(06/19/2021) The Leper Keeps Sabbath?

John Steel, Jesus heals 10 Lepers

Today, we have a multiple-choice pop quiz! It is written: James 2: 14-18, King James Version (KJV): 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Select the best answer for the following question from the list below: Why does a leper keep the seventh day Sabbath?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. (Luke 17: 12-19, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why So Many Churches? (10/17/2020); GOD Can Forgive Us (09/13/2020); Divine Protection Against Covid-19? (04/26/2020); Getting Help From Church? (02/09/2020); He Healed Them All (10/20/2019); According To The Pattern (09/27/2018); Sabbath Now and Then? (08/15/2018); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012)

WHY DOES THE LEPER KEEP THE SABBATH?

• A. Because he is a priest

• B. Because he is a king

• C. Because he is a covenant-keeper

• D. Because he is a leper

• E. Because he is hoping to be healed

• F. Because he is hoping for rest

• G. Because he is hoping to be with family and friends

• H. Because he is willing to obey divine law

• I. Because it is a good/bad habit

• J. To stay alive (like breathing)

• K. Because it is his way of life

• L. Because it is a work of faith

• M. To stave off any further curse (afraid not to)

• N. Because he is a child of GOD

• O. To express gratitude and give thanks

• P. All of the above

• Q. None of the above

Consider again the following that uses language from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible:

1. Exodus 20: 8-11, KJV: 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

2. 2^nd Chronicles 26: 16-21, KJV: 16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense. 17 And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: 18 And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God. 19 Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar. 20 And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him. 21 And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.

3. 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, Isaiah 56: 1-7, KJV: 1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. 3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:35 AM June 19, 2021 @The-Ten-Lepers-John-Steel.jpg (806×1069) (bp.blogspot.com)

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/20/2021) "100% Gold and Marble"

 

For many Christian believers the most difficult elements of transformation away from relying on secular and worldly knowledge center on practicing godly and sacred operations that require consecrated substance rather than lavish display, money, ownership of possessions, the distribution of property, and accumulating wealth. Just as the character and nature of divinity is made visible to mankind on the earth through Jesus Christ, things are to appear within the church Christ has created that are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the things that appear in heaven. Correctly understood, what created beings and living creatures are to regard as the precious things of the earth have been provided to communicate such features as the abundance, authority, balance, dominion, humility, perfection, and wisdom of divinity. Sacred law delivers sanctions to the living that condemn covetousness, envy, idolatry, lust, possessiveness, exaggerated pride, and selfishness. It is written: James 4: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:

Why is the bishop’s church in my diocese 100% gold and marble when he closed down my church for lack of funding?

Hey, so I’ll burn in hell for all eternity for not having a church to go to but at least he can be ensconced in gold and platinum every Sunday.

Updated 1 hour ago:

Actually, I guess it’s a new bishop. The bishop who closed down my church in 2019 was replaced in early 2020. But still

THE GOLDEN ARROW: John 14: 1-3, KJV: 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Device of Inheritance (12/01/2020); On Giving and Tithing (11/05/2020); Why So Many Churches? (10/17/2020); The Inheritance From GOD (08/26/2020); Power To Get Wealth (01/15/2020); The Love Of Money (10/27/2019); Giving, A Divine Discipline? (10/09/2017); A $1,000 Dollar Seed? (11/02/2015); Some Points on Tithing (03/19/2015)

“Anonymous”, aspects of acknowledgment, glorification, praise, sacrifice, submission, and worship are involved. The use of gold, marble, and platinum that we see displayed among the various congregations sharing Christian belief is not intended to establish a base for political conflict and division, exalt hierarchy with worldly social standing and preference based on wealth, or represent the authority and power of any individual on the earth. Believers are to apprehend and discern the material presence of invisible divinity through the properties of consecrated and sanctified devices, tools, and utensils. Included are balance, beauty, completeness, purity, eternal purpose, simplicity, and transcendence projected through the carpeting, cloths, flowers, and other adornments of the altar, communion-ware, the font or baptism pool, the pews, prayer stalls, and other fixtures. The bishop may reside and regularly serve a broad area that includes diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Correctly understood, the “headquarters” church (often a cathedral) is a shared inheritance for the full community that has been increased, maintained, managed, and preserved through the work of many generations. Developing believers often err responding to divine displays as though they are selfish expressions from disbelievers and skeptics rather than unselfish offerings by those in commitment and conviction. While the church endures as a single sacred body by practicing a division of labor and oneness without sameness, it is not unreasonable that every discrete congregation must continue by its own members accepting requirements for accountability, duty, effort, and manifesting Christian maturity. Through the earthly treasures of the church believers are encouraged that the goals of their faith and practice can be achieved within their own life-process as those belonging to GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Exodus 25: 1-9, King James Version (KJV): 1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. 3 And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, 4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, 5 And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, 6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, 7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. 9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

(2.) Exodus 36: 1-6, KJV: 1 Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded. 2 And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: 3 And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning. 4 And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made; 5 And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make. 6 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. 7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, eternal salvation with divinity is not determined by ones giving and financial behavior, their intellectual knowledge, their service, or their personal suffering so much as by their content of divine substance and their continuance under grace.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:00 PM, April 18, 2021 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3b/27/84/3b2784a14f6cb78680023c66ae9314a7.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/16/2021) Restoring Relationship With Divinity

 

Salvation is provided by divinity to the living that establishes and restores active relationships between the Creator and the created. In a remarkable miracle, Jesus restored mortality to a man named Lazarus, and continuing to live on earth as a mortal, Lazarus eventually died a second time. Salvation goes beyond divine works that focus on the flesh such as healing the sick and raising the dead, and salvation is not a one-time sacred event. Correctly understood, salvation continues Creation by amplifying, perfecting and restoring the communication, exchange and interaction GOD set out to share with mankind. Salvation is more than being restored to life having flesh and a material form after a person has completed their mortality. Salvation is provided to those living on the earth for their inborn spirit substance to become permanently transformed, for them to receive immortality, and for them to continue to exist as a companion to the divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). Only at the appearing of Jesus Christ to harvest from the earth those who belong to him as anointed, edified, purchased, redeemed, and saved will the living become perfected through operations of GOD. While they live, those who are being saved are being prepared to enter into full relationships with divinity that complete and realize conversion, rebirth, repentance, and new life that resembles, reflects and reveals the character and nature of Christ. Before Jesus restored Lazarus from the dead, the Savior had shared an ongoing relationship with his sisters, Mary and Martha, and everyone within the household of Lazarus. Lazarus was not raised as an act of salvation for a long-time disciple and follower, nor was Lazarus raised so he could face divine judgment. The figure of Lazarus appears like that of Abraham who is called the Friend of GOD. Raising Lazarus was an act of sacred demonstration that also expressed affection, friendship, love, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the performance of sacred promise. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 15: 51-54, King James Version (KJV): 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. A fighter in the Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Uncle Travus Top Pen Kuiper” (Level 3 with 1,330 points) posted the following:

Is it too late to be saved after death? then how do you explain the story of Lazarus according to Mark 6:11?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: John 11: 41-45, King James Version (KJV): 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Both Existence and Life (12/11/2020); When Does Resurrection Occur? (10/25/2020); Sacred Law Promotes Relationships (04/23/2020); Salvation Is Not Predetermined (03/15/2020); Only Divine Resurrection Saves (12/24/2019); (06/23/2019) Preserved As Life Companions; Repentance Must Happen Now (06/07/2019)

“Uncle Travus Top Pen Kuiper”, salvation must occur as an aspect of ones life experience through multiple sacred operations carried out by divinity on behalf of the living (we say, by divine prerogative and the sovereign will of GOD; by the grace of GOD). In addition to repenting for sin, the living are to experience rebirth, acknowledge atonement, and become ripe for harvest from the earth by Christ at his coming. Mature Christian believers receive the account of Lazarus returned from the dead as a sacred event provided to further prepare the followers of the Savior for his crucifixion and resurrection from the dead to appear in heaven. Life was restored to Lazarus to demonstrate that Jesus was endowed with divine authority and power; however, Lazarus was not lifted up to heaven for divine judgment as will occur in the resurrection of those who complete their mortality on the earth. In death, the dead do not continue to operate carrying on life processes, or having intent and purpose. Consider again the following:

(1.) Psalms 115: 15-18, King James Version (KJV): 15 Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. 16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. 17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.

(2.) Lazarus of the miracle

This personage was the brother of Martha and Mary of Bethania; all three were beloved friends of Jesus (John 11:5). At the request of the two sisters Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:41-44). Soon thereafter, the Saturday before Palm Sunday, Lazarus took part in the banquet which Simon the Leper gave to Jesus in Bethania (Matthew 26:6-16; Mark 14:3-11; John 12:1-11). Many of the Jews believed in Jesus because of Lazarus, whom the chief priests now sought to put to death. The Gospels tell us no more of Lazarus (see ST. LAZARUS OF BETHANY). [Downloaded 12:25 PM, March 15, 2021 from New Advent: The Catholic Encyclopedia @ https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09096a.htm].

(3.) John 12: 1-2, KJV: Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 12: 9-11, KJV: 9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; 11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 6:15 PM, 03/15/2021 @ https://christianclipartreview.blogspot.com/2018/04/lazarus-come-forth.html

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/14/2021) Does Religion Teach Love?

 

In order to connect and interact with their Creator, all created beings and living creatures must share divine attributes of consciousness, love, and personhood. Love is to be carried out and performed as more than academic discourse, the scientific analysis of human communication, exchange, and social intercourse, or the expression of dreams, emotions, and romantic fantasies. Lovingkindness is an inseparable element within the divine fullness (i.e., the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) that is to exist within the created beings and living creatures who manifest sacred law, divine presence, and eternal purpose. The church founded by Jesus Christ is to be a sanctified community and sphere of life (set apart for the use of divinity). Faith, holiness, and other aspects of divinity that are otherwise invisible become clear and present there by the operations of love. It is written: Hebrews 10: 22-25, King James Version (KJV): 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;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 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. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Does religion teach love?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 2^nd Peter 1: 2-8, King James Version (KJV): 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Scriptures To Provide Comfort? (09/27/2020); Pure Religion And Undefiled (08/07/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); Spiritual Integrity and Maturity (05/12/2020); A Reputation For Love (11/18/2019); Violating Commandments On Love? (10/13/2019); Love Shown By Divinity (03/08/2019)

“Anonymous”, Christians are encouraged to know and practice love. In addition to forbearance, forgiveness, kindness, and unselfishness, love expresses accountability, integrity, respect, and reverence. Among mature Christian believers love is more than simply an emotion or feeling we may experience; and coming to understand and operate as those who love is more than a simple academic or intellectual task. Love is a sacred practice (we say, a sacrament), a process carried out and performed as an act of will in obedience to sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. More than this, love is itself a sacred substance inseparable from the other elements believers are to discover as the character and nature of divine fullness (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, oneness without sameness, personness, wisdom, and wrath against sin). Through the ministries of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, Christian believers are to receive love as a fresh endowment of life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup of GOD. Once “born again” (the inborn spirit dies, is buried, and replaced with divine DNA, so to speak), sinners are to develop, grow up, and mature as full offspring of GOD. Their transformation to exist as life companions to divinity will be completed in the twinkling of an eye at the appearing of Jesus (we say, the harvest; the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) 1^st John 4: 7-9, King James Version (KJV): 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

(2.) Romans 13: 8-10, KJV: 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) 1^st Thessalonians 4: 16-18, KJV: 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.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:21 PM, March 14, 2021 @ https://steemit.com/love/@flamingbot/a-new-commandment-i-give-you-love-one-another-c2bf52a898e3a

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/25/2021I) The Growth Of Faith

 

Faith is described, today, as a divine substance imparted from divinity to transform the life-process and spirit-maturity of created beings and living creatures. It is written: Hebrews 11: 1-7, King James Version (KJV): 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. One of the writers at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

what exactly is faith in God? what causes faith to mature?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ephesians 4: 11-16, King James Version (KJV): 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Recognizing Authentic Christian Believers (12/21/2020); The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); Why Are Sinners “saved?” (10/11/2020); Spiritual Integrity and Maturity (05/12/2020); Divine Protection Against Covid-19? (04/26/2020); Endure Trials Through Faith (03/31/2020); While We Are Growing (03/09/2020)

“Anonymous”, like existence and life, faith is a spirit-substance that exists among the inseparable aspects that are the makeup of GOD (we also say, the divine fullness; the Creator; the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Where one appears, all the others appear, though not always in the same measure. Included within the complete array of sacred being are holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Faith as an element within the consciousness and makeup of created beings and living creatures should be understood as imparted or transmitted from divinity, and is spirit that manifests only its own authority, character, operations, and power. Thus, faith is only made up of faith, just as holiness consists only of holiness, righteousness consists only of righteousness. GOD did not create life as a separate element that could later be used to make mankind a “living soul;” life essence (breath; utterance; word) was provided to Adam and later to the female directly from GOD. Only GOD is immortal, and while the living may be consecrated and sanctified to have duration, exist as offspring to GOD, and to serve divinity, the living must become transformed to have eternal life. Faith and life exist as perfected, however, the life process for those on the earth now goes forward by degrees, and is progressive from birth to the completion of mortality. Water baptism depicts the death, burial, and rebirth/resurrection of ones inborn spirit. Those who become born again also must grow-up again (we say, must develop; be edified; gradually grow; become accountable, consistent, stable, etc.). Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, sinners receive a fresh endowment of the same spirit that was provided to Jesus while he served on the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Acts 20: 32, King James Version (KJV): 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

(2.) 2^nd Peter 1: 2-7, KJV: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, eternal salvation with divinity is not determined by ones behavior, knowledge, service, and suffering so much as by their content of divine substance and their continuance under grace.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 4:05 PM, January 24, 2021 @ https://www.facebook.com/JesusChrististheonlyway100/photos/1347198372152438

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/25/2020) Being Equal With GOD?

 

Christmas proclaims a profound gospel from GOD sharing points of truth, surprise, and good news from the Creator. It is the gift of GOD that mankind is neither to be inferior to one another nor to divinity; and Christians will be equal as to what they hunger for, and what will nourish them. Even so, few Christians account themselves the equal of Jesus Christ, and many mature Christian believers will shrink from acknowledging that they themselves are to become peers with divinity through operations of GOD. Christians celebrate the nativity of Jesus Christ as the one sent by GOD to deliver mankind from the operations of sin; however, the divine use of human flesh and life essence that we see in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ is a prelude to all mankind being made to exist as an immortal, incorruptible life-companion with GOD. Apostleship, witness, and revelation of the character and nature of divinity will be continued. There are to be mutual sacred commitments, eternal purpose, and shared vision. Where the restoration of paradise lost through the transgression of divine law once may have been strictly anchored in knowing and obeying sacred law, the present transactions of divinity with mankind focus on the provision of opportunities, possibilities, privileges, promises, and prophecies that are being fulfilled through operations of divine grace. Included are the imparting of deposits and endowments from the makeup and substance of GOD whereby men become known as children and offspring of the Creator. The living become perfected and transformed through sacred gifts, eternal life, everlasting inheritance, and divine rewards for godly service. It is written: Ephesians 2: 18-22, King James Version (KJV): 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “David” (Level 1 with 102 points) posted the following:

Philippians 2:5-6 says to think like Jesus. Did he believe he was equal with God while he was in his form? Should we?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9: 6-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Both Existence and Life (12/11/2020); Why Are Sinners “saved?” (10/11/2020); Divine Process and Substance (06/24/2020); The Return of Yeshua (05/21/2020); The Place to Start (12/23/2019); The Persons Within Godhead (12/20/2019); Customs of the People (12/06/2019); On Diversity and Equality (05/22/2018)

Merry Christmas, “David”; I hope you find this to be Good News. Equality with GOD is not so much a matter of having the same celestial authority, dominion, glory, and power as it is a matter of having the same duty to manifest truth as well as the same accountability, benefits, opportunities, possibilities, and privileges. In addition to inseparable aspects of divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) such as faith, holiness, immortality, incorruptibility, personhood, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, sovereign will, wisdom, and wrath against sin, divinity has revealed that through the operations of GOD, there may be oneness of substance without the sameness of sacred form and process. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Ephesians 2: 8-9, King James Version (KJV): 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

(2.) Hebrews 2: 3-5, KJV: 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

(3.) 1^st Peter 4: 9-11, KJV: 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 14: 8-18, KJV: 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:05 PM, December 24, 2020 @ https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-fa795283ad477622ec1c6e3c0159d682

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/21/2020) Recognizing Authentic Christian Believers

 

Both believers and skeptics have been known to approach even those who are long-time Christian believers demanding, “Show me some ID.” Attitudes, social behavior, obeying sacred law, and good works from an individual will change according to events and as expressions of the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation, emotions/mind). Such measures are unpredictable and unstable, will not be consistent over time, and are not reliable as gauges of sacred content. Displays of spiritual gifts (e.g., healing; prophesying; speaking in tongues) are more to make the divine presence known and visible, and are not intended to point out those who are and ar not believers, or those having favor with GOD against those who do not. Because there must be discernment that comes only by the Spirit of GOD, many who are not themselves Christians find it difficult to correctly recognize and respond to others who are authentic Christian believers. Development, growth, and sacred practices established by the Holy Spirit must appear within the ongoing lifestyle and daily routine of every sinner who turns to Jesus Christ for redemption, lasting change, and salvation. Even so, a sinner who begins as a Christian believer today is to be regarded as a member of the family of GOD, however, they may require twenty or thirty years to become a balanced, consistent, full, and mature disciple and follower of Christ as the one and only Savior, and they will not become immortal and completely perfected until the Second Coming of Jesus. Water baptism is a sacred ceremony shared by mankind to acknowledge that divinity is now performing unseen acts within the body, consciousness, and spirit of a sinner whereby they receive the death, burial, and resurrection of their inborn spirit. A sinner who is reborn is a vessel containing divine DNA, so to speak, and is an offspring of GOD who receives “new life” through continuing operations of the Holy Spirit that impart a fresh endowment of sacred substance from the makeup of GOD. It is written: Romans 6: 3-11, King James Version (KJV): 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Forest Toney” (Level 7 with 80,205 points) posted the following:

I can't find any so called Christian who is obeying all of Jesus' saying , so can you do it?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2^nd Corinthians 13: 4-6, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Casting Pearls Before Swine? (12/17/2020); The Device of Inheritance (12/01/2020); Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); Do We Follow Paul? (10/01/2020); Spiritual Integrity and Maturity (05/12/2020); The “Perfection” Of Baptism (11/17/2019)

“Forest Toney”, at first, most sinners who embrace Christian belief become misdirected in their search for salvation by focusing on legal codes, finite human institutions, religious traditions, and their own wrong-doing, rather than by being careful to develop a right relationship with divinity through Jesus Christ. Sound knowledge of Christ focuses on his character, his ministry, his practices, his teachings, and the makeup of his Spirit that is to be imparted from the substance of GOD. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness are to be received that include balance, commitment, maturity, restraint, and stability. Faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin must appear. Those who become “born again” also must “grow up again” for what we may receive before the actual Second Coming of Christ is only an earnest or “partial payment” of all those on the earth will eventually receive. Every new believer must become transformed to exist as a life companion to divinity who resembles, reflects, and reveals the likeness of Jesus. This occurs through operations of the Holy Spirit that are embedded within ones life-process and daily routing. Included are such elements as discovery, gradual growth, learning, practice of sacred works (e.g., discernment, praise, prayer, repentance), study of the holy writings, and suffering. Discernment is a use of ones own sacred content to identify and respond to the endowments from divinity that reside within events, sacred messages, other persons, prophecies, the Scriptures, etc.

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

Image downloaded 2:05 PM, December 20, 2020 @ https://sd.keepcalms.com/i/saved-by-grace-through-faith-ephesians-28-3.png

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/19/2020) GOD Made The World

Confusion and error may result by using language as a name or title for GOD that identifies divinity as associated with specific ethnic groups, individuals, and geographic locations. When reading the holy writings, the preposition “of” can appear indicating a specific origin or source (e.g., the epistle of Paul = “from” Paul), or “of” will indicate an owner (gods of the nations = “from” belonging to). Such phrases as “the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob” and “the God of our fathers” suggest that divinity is a material property concieved, owned, possesed, and shared among mankind as ones inheritance. Today, Israel is used as the name of a modern democracy among the nations in the Middle East, the name of a foremost patriarch and heir from Abraham among the Hebrews as well as the name that was used for the Northern Kingdom (also called Samaria) that was established by the ten tribes who became a separate state when they rejected Rehoboam, son of Solomon, and refused further rule by the House of David. It is written: Revelation 14: 6-7, King James Version (KJV): 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Owner Of All Cosmos&Universes” (Level 1 with 1 point) posted the following:

The God of Israel is the God of Israel. Why would you worship the God of Israel if you are a Canadian, American, etc.?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (Genesis 2: 1-3, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Both Existence and Life (12/11/2020); The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); “What if” and “Maybe” (10/20/2020); Why So Many Churches? (10/17/2020); Jews In Perpetual Covenant? (09/20/2020); The Sons Of GOD? (07/19/2020); Why Is Passover Important? (03/01/2020)

“Owner Of All Cosmos&Universes”, for many mature Christian believers the divine fullness we speak of as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit has created the heaven and earth as well as all that have existence and life. Existing as spirit in form and substance, GOD can not be defined using the same finite human measures used to describe insitutions that emerge through social exchange and interaction, such material objects on the earth as governments, kingdoms, nations, or the things within time and space (e.g., ages, eras, events, locations, periods). Consider again the following that presents Christian belief using language found in the Bible:

(1.) Acts 17: 24-31, King James Version (KJV): 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

(2.) Ephesians 4: 4-6, KJV: 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

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

Image downloaded 10:25 AM, December 19, 2020 @ http://hethathasanear.com/images/dove-priests.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC