(12/04/2018) On Seeing The Father

James Tissot (1836-1902), He That Has Seen Me, Has Seen the Father

Today, reply is on mankind seeing the Father while on the earth through Jesus Christ. Throughout his Incarnation, appearing in flesh, the Word consistently displayed authentic humanity and personhood. Jesus was so “average” in his appearance that he had to be betrayed with a kiss from someone close to him when the temple guards and Roman soldiers came to arrest him at the Garden of Gethsemane in the dark of night. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “Mario” (Level 3 with 1,960 points, a member since September 26, 2006) posted the following:

Is there a physical description of Jesus in the bible?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? (Luke 24: 28-32, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Mystery of GODhead (10/21/2018); GOD Has Come Down (10/09/2018); These Three Are One (10/03/2018); What Is A Spirit? (03/06/2018); Certainty, Conviction and Faith (01/05/2018); Knowing the Invisible GOD (09/17/2017); Yet In My Flesh... (06/07/2016); Seeing Jesus While Alive? (02/05/2016) 

“Mario”, the Scriptures do not include a plainly worded description of the appearance and physical features of Jesus Christ. Mature Christian believers are not to dwell on the Savior’s physical traits, or any similitude that could become an idol. The Savior is to be apprehended through the sacred operations of spirit we call discernment whereby ones own endowment of spirit content from the makeup of GOD is used as the standard that permits recognition and response to the same spirit as it appears within events, other persons, messages, promises, prophecy, etc. We acknowledge that Jesus was nondescript, and an “every-man” who made a lasting impression and was memorable through direct exchange, interaction, and sacred experiences granted to provide revelation, witness and testimony. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. John 14: 5-10, King James Version (KJV): 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 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.

2. Luke 7: 19-23, KJV: 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. John 20: 24-29, KJV: 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/09/2018) Jesus Was Not Unprotected

This photo depicts the mob of Temple priests, guards, and Roman soldiers who came to arrest Jesus.

Today, the reply speaks to the error that the death of Jesus Christ on the cross resulted from a failure of the Father to protect the Son. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

God accepted the killing of his own son - does that make him a bad God because he did not protect Jesus?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? (Matthew 26: 52-54, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Elimination of Death? (05/13/2018); The Child Of Prophecy (04/15/2018); Yes, Jesus Did Die (04/01/2018); The Most Important Thing (12/28/2017); The Resurrection of Jesus Acknowledged? (04/03/2015); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013); Thanking and Blaming GOD (12/25/2013); By Inspiration of GOD (10/27/2013)

“Anonymous”, mature Christians acknowledge that the crucifixion was by no means an accident; did not result from divine weakness in the Father or the Son; was not a surprise to GOD the Father or to Jesus; and, with the resurrection, was no unexpected event among Jewish believers who correctly understood the teachings of prophecy that appear throughout the holy writings. The death and resurrection of Jesus are correctly understood as a fulfillment of multiple divine plans established before the founding of heaven and earth that all express the oneness without sameness, personhood, eternal purpose, and the immutable, sovereign will of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). By divinity using human form to appear as Jesus Christ in the earth (we say, Incarnation), the revelation of GOD is taken to greater heights. Through revelation the character and substance of invisible, unseen divinity becomes knowable, known, accessible and approachable to created beings and living creatures. Otherwise unrealized truths are made plain that include divine forbearance, forgiveness, mercy, righteousness, eternal life, and the second death. Some become confused and err because Jesus must speak both as Son of Man and Son of GOD; even so, consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Acts 2: 22-24, King James Version (KJV): 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

(2.) Luke 24: 25-34, KJV: 25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. 29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. 30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

(3.) John 10: 7-14, KJV: 7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

(4.) John 8: 23-32, KJV: 23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. 25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. 27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. 28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 30 As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) John 10: 15-18, KJV: 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/24/2013) Jesus Arose Bodily

The carnal form displayed by Jesus following his crucifixion and burial are topics, today.  Also, there is more on judging preachers as “fake”.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Mr. A” (Level 3 with 1,126 points, a member since May 07, 2012) posted the following:


Jesus arose from the dead bodily, not as a spirit being, right or wrong?

Jesus arose from the dead in the same body he died in.

Additional Details

Evan:
It's not a myth. It's true.


THE BATTLE AXE:  On Judging Preachers as “Fake” (12/23/2013)—  (6.)  Hereby know we the spirit (1st John 4:  6, KJV).  For many, the Christmas season has become a time for open displays of covetousness.  Even so, complaining and slander have absolutely no value.  It remains that, every believer must take up the cross for himself or herself, understanding that their own choices, their lives and their deaths now have a peculiar value for GOD.  Salvation does not come from our fellow believer.  The Almighty is making open display of both the spirit of error and the spirit of truth, the fantasy of divine love and the actuality of divine salvation.  Judgment upon those exercising authority in things secular and things sacred (e.g., the Pope, the President, ones own parents) will repeatedly occur from those lacking both experience and preparation to serve in high office; however, not as an operation of the Spirit from GOD.  With this in view, such critics are wasters, and like demons and devils, they have no value to the living kingdom of GOD in Christ.  Rising above the daily hate crimes from those who say, “I don’t care what others believe, feel or think; I’ll do as I please, and continue to show my contempt for others,” believers are made strong, and are in no wise hindered from the embrace of divine love.  (7.) Blessed are those who have not seen, yet believe (John 20:  29, KJV).   Acceptance and cooperation with men of faith, and those who proclaim the Gospel may only be through the operations of faith, respect and trust that come from and are directed to GOD.  Prophets Isaiah, Malachi, and others brought devastating pronouncements and rebukes from GOD against all the covenant people and their leaders; and there are those today, who legitimately speak to the integrity of those serving Christ.  Judgment demands innocence, purity and righteousness (see John 8:  7, KJV).  Yet, as surely as whores don’t love, and introduce multiple forms of spiritual confusion and defilement by their fornication, the assessment of those sent is not put in the hands of those that do not have consecration by the imparted, indwelling spirit of Christ.  Largely for this reason, the church answers with silence—not ignorance—confident in the righteousness of Christ.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them:  then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.  Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side:  and be not faithless, but believing.  And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed:  blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.  And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:  But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.  (John 20:  26-31, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus Rose? (11/08/2013); Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present? (03/31/2013); A Family Affair? (04/01/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21/2013)


“Mr. A”, here are a few points to consider based on statements found in the Bible, the Gospel According to John 20:  1-31 and Luke 24:  1-53, King James Version:

(1.)  Jesus first appeared, was spoken to, and did speak, early on the day beginning the week following his death on the cross and burial.  Together, three women had gone to the sepulcher where they had left his body, and were expecting to complete cleansing and perfuming of his cadaver for full burial and entombment.  When they saw the stone rolled away, and the place empty, they became alarmed and distressed.  At that time one of the women encountered the risen Jesus, however, she did not recognize him by his physical features.  She thought he was the grounds keeper.  See John 20:  14-18.

(2.)  On two occasions while they were in hiding to avoid arrest, behind doors that were closed and sealed, Jesus unexpectedly appeared among his disciples who had been chosen as apostles, and whom he had prepared to be witnesses of his resurrection.  Thomas was privileged to physically touch the wounds appearing in the hands and side of Jesus.  See John 20:  26-27.

(3.)  Jesus appeared to two men who were walking together from Jerusalem to the nearby town of Emmaus.  Neither recognized him by his physical appearance.  He walked along, and talked with them regarding current events, particularly the recent crucifixion, and death of the prophet whom they thought might be the promised Messiah from GOD who would govern and restore the greatness of Israel.  Jesus then began to instruct them about the prophesies of the Scriptures concerning himself.  See Luke 24:  13-35.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  In these instances, Jesus did not appear having the same physical features; and, was recognized only by the way he spoke a person’s name, by his breaking of bread, by other specific gestures as well as by the joy and peace experienced by those who received him.  As a further demonstration that he was raised bodily, and a material person, Jesus ate broiled fish and a honeycomb while among them.  Luke 24:  42-43.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.

LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.  Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother:  my soul is even as a weaned child.  (Psalms 131:  2, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/27/2013) By Inspiration of GOD

That correct knowledge of GOD and Christ must be gained by careful study of the holy writings is considered, today, as I again seek to encourage spiritual insight and understanding by using the Scriptures on Scripture format.

SOME THOUGHTS ON

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.  (2nd Timothy 3:  16-17, KJV) 


Deuteronomy 4:  2 (KJV)  2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.


Mark 12:  24 (KJV)  24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?


John 7:  37-43 (KJV)  37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.  38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive:  for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)  40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.  41 Others said, This is the Christ.  But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?  42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?  43 So there was a division among the people because of him.


Luke 24:  13-27 (KJV)  13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.  14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.  15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.  16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.  17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?  18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?  19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:  20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.  21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel:  and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.  22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;  23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.  24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said:  but him they saw not.  25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?  27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.


John 20:  19-31 (KJV)  19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.  21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you:  as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.  22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:  23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.  24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.  25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.  26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them:  then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.  27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side:  and be not faithless, but believing.  28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed:  blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.  30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:  31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.


2nd Corinthians 5:  7 (KJV)  7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)


Romans 15:  4 (KJV)  4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.


2 Peter 1:  19-21 (KJV)  19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:  but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.


Revelation 22:  18-20 (KJV)  18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.  20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.  Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus.


There is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood.  Again, I welcome readers to share as a comment a few of the Scriptures you feel should be added to those already being displayed, here.  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC