(09/13/2019) In The Last Days

Today, reply is on understanding Bible language that speaks to “the last days.” Christians are to grasp, we are living in the last stages of a profound transformation. Rather than a time-period or a season marked by catastrophe and upheaval, the last days frame the maturing and ripening for harvest of those who belong to Jesus Christ, and who will be removed from the earth at the Savior’s appearing. Mankind joined to Christ is to be released from mortality. The last days are the present condition and stage of the transformation of mankind to permanently exist as a companion to divinity. It is written: 1^st Thessalonians 4: 16-18, King James Version (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. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Christians, does bible say we are living in last days?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 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. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 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. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1^st Corinthians 15: 50-57, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: “Normal” For the World (09/10/2019); Recognizing The End Times (04/16/2019); Messiah Already Has Come (04/14/2019); Divine Preparations for Advent (03/17/2019); “The End Is Near” (03/14/2018); Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); About The End Of The World (08/30/2015)

“Anonymous”, there are multiple proclamations, promises, and prophecies throughout the Bible that speak of events that will occur in the “last days” for this Creation. The things recorded and written are not shared to detail and foretell future human events that are yet to happen so much as they are to provide further revelation of the divine character, process, and substance of divinity. Divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is immortal, and there will be no end of GOD. Discussions of the last days are not presented to belittle, frighten, or intimidate sinners; and they are provided as “prophecy” to comfort, edify and exhort. Discussions of the last days are to establish continuing consciousness of divine prerogative, unchanging eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. While there will be an apocalypse to complete and settle unresolved conflicts that exist between the Creator and all created beings and living creatures, and there will be the reconfiguration of heaven and earth, the operations of GOD will manifest judgment having finality, impartiality, and righteousness, rather than condemnation, punishment for sins, or warfare against rebellion. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Genesis 49: 1-2, King James Version (KJV): 1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. 2 Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.

2. Micah 4: 1-3, KJV: 1 But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. 2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks:

3. Acts 2: 16-21, KJV: 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

4. 2^nd Timothy 3: 1-5, KJV: 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Hebrews 1: 1-3, KJV: 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

AN AFTERTHOUGHT: Where Christian believers focus on the “the last days,” it is more correct we acknowledge that those on the earth who belong to Jesus Christ, and are mature/ripe for harvest are in the last stage of their preparation to be made immortal companions of divinity. Therefore, it is not a cause for alarm; and believers should not be careful regarding how long the duration of the last days, or when there will be the conclusion for the passing of some finite and predetermined period whose length continues to remain secret and unknown.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/10/2019) "Normal" For the World

Today, reply is on the conflict and tensions of the End Times being the ordinary and usual process of the World system. The World system is the collection of man-made elements to ensure exchange, interaction, carnal pleasure, and human survival. Christian believers are not to be alarmed, confused, or distracted from their sacred duties. It is written: Revelation 18: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Pris” (Level 1 with 70 points, a member since September 08, 2019) posted the following:

I believe we are living in the end times. In this era the world is going chaotic. Am I the only one alone on this?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 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. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.(James 4: 1-4, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Likened Unto 10 Virgins (09/09/2019); Recognizing The End Times (04/16/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); And There Was War? (06/12/2018); “The End Is Near” (03/14/2018); Avoiding Confusion About Antichrist (11/08/2017); About The Great Whore? (06/24/2016); The Endtime and Fear? (01/14/2015)

“Pris”, here are some things that may not be familiar; even so, properly understood, the counsel to developing and mature Christian believers from Jesus Christ is that our focus during the end time should not be on sin and punishment, the process and substance of the world, or the agonies and infirmities of the flesh. Rather, focus should be on the proclamations, promises, and prophecies shared with us by divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). For the belief system we call “the World”, conflict and striving are “normal” aspects of living process along with human mortality as are the domination of awareness and self-will (willpower) in created beings and living creatures by the operations of sin. Believers are neither to be in awe nor in spiritual confusion regarding the sights and sounds of the last days. Clear and graphic pictures have been provided within the holy writing to edify and further provide the comfort, faith and holy boldness required for the times. Mysteries and secrets are explained that include the Great Whore, who represents the commerce and industry of the World. The followers of Jesus are to be forward-looking, and to continue unselfish service to divinity displaying Christ-likeness, vigilance, and zeal. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. 1^st John 2: 14-17, King James Version (KJV): 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

2. Revelation 17: 1-7, KJV: 1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

3. Revelation 17: 14-18, KJV: 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Revelation 22: 16-21, KJV: 16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 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. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/09/2019) Likened Unto 10 Virgins

A depiction of the parable of the wise and foolish virgins

Today, reply is on how believers who are now on the earth may bring on and end our waiting for the Apocalypse (i.e., the end of the world). In the holy writings, all are exhorted to quickly make their decisions and establish their commitment to the Lord; displaying panic and rushing about in fear are discouraged. Those who pray for annihilation and sudden destruction do so under the influence of sin that promotes non-existence, and a return to the conditions of chaos, flux, and erratic streams of motion that were in place before the Creation. Such persons often mock the tarrying and orderly waiting practiced among the followers of Jesus Christ. In contrast, many Christians seek to use the power of fervent prayer, and they importune that waiting for the Second Coming may be reduced. The counsel on his appearing (we also say, the day of the Lord; the harvest; the Rapture) shared by Jesus Christ is that the church should serve remaining alert, vigilant, and filled with zeal until he returns. It is written: Luke 21: 33-36, King James Version (KJV): 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Violation Nation!!” (Level 4 with 2,690 points, a member since January 15, 2019) posted the following:

How can we as loving Christians bring about the apocalypse asap and end the world?

We must fulfill the prophecy, just as our God wills!!?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25: 1-13, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jesus Comes Back (06/20/2019); Recognizing The End Times (04/16/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); Preparing For The Rapture (11/09/2018); A Short Time Left (10/30/2018); Mysteries Of The Kingdom? (09/28/2018); Given A Divine Invitation (01/20/2016)

“Violation Nation!!”, those who are wise do not challenge divinity or complain against GOD regarding divine delays for the day of the Lord. While developing and mature Christian believers are instructed that mankind can not influence, manipulate, or operate upon divinity to alter and determine divine prerogative, sacred events, eternal purpose and expressions of sovereign will, our conduct as vessels containing divine spirit substance, and our practices that fulfill end time prophecy do establish and maintain conditions that invite and welcome the return of Jesus Christ. Believers are to live having the expectation (we say, hope) that multiple proclamations, promises and prophecies will be made actual, complete, and fulfilled. By our responses as the church founded by Jesus Christ, we may demonstrate that we are mature/ripe for harvest as those who will be taken from the earth at the coming of the Lord. No exact day or hour for the Savior’s return to reap the earth has been revealed. Believers are to prepare themselves and continue in constant readiness as though it might be today, and in this very hour. The human mechanical and natural conduct for the spiritual acts of GOD are to be addressed through our ongoing disciplines, lifestyles, and daily routines. Until the time of his coming, believers should display the inseparable aspects of spirit essence from GOD that include balance, consistency, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, restraint, stability, and the patience of the saints. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Isaiah 5: 18-21, King James Version (KJV): 18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: 19 That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

2. 2^nd Peter 3: 8-14, KJV: 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Colossians 3: 12-17, KJV: 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/16/2019) Recognizing The End Times

Today, reply is on discerning the end times in agreement with sacred knowledge and divine process, rather than in accordance with natural events and human affairs. While Christian believers are recruited to plant, water, and labor for a divine harvest, believers can do nothing to bring about the end so much as they are to appear in judgment as eye-witness to the righteousness of GOD. Believers are not to request displays and interventions by GOD to establish the legitimacy of things already “finished” by having been once and for all divinely proclaimed, promised, and prophesied. Ones certainty, conviction and ability to discern the presence of sacred operations and spirit content from GOD within events, other persons, practices, etc., must derive from faith and other inseparable spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “I trust the count” (Level 7 with 277,497 points, a member since March 02, 2006) posted the following:

Do you believe we're nearing the end times?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed. (Matthew 16: 1-4, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Prophecy And Divine Process (04/15/2019); The Solutions From GOD (04/03/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); “The End Is Near” (03/14/2018); Recognizing Jesus in Glory (02/05/2017); Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); Filled With The Cross? (04/17/2016); About The End Of The World (08/30/2015)

“I trust the count”, currently, many are seeking to identify the end times on the basis of worldly and secular knowledge, or carnal, material, social, and even weather events (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes, storms), rather than rely on sacred knowledge and spiritual proclamations, promises and prophecies existing among us. Yet, the end times signal upheaval no more than the labor pains that ordinarily accompany birth. The multiple streams of sacred truth that address end times for those on the earth include prophecy, revelation, and visions. The sacred character, process, and substance of these different forms of divine communication result in different levels of awareness, emphasis, and focus on the end times. For many, the holy writings address the resolution of human conflict, the elimination of sin, and the settlement of all disputes among the living. For others issues of apocalypse, final judgment, and eternal life are in view. Still others, acknowledge the fulfillment of eternal purpose wherein the living GOD is exalted and glorified having dominion and sovereignty over all that exists. Where men examine end times events and issues as a matter of their own condemnation and punishment for sin, they tend to become disheartened, fearful, and weak in faith. Where it is understood that divinity receives release from continuing confrontation, controversy, and lingering dissatisfaction from the earlier Creation, awareness will should turn to faith, hope, joy, trust and eternal companionship with immortal, incorruptible divinity. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Matthew 24: 3-13, King James Version (KJV): 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

2. Matthew 24: 21-31, KJV: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 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. 28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. 29 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: 30 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. 31 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. 2^nd Timothy 3: 1-5, KJV: 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

AN AFTERTHOUGHT: There are multiple meanings in use where Christian believers speak of “the end.” When referring to “end times,” many intend the period leading up to the final completion or fulfillment of prophecies and visions that are recorded in the Bible. Destruction, punishment, the second death, and the termination of duration and existence for the devil, for sin, and for the man-made belief system intended to ensure human survival (we say, the world) also are the focus for many presentations. Christians are cautioned to remember that their salvation begun through repentance and rebirth is an eternal life that is a new creation. When the end of mortality appears, followers of Jesus Christ will be continued through judgment, resurrection, and transformation to exist as life companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity. Nor will there be an end to the immutable, unchanging word of GOD.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/01/2019) Challenges To The Church?

Today, thoughts are shared on whether the church created by Jesus Christ can survive despite current problems made visible by the lust and sin of some that include high-ranking clergy. Christians are to understand that as a permanent part of the flesh and an aspect of our personhood that can not always be suppressed by relying on human self-will (i.e., willpower), sexuality has great power that can appear as godly, irresistible, magical, and supernatural. Appetite and sexual desire are not contrary to human makeup and substance, and are acknowledged as natural, normal, and necessary to full human adulthood. Thoughts of sexual activity may still control, influence, and defile spirit substance within most of us who are now being claimed by Jesus Christ. Sexual sins that include adultery, fornication, prostitution and statutory rape threaten to bring only condemnation and ruin that separate the Savior and the saved; yet, they will be used by divinity along with apostasy, heresy, unselfish service, and the demands of personal sacrifice within the church to uncover otherwise disguised and hidden opposition to the headship of Christ. Prophecy to alert, comfort, edify, and exhort the church clearly proclaims that the church will be shaken in the End Times as part of its preparation to receive Jesus at the harvest (we say, his appearing; the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). It is written: Hebrews 12: 25-29, King James Version (KJV): 25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire. The challenges and consequences from sin may continue within ones family inheritance for as much as four generations (160 years). Bitterness; generational curses; ignorance and lack of compassion to the burdens and struggles parents may have endured; exaggerated pride; and lingering rage against ones own parents—even those who are deceased that should be memorialized and given a new name by their heir(s)—are only overcome where believers will embrace divine forgiveness, empathy, integrity, and maturity. Similarly, the process of GOD through the church has to be one of uninterrupted change, discovery, gradual growth, as well as learning with shared concern and disclosure. Men on the earth can not be about godliness and truth without the endowments, guidance, and spirit substance provided from the makeup of GOD. Because the divine law is to be acknowledged as a true expression of the divine will, much of the public indignation, outcries for punishment, and outrage displayed by social media often can be seen as counterfeit human expressions that mimic divine wrath against sin. In Christ, genuine wrath against wrongdoing is more completely and correctly demonstrated through such sacred elements as forgiveness, holy boldness, humility, longsuffering, obedience, respect, restraint, and reverence to true righteousness. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Can The Catholic church survive with its current problems?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I have built for thy name: Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near; Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness; And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name: Then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and maintain their cause, And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them: (1^st Kings 8: 44-50, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Appetite and Human Sexuality? (10/19/2018); Applying The Divine Standards (10/02/2018); Christ Is The Head (07/12/2018); The Church Of Jesus (06/18/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); Flesh As Divine Vessels? (01/14/2018); Cast the First Stone? (01/12/2017); Gender, Sex and Christian Beliefs? (05/18/2016); Temptations, Tests and Trials? (05/12/2015)

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers are not to loose sight of the essential truth that the church founded by Jesus Christ is to be received as more than a finite institution, or social organization for distributing and sharing financial and material resources needed for human survival on the earth. As a spiritual body that must acquire, apply, and rely on divine prerogative, sacred law, and the sovereign will of GOD, the church will always be a life-focus and process determined by the communication, exchange and interaction of inseparable aspects of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Correctly understood, atonement, displaying Christ-likeness, eternal life, redemption, salvation, transformation, and the gathering of believers to GOD through Jesus Christ are the primary themes of the church, rather than making “search and destroy” attacks against the many specific errors, sins and short-comings of the flesh. Sin continues to be an enigma for mankind that has not been created, or put forth by divinity. Sin may dominate consciousness and self-will within created beings and living creatures. Even so, sin has no finite material form; and the operations of sin display direction, effect, and presence. Sin can not be eliminated or removed by any simple act of divine destruction, “do-over”, and violence. Sin favors and promotes self-destruction through the return to conditions of chaos, confusion and flux that were in place as preexistence before the founding of heaven and earth. Sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, the Lawgiver, and divine order throughout the universe.

Many within the church are presently very vocal expressing wrath against sin. GOD, who is Creator has also revealed himself to be a god of judgment. While divine law commands obedience, simple obedience does not fulfill all the requirements of the law. Therefore, addressing the church, we speak of divine principles, eternal purpose, and commitments by divinity that display the righteousness of GOD, and are immutable and unchanging. With this in view, the demands for judgment and justice within the church will not always be the same as those within the local communities served by the church. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1: Exodus 34: 4-8, King James Version (KJV): 4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone. 5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. 6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. 8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

2. Galatians 5: 16-23, KJV: 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Romans 3: 19-23, KJV: 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/02/2018) His Words About Returning

Today, the reply presents the words of Jesus Christ about his return to harvest the earth of those belonging to divinity through his name. No specific date or hour has been proclaimed by divinity for the return of Jesus Christ to the earth; and acknowledgment of Christ must go forward as the manifesting of faith and holiness along with the other inseparable aspects from the image of GOD (e.g., longsuffering; lovingkindness; oneness without sameness; personhood; wisdom; wrath against sin). There must be the continuance of gradual growth for those who are born again in addition to discovery, fellowship, enduring hardship, repentance, and unselfish service. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Father Ben Dover” (Level 1 with 42 points, a member since February 08, 2015) posted the following:

When do you think Jesus is coming for us?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26: 40-41, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Preparing For The Rapture (11/09/2018); A Short Time Left (10/30/2018); Christian Beliefs Are Forward-looking (09/23/2018); “The End Is Near” (03/14/2018); The Most Important Thing (12/28/2017); “Occupy Till I Come” (08/30/2017); Waiting For His Appearing (02/09/2016); Christ Coming Soon? (10/16/2015); If You Knew When? (09/17/2015)

“Father Ben Dover”, the revelation of GOD to mankind has included in depth sacred knowledge pertaining to the birth, ministry, death, eternal purpose, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; yet, there is no proclamation of a specific day and time of his Advent (we also say, his appearing; the Rapture; Second Coming). To avoid error and spiritual confusion, developing and mature Christian believers are encouraged to rely on the things declared through the holy writings, rather than depend on conjecture, speculation, and personal opinions. The guidance and instruction given the apostles and elders for the church are intended to ensure continuity of the ministry, and the further unfolding of repentance, salvation, and new creation as a lifestyle providing sacred opportunities and possibilities that conform to divine law. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Deuteronomy 29: 29, King James Version (KJV): 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

2. Matthew 24: 3-8, KJV: 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

3. Matthew 24: 24-31, KJV: 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 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. 28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. 29 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: 30 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. 31 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.

4. Matthew 24: 35-37, KJV: 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Mark 13: 31-33, KJV: 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/25/2018) Natural Law, Enmity, Sin

Today, reply is on divine judgment, why there are many false accusers, and the Scripture tools for understanding the end times.  The revelation of GOD to created beings and living creatures has been provided through patterns of events that display divine personhood and sacred process, and that make divinity visible as active presence.  The use of false accusers to glorify GOD pertains to a form of judgment (testing; trial) different from that of tribunal for condemnation and punishment.  When challenged in the same way as was Jesus himself, otherwise hidden, Christ-like character and spirit makeup will be exposed.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:


Why are there so many disrespectful false accusers in these last days?

I'm excited to go home with my Father


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:  and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?  Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.  (1st Peter 4:  12-19, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Neither “All-knowing” Nor “Omniscient” (11/07/2017); The Peace to Endure? (03/28/2017); A Child Is Born (12/28/2016); How Is Flesh Evil? (10/28/2016); Why Is Lust Condemned? (07/20/2016); Hardness of Heart? (11/24/2013); Prayer on Behalf of Others? (11/25/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013)


“Anonymous”, there is an ongoing process of GOD.  The holy writings do not allow mature Christian believers to completely and correctly explain all the eternal purposes of divinity, the imperatives generated by multiple streams of divine truth, or “why” GOD may have used specific events and methods to express the divine heart, prerogative, and sovereign will.  Much of the ungodly behavior that is manifest in the public arena, today, appears in response to such influences as ignorance; mechanical and natural laws; the operations of sin that dominate awareness and self-will in the living; and secular knowledge that empowers covetousness, exaggerated pride, selfishness, and presumption against divinity.  Rather than declarations of “why” from the divine fullness, there are many Scripture tools from GOD to comfort, prepare, and steady the church of Jesus Christ.  Included are admonitions, descriptions of conditions, doctrines, instructions, parables, prophecies, signs, and warnings.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Genesis 3:  14-16, King James Version (KJV):  14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:  15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.  16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

(2.)  Acts 2:  17-21, KJV:  17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:  and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:  18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:  19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:  20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:  21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

(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.

(4.)  2nd Timothy 3:  1-5, KJV:  1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Corinthians 15:  22-28, KJV:  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.  24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.  28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/11/2018) On Selecting Scripture Verses

Today, reply is on divine love, the use of popular and preferred scripture verses, and the wrath of GOD against sin.  The Bible is a collection of writings that fit together providing a full revelation of divinity.  The Gospel that proclaims the appearance of Deity using flesh and blood as Jesus Christ (we say, the Incarnation) is only one aspect of the full Bible presentation of sacred knowledge.  The death of Jesus on the cross is inseparable from his divine conception, his lowly birth, his ministry in the earth, his dying on the cross, his glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven, and his return to harvest those who are his from the earth (we say, Advent, his appearing, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  While the holy writings truly are a godly tool, and a weapon that may rebuke and repel the enemies of sinners who choose to repent and follow Christ, the Scriptures are intended for ministry, priesthood, and the administration of righteous government by divinely anointed kings.  Scripture should not be used for such common activity as competition, conflict, and quarrels among believers; deception, fraud, and scams; self-promotion; and showing off.  Rightly understood, the word from GOD only is to be shared by his heirs, his offspring, and his prophet or spokesperson(s).  The word of GOD is to make present and reveal the heart and mind of GOD, not that of his messengers and servants.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Christian sinner” (Level 7 with 206,851 points, a member since November 28, 2006) posted the following:


Why is this verse not used more than John 3:16?

'John 3
36
"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them."
They are both good verses. Verse 36 seems to use a more defined 'what if I don't'.
Update: yesmar,
What are you aware of concerning what people think God's wrath is what would cause them to miss something important? I'm trying to think about it and I come up with nothing.
Update 2: Ryan,
It is God's vengeance. Not mine. He does it, and claims to have it.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  (2nd Corinthians 4:  1-7, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus Paid It All (04/04/2018); The Word of GOD (09/05/2017); The Complete Divine Revelation? (03/10/2017); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017); A “Good” Verse? (05/09/2014); What GOD Demands (05/10/2014); According to This Word (09/20/2013); His Burden Is Light? (09/21/2013)


“Christian sinner”, many developing Christians respect “John 3:  16” as a summary of the full gospel and revelation of GOD incarnate as Jesus Christ where mature Christians have focused on end time events and prophecy, final judgment and the Advent (we say, his appearing; the harvest; the Rapture; the Second Coming) as a special focus of the Good News.  While “John 3:  16” declares salvation and the possibility of companionship with immortal, incorruptible divinity through the Son of GOD, the love of GOD is proclaimed and revealed as primary within the divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father the Son, the Holy Spirit) and as necessary for relationships with Deity as divine law; judgment; personhood; the imparted, indwelling spirit; wisdom; and wrath against sin.

The righteous demands and obligations of divine law may not be dismissed, ignored, or promoted as ancient relics that no longer have meaning and value.  Simply put, the character, makeup and substance of created beings and living creatures require multiple levels of communication, exchange, and interaction whereby invisible, unseen authority and sovereign person becomes knowable, known, accessible, and approachable.  Divinity appears in flesh and blood as Jesus Christ permitting the living to engage the Creator through intimate, ongoing relations (e.g., praise, prayer, service, worship).  GOD is no longer to be regarded as an abstraction, an academic construct, or an intellectual notion.  Even so, the GOD who appears through Jesus must be acknowledged as a god of judgment, a god who must honor his own words of proclamation, promise and prophecy as well as a god who has made permanent provisions for mortal men to receive eternal life through divine grace.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

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

(2.)  John 6:  63, KJV:  63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing:  the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

(3.)  Hebrews 4: 12, KJV:  12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC