18:19-23, New International Version

Update:  Some say it was Judas who was on trial. Muslims believe that Judas' appearance and voice were altered by God to resemble Jesus'. Judas cannot preach what Jesus used to preach. If it was Jesus on trial, Jesus would seize this opportunity to preach them the words of the Lord.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  By oppression and judgment he was taken away.  Yet who of his generation protested?  For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished.  He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.  Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.  After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.  Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death,  and was numbered with the transgressors.  For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.  (Isaiah 53:  8-12, NIV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus Given A Divine Ministry? (08/18/2015); An Eternal Plan and Process (07/05/2015); Christ the Son of David? (06/12/2015); Ark of the Covenant? (03/17/2015); The Needs of the Many? (03/08/2015); The Judges Who Condemned Jesus? (01/17/2014); About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014); Jesus Scourged (04/05/2014); Brothers, Not Equals (04/06/2014)


“abdul”, Christian believers are encouraged to recognize that the attitude and behavior the Savior displayed during his arrest, trial, and throughout his crucifixion was in accordance with prophecies written in the Scriptures as well as the sacred operations for continuing the revelation of GOD to created beings and living creatures in the earth.  The appearance of divinity using the form of flesh (we say, the Incarnation) was to accomplish eternal purposes on multiple levels of existence, through multiple levels of effect and impact.  Here are a number of points to consider that should be useful to avoid error and spiritual confusion:

(1.)  The ministry through parables was to allow hearers to realize the character and nature of their own inner spirit, and to arouse appetite as an aspect of spirit, rather than flesh.  As with the baptism by John, those among the hearers who were the elect of GOD were to be drawn to come forward, and then identify themselves by their actions and choices.

(2.)  The conduct of Jesus had to be recognizable as following a pattern and tradition determined by GOD, and displayed in the life and work of earlier prophets.  Thus, the way David deferred to Saul as the Lord’s anointed may be seen in the Savior’s response to Caiaphas.  Striking Jesus (punishment) before the trial formally begins is a corruption of lawful process as much as Saul unprovoked hurling a spear against David.

(3.)  The ministry of Jesus was also that of an high priest charged with responsibility for cleansing and healing the process of judgment in the earth.  Because a judge presiding over trial as an agent of Deity must be impartial and thorough, he is to apply both the law and the prophets.  Rather than condemnation, the divine goal of judgment is to be the expression of divine love and mercy; and only he who is without sin (like the law) may cast the first stone to carry out the death penalty.

(4.)  The High Priests and chiefs of the Sanhedrin council who insisted upon the death of Jesus, believed their role was to keep and restore the things originally given by GOD through Moses.  They depended upon conflicting reports, and most had never seen Jesus minister to the people, even  though he also assembled crowds there in Jerusalem, and within the Temple.  As Sadducees, they were committed to “demystifying” belief, and opposed teaching that spoke to angels, miracles, resurrection of the dead, or the existence of spirits.

(5.)  Jesus proclaimed a coming kingdom of GOD, and used  works to promote hope (we say, specific expectations), encourage repentance, and to nourish and stir existing faith.  The disciplines and sacred practices he used (e.g., baptism, covenant meal, exorcism, foot washing, preaching) were not new, and already were in place.  The Savior did not annul existing commandments, or complain against existing sacred law so much as he shifted emphasis, and insisted upon righteousness.

There are many other ideas that should be carefully considered, correctly comprehended, and made a part of ones full spiritual understanding.  (For example, (6.) King David was challenged to reunite the Ark of the Covenant with the Tabernacle, and relocate them both in Jerusalem where the monarch would have ready access to divine counsel through Urim and Thummim.  Just as King David established courses for service by the priests as well as liturgy and sacred music with other reforms for operations of the Tabernacle—that were to be applied in the Temple—Christ is to be seen renewing inheritance and priesthood granted to Adam, amplified through Moses, and perfected through gifts by the Holy Spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®  All rights reserved worldwide.

(03/08/2015) The Needs of the Many?

Confusing adages and familiar quotes with verses from the Bible, and the prophecy spoken against Jesus by the High Priest Caiaphas are in view, today.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no other information appears) attacked using the following thrust:


Where in the Bible does Jesus say "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few?"?

I know it was said right before he was crucified, but I can't find it anywhere in the gospels.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  (For until the law sin was in the world:  but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift:  for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.  For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 5:  12-21, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Saying the Truth? (12/18/2014); Palm Sunday (04/14/2014); Self-control and Law (04/15/2014); Jesus Scourged (04/05/2014); Brothers, Not Equals (04/06/2014); The Judges Who Condemned Jesus? (01/17/2014); About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014); Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013)


“Anonymous”, you are in an error, in the same way many who might answer you are certain they have seen profile information (Level, points, etc.) for you that now does not appear.  Just as there are many adages, maxims and “old sayings” that are not biblical, yet, often convey principles in language that seems familiar and legitimate; there are those posting on the Internet whose honesty and integrity as Christian believers are becoming known as agents of someone other than Jesus Christ.  What you have in mind may be the warning given to the Sanhedrin by Caiaphas, the High Priest.  Even so, consider the following:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 12:  25-26 (KJV):  25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.  26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

(2.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  13-15 (KJV): 13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God:  or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.  14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:  15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

(3.)  John 11:  48-50 (KJV):  48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him:  and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.  49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,  50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

(4.)  Romans 5:  12 (KJV):  12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

(5.)  Luke 7:  46-48 (KJV):  46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint:  but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.  47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much:  but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.  48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

For those acknowledging the holy writings as a true incarnation of divinity, there is far more to be said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  Hebrews 9:  27-28 (KJV):  27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/18/2014) About the Second Coming?

Today, a few points are shared about the second coming along with more on the judges who condemned Jesus.  A “Yahoo! Answers India” writer using the ID “Royal Gabriel” (Level 1 with 51 points, a member since 12 July 2013) posted the following first asked at Yahoo Answers United States:


Question about the second coming of Jesus?

If Jesus returns, wouldn't a lot of people deny him again like they did in Jerusalem? And if he does return how will he be able to adjust with our lifestyle with regards to technology? All of us use cars, cellphones, and computers, which for someone who lived over 2000 years ago, would be extremely difficult to comprehend, let alone make use of.


OR is he being taught all of this stuff in heaven by God?
The second coming just seems so hard to believe...


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Judges Who Condemned Jesus? (01/17/2014)—Caiaphas and Pilate, the entire line of kings who ruled in Israel, and all believers today may be understood as servants and stewards entrusted with GOD’s treasures in the earth.  Provisions to atone for violations of divine law (we say, sinful acts or simply sins) are recorded in the Bible that extend to offenses committed in ignorance by priests, rulers, and the people (see Leviticus 4:  1-35 and Luke 12:  42-48, KJV).  As a result, many mistakenly agree that Caiaphas and Pilate are “saved” by the law.  However, these statutes are conditional, and extend only to those who have already accepted a place in covenant with GOD, and who turn again to GOD in repentance.  Without repentance that appears by operations of the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ, no person apprehends the atonement and forgiveness that, in fact, are available.  Those used by GOD in demonstrations of divine wrath against sin are not condemned out of hand for defiance, disobedience and rebellion.  It is their failure to return to GOD that is most damaging.  Like the earth that swallowed Dathan and Abiram, the great fish that swallowed Jonah, and the Angel David saw standing over Jerusalem with drawn sword, the instruments that perform divine will in judgment are in the position of agencies and tools of GOD, and are not regarded as the children of darkness and of disobedience.  See Ephesians 2:  1-9, Ephesians 5:  5-7 and Colossians 3:  4-13, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.  Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven:  and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.  (Matthew 24:  27-31, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Like a Thief? (12/01/2013);  Only While We Live? (12/02/2013); Reveal Himself To All? (12/03/2013); Is Science the Right Tool? (12/04/2013); The Return in Glory? (07/04/2013); Desire for Love? (07/05/2013); Repentance Must Come Before Resurrection (04/27/2013); Destroyed in Noah’s Flood? (04/28/2013); When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present? (03/31/2013); A Family Affair? (04/01/2013)


“Royal Gabriel”, most Christian believers depend upon the Bible for their knowledge of the second coming.  A spirit from GOD is bestowed upon believers that makes it possible for them to receive and understand sacred knowledge.  Careful study of the many descriptions, proclamations, promises and prophecies then results in clear understanding, certain hope, and correction of errors.  Even so, here are a few points that can be shared with all:

(1)  The purpose of Christ returning from heaven is to harvest, and completely take away from the earth all who have ever been his believers and followers through the many divine ministries to mankind.  Those who have been long dead will be restored to life, and along with the living all will be permanently changed before they are carried into the celestial presence of GOD (we say, heaven).

(2)  Christ now is consecrated, sanctified, and serving as the High Priest of the Temple in heaven.  The Savior will not set foot upon the earth at his appearing, because the soil is defiled from innocent blood that has been shed because of sin.  Worldwide, all will be alerted to his coming by a trumpet blast, and the shout of an archangel.  Only those already certified through judgment, and who are already his will be lifted up to meet him in the air.

(3)  Once joined with Christ, those raised in what is called the “first resurrection” will begin their work as priests and kings completing final judgment with Jesus, assigning ownership to property in the earth made new, and preparing to reign and rule throughout eternity.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4) divine judgment is not based upon ones material belongings, their ownership of property, their wealth or social status.  There is no angel or devil that accuses us; all are judged from the books of life.  The sacred records of attitudes, behavior, conduct and events make visible the spirit content of created beings and living creatures.  Born again, believers in Jesus Christ receive a fresh endowment of divinity, such necessary spirit content as faith, gratitude, holiness, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Therefore be ye also ready:  for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.  (Matthew 24:  44, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/17/2014) The Judges Who Condemned Jesus?

Accountability and sin for those used by GOD to condemn and crucify Jesus are the topic, today.  Also, there is more on mustard seed faith.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers Canada” using the ID “Mr. Bodhisattva” (Level 6 with 15,778 points, a member since January 25, 2006) posted the following first asked at Yahoo Answers United States:


Did Caiaphas and/or Pilate sin in putting Jesus to death?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Mustard Seed Faith? (01/16/2014)—While various products of faith can appear that are in agreement with human desire and will (e.g., deliverance in battle and judgment, exorcism, healing), the authority and power of faith always must be in harmony with divine law and eternal purpose.  Like miracles, the existence and operation of faith is not intended to overturn divine order.  The moving of mountains and the “subduing of all things” must serve to accomplish the will of Almighty GOD.  The appearance of faith is a manifesting of divinity, and the ends of divinity are not those of the flesh.  To say, the just shall live by faith, is to assert that faith must be active and present in ones experience at all times.  Among believers, praise, prayer and the force of truth are three of the most effective mechanisms that make faith known and visible.  See Matthew 9:  20-22, Matthew 15:  22-28, Luke 17:  12-19, Galatians 5:  16-17, Hebrews 11:  3 and 6, James 5:  13-20, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.  This title then read many of the Jews:  for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city:  and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.  Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.  Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.  (John 19:  19-22, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Adversary or Servant? (11/21/2013); How To Renew The Mind (11/22/2013); Hierarchy (11/14/2013); The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); What Is Reality (a.k.a. Truth)? (09/29/2012); Divine Self-Sacrifice? (09/30/2012)


“Mr. Bodhisattva”, you’ve posed a question that requires consideration of many subtle points (i.e., fine details; barely visible differences), and may only be completely and correctly answered through judgment that is rendered by GOD.  Because the question invites presumption, speculation and spiritual confusion, the query itself may be regarded as diabolical:  You ask about Caiaphas and Pilate, and do not mention Herod (all the blame is placed upon them, so to speak) suggesting that the reader is not also accountable; and you imply that the two you have named are independent actors, or individuals operating in their own integrity and self-will, rather than instruments and representations of conditions and forces that describe the human predicament and all mankind.

Caiaphas embodies all Israel (the Northern and Southern Kingdoms as well as everyone in Diaspora); and Pilate is the figure of Rome, an empire controlling and influencing all the then-known world.  The crucifixion of Jesus is more than a local or global event occurring in the earth; it is a sacred event that embraces all divine order, and the full universe of GOD.

Sin is the transgression of divine law, the expressed will of GOD.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of the Law Giver, and of all Creation.  Sin is no material thing generated by GOD, and has no spirit content from GOD; yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  Sin thus appears as an artifact of separation from GOD to exist having unique being and person.  Sin has no dimensions (e.g., depth, height, size, weight) or physical form; however, sin is “visible” through attitudes, behavior and conduct among the living.  Despite human devices, intellect, logic and science, the influence and operations of sin cannot be eliminated.  Mankind resists sin only through endowments of divine will made available through the ministries of Jesus Christ.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, Judgment is based also upon ones spirit content, not simply behavior and conduct.  GOD “hardened the heart” of Pharaoh (a figure of Satan), and used Egypt to reveal the divine sovereign power over mankind by repeatedly influencing the monarch to refuse the petitions of Moses.  Christian believers do not hold Pharaoh to be blameless or “innocent”; nor is GOD to be thought of as “at fault.”  Pharaoh was “chosen” on the basis of his peculiar nature as a person who sins, and who would given opportunity, in fact, enlarge and magnify his offenses.) 


For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.  (Philippians 3:  20-21, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC