(03/11/2020) Born Mortal or Immortal?

Today, reply is on the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ at his birth. In the same way Eve was fashioned from Creation appearing within the rib of Adam, and was not fashioned from the soil of the earth, Jesus Christ was not fashioned from dust, and was made manifest from the substance of Mary as a sanctified vessel containing aspects of divine Creation. It is written: Luke 1: 26-33, King James Version (KJV): 26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Nick” (Level 1 with 247 points) posted the following:

Was Jesus Christ born mortal or immortal?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1: 10-14, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Acknowledging Christ as Son (03/08/2020); Aspects Defining Human Life? (03/02/2020); Spirit Process and Substance (02/27/2020); Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Do Animals Have “Souls”? (01/19/2020); Will Jesus Come Soon? (01/09/2020); Fully Communicating Human Potential? (09/30/2019); The Penalty of Death? (04/26/2019)

“Nick”, Jesus was born filled with the Holy Spirit, consecrated and sanctified, yet, was mortal. At present, only divinity exists as having immortality; mankind is mortal; and angels and the sacred beasts in heaven have “duration” within the frameworks of time and space, yet, are neither mortal nor immortal. Existing as spirit in form, divinity also is incorruptible and invisible. The appearance of divinity on earth using human form and process as Jesus Christ to provide an atonement for sin, redemption, and salvation required authentic humanity be displayed through birth from a woman, acknowledgment of sacred law, aging, growth, learning, mortality, suffering, death, and resurrection from the dead. The divine process for those living on the earth to recover and be restored from the sin of Adam has been demonstrated in the life and ministry of Jesus including the imparting of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity (we say, the Comforter; the Holy Ghost; the Spirit of Prophecy; the Spirit of Truth). Inseparable aspects of divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) make possible the forms of communication, exchange and interaction among the living that we speak of as a new covenant relationship with GOD. Examples are balance, commitment, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Sinners who turn to GOD through Christ become developing believers who are “born again”, must become mature again, and are to display the image of GOD while living on the earth. As mature believers, the saints are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of the Lord. The full transformation from mortal to immortal that believers are to undergo will be completed at the appearing of Christ (we say, the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and selection from the music ministry of Pro Musica Leánykar; Pro Musica Girls Choir, Hungary (Nyíregyháza):

(1.) Isaiah 11: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

(2.) Isaiah 9: 6-7, KJV: 6 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. 7 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.

(3.) Luke 1: 34-35, KJV: 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the Ave Maria of Franz Biebl is a Catholic prayer said at 6am, 12 noon and 6pm: "The Angel of the Lord Declared unto Mary and she conceived of the Holy Ghost" followed by the Hail Mary then "Mary said" "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to Thy word". Hail Mary..then "and the Word(Jesus Christ)was made flesh and dwelt amongst us" followed by a final Hail Mary. (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV7l0uqOD_8&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLN0d5BuUaMYlRM-Z4tim65s&index=4&t=0s). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:38 AM, March 11, 2020 @ http://userpages.bright.net/~weenee/christmas/nativity.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/04/2019) GOD Is The Creator?

Today, reply is on heaven and earth as the creation of GOD, and the world as a man-made system for life and survival on the earth. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Zepplin” (Level 3 with 1,091 points, a member since April 04, 2019) posted the following:

Why do people blame the way the world is on Satan and Adam and Eve when God is the creator?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. (Isaiah 45: 18-19, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jesus Comes Back (06/20/2019); According To Divine Purpose (06/09/2019); Baptism Is Not DIY (05/28/2019); Salvation Through Jesus Christ (03/25/2019); The Device of Incarnation (10/18/2017); Divine Wrath Against Sin? (10/17/2017); Blame, Sin and Salvation? (02/13/2017); The Origin of Sin? (07/31/2015)

“Zepplin”, sacred truth must be known through things that are set apart by GOD such as doctrine, prophecy, and vision. Among mature Christian believers, GOD is the Maker of heaven and earth, while the world has been created as a system for exchange and survival by the created beings and living creatures that were fashioned in the image of GOD. Divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is the Creator and origin of all things that pertain to the existence, operation and possibilities of divine spirit including the order that describes the physical universe and spheres of life, personhood, eternal purpose, sacred substance, and diverse forms of acknowledgment, interaction and worship. Accountability, dominion, and ownership within the world that obscures and warps the image of GOD are traceable to Adam, Eve and Satan, who together responded to the operations of sin. In the same way focus on the letter of divine law rather than its spirit continues the knowledge of sin, the condition of mortality also hinders the realization of eternal life by those who have been created.

Sin is an enigma containing no divine substance, having no discrete physical form, and has not been put forth by GOD. Even so, sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (willpower) within created beings and living creatures. The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and all the standards for meaning, quality and value generated by GOD. Sin promotes chaos, flux, and the streaming of motion without direction and form, we say, a return to preexistence, and the conditions in place before the founding of heaven and earth.

The finite tools provided to the living (e.g., appetite; emotion; intellect; logic; philosophy; carnal reason; science) allow for creative and imaginative operations of mind that focus on things immaterial and invisible, yet, do not permit a full and correct articulation of divine spirit (we say, breath; life essence; word). To apprehend, commune, and interact with divinity, the living must contain inseparable aspects of sacred substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Through Jesus Christ, mankind receives a fresh endowment of divine seed, and will exist as the new creation. Included are balance; faith; forbearance; holiness; longsuffering; lovingkindness; oneness without sameness; wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Isaiah 51: 11-15, King James Version (KJV): 11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; 13 And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor? 14 The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail. 15 But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.

2. John 4: 23-24, KJV: 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

3. Revelation 14: 6-7, 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Revelation 14: 14-16, KJV: 14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:30 AM, July 4, 2019 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVGK6brk-gpmXXw4jCA0u96tcvFmznVDU3zBj2Q0iXRKw8ypqWMa7DiuBOL1XLs22MOhL1hq3MbXolSD_v_ixKfPfWr55SAdbD9PPSQYe45f9b01_fCBIOZfPHosdAV2_59zJ0jeoeoJs/s1600/Enter+In.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/05/2018) Fashioned From The Rib

Today, reply is on avoiding spiritual confusion that results from seeking to combine sacred and secular knowledge to describe the Creation of mankind. The relationships and roles whereby mankind interacts with the three persons of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) appear through the operation of both flesh and divine spirit. To exist as a living companion to immortal, incorruptible divinity is enriched and made even more challenging by the differences among the living that result from aspects of developmental growth and gender. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shown) posted the following:

If Eve was made from Adam's rib, wouldn't they have had identical DNA?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3: 26-29, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Two Become One Flesh (01/07/2018); Having Personhood Without Gender? (12/13/2017); The Flesh An Obstacle? (07/29/2016); Gender and Salvation? (10/01/2015); The Male, the Female, and GOD (02/09/2014); Destroying the Resurrected Body? (02/10/2014); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012); On Asking Why (11/08/2012)

“Anonymous”, when mixing ideas and language from both Christian belief and science there is great risk that those who are set apart as sanctified for service to GOD will become defiled, unclean, and no longer fit―profanity and spiritual confusion may result. It is not inappropriate to describe the material makeup and substance of the human body using the human tools of biochemistry and genetics that speak of cellular process, “chromosomes”, and strands of DNA. Even so, developing Christian believers are correct to prayerfully consider the multiple streams of sacred truth that describe Creation, and the divine operations for redemption, salvation, and eternal life. For example:

1. Before the creation of Adam (the name GOD gave to the first male and female human pair), divinity established the pattern that diverse species of living creatures would exist on the earth displaying gender differences that would encourage them to endure as life companions, interact, reproduce through sexual joining, and populate the entire earth.

2. Gender and sexuality are inherited through birth, and continue from cradle to grave. Both male and female children may become sexually active before they develop skills to meet the demands for accountability within stable relationships, or attain emotional, psychological, and spiritual maturity. Only the female of the species will bear children (i.e., nurture them within her own body).

3. A female is accounted as a woman and no longer a child on the basis of her physiological maturity (i.e., features of her physical body, and her readiness to bear children); her social skills to meet life challenges; and the same distinctive traits that appeared within Eve (the name given the female by the male). Included are the length of her hair; the pitch, timbre, and tone of her voice; her body odor; and her vulnerability to injury and sickness.

4. Because sexual joining occurs as emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual all at the same time, even simple behaviors such as holding hands or a kiss on the cheek may communicate the same attraction and desire as full intercourse.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Having and expressing sexuality are not condemned as “original sin;” and sexual joining can result in both partners being reinforced and strengthened. The eternal purposes of GOD also are to continue as active and present within human consciousness through ones own sexuality. However, behavior such as casual sex, promiscuity, and sexual addiction repeatedly have been condemned as contrary to divine intent. To avoid defilement and weakening of ones self-will (willpower), Christian believers usually avoid fornication (joining ones spirit to unseen partners who are not physically present). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/23/2018) Childbearing Pertains to Judgment?

Today, reply is on childbearing being exclusive to women as showing divine bias, discrimination, prejudice, and social injustice.  Divine glory appears through existence and life, even so, the death sentence against the operations of sin within the first pair has not been dismissed, and has only been delayed.  The putting forth of life from life continues, and has been buttressed and reinforced through observances to rejoin women to their family and community, restore their purity, and provide fresh endowments of spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD for salvation.  It remains that the ability to conceive children, like rebirth and salvation, can appear as a sacred event, and an act of divine will not merely from human desire.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


Doesn’t the fact that only women have babies prove God is racist towards women! Shouldn’t childbearing be 50-50?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.  And Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel:  and he said, Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?  (Genesis 30:  1-2, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  We Begin Within GOD (02/06/2018); Two Become One Flesh (01/07/2018); The Gender of GOD? (12/29/2015); Strong Families? (11/10/2015); Gender and Salvation? (10/01/2015); The Glory of GOD? (06/23/2015); Saved in Childbearing? (10/31/2012); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012)


“Anonymous”, because of the fall of Adam (i.e., the name GOD used for both the male and the female), childbearing pertains to the mercy that may accompany and relieve condemnation (the death sentence) required by divine judgment.  Through grace, divine prerogative, and the sovereign will of GOD, mankind has been made mortal as the alternative to immediate imposition of what we now call the second death.  The issues are not those of caste, ethnicity, gender, and social economic standing.  There are differences in accountability for the male and female as well as aspects of eternal purpose, the exercise of dominion by mankind, populating and preserving the earth, and establishing permanent changes in the endowment of life essence (breath, spirit, Word) that was imparted to mankind.

Correctly understood, the death sentence was to be carried out against the woman, for she was the one who first demonstrated behavior that transgressed the divine law.  Her character, nature, and roles would have weight in determining multiple sacred operations that include rebirth, repentance, reconciliation, regeneration, and renewal.  The serpent should be recognized as an accessory before the act through deception, exhortation, and providing false information; while the male was an accessory in amplifying the offense by flight and hiding along with refusing to cooperate with the divine investigation, and her apprehension after the act.  Where a plate glass window has been shattered by a brick during a riot, the person who threw the brick has accountability along with the person that handed her the brick, those who urged her to throw it, those who gave counsel to run, and those who aided her flight from justice (her get-away).

In accord with the divine pattern established for other living creatures, the female was created to serve the male as his life companion, and to be his partner in reproducing their kind.  Unlike angels, animals, insects, or sacred beasts that are alive in heaven, by existing as the life companion to the male, the female also became a life companion to divinity.  It was to be the privilege of the pair to share with one another and their offspring inseparable aspects from the makeup of immortal, incorruptible GOD.  Included were faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Because our salvation is not on the basis of our having complete knowledge, or power through self-will that can establish permanent change in our own makeup, many make the error of thinking they may accuse GOD, and render judgment against the Creator.  They are blind to the subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden and sudden shifts of meaning, quality, and value) within all sacred process, and fail to bring to their judgment such divine tools as balance, completeness, humility, impartiality, perfection, and righteousness.  It is not that GOD is indifferent to the carnal, material, secular, and social needs of men and women; or is partial only to one gender.  Divine love coupled with inheritance and the provisions of mercy (that may only be obtained when submitting to judgment) have established childbearing as a “conditional release” from condemnation along with the menstrual cycle of blood to purge the conscience, set a woman apart for use by GOD (sanctification), serve as a personal memorial of the cross and the Savior’s blood shed for atonement and remission of sin, and to stand out as an aspect of their rededication to GOD.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Timothy 2:  13-15, King James Version (KJV):  13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.  14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.  15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

(2.)  Leviticus 12:  1-7,KJV:  1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,  2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child:  then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.  3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.  4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.  5 But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation:  and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days.  6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:  7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.

(3.)  Hebrews 9:  13-24, KJV:  13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:  14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.  17 For a testament is of force after men are dead:  otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.  18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.  19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,  20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.  21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.  22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.  23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.  24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, childbearing is not a punishment, it is an aspect of blessing and inheritance:  (4.)  Psalms 127:  3-5, KJV:  3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:  and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:  they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/016/2017) Poem: Adam's Time of Sleep

Still from a film reading Genesis 2
ADAM & EVE (THE TRUE STORY)

Today, a poem is shared recalling Citizen Martin Luther King, Jr.  Surely, the legacy of Reverend King began in Father Adam, the inheritance of priesthood and service to a righteous Creator.  The first man was granted an unexpected rest, and perhaps, a vision of family, a sharing of unity and peace, and an image of his sons as life to overspread the earth.  For mankind, the lasting gifts of life all follow some form of death and release (we say, rest, sleep) that signals continuity and the fulfillment of eternal purpose.   There are to be multiple transactions of purchase through sacrifice (Psalms 50:  5, King James Version, KJV).  (See the film from 4thaluvofit @https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xxx7m-1iik&t=423s)

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory:  where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?  Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not:  thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.  (Isaiah 63:  15-16, King James Version, KJV)

ADAM’s TIME OF SLEEP 
[For Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 2017]

Supposing Adam dreamed
What do you think he saw
new formed, the shafts of time
And vision fearless still

Lives that do not matter?
His own sons wearing chains?
King Cotton and Jim Crow?
Mammon the Oppressor?

There was no darkness then
His mind the lamp light flame
His heart a candle glow
Sleep oozing like an oil

He drifted from command
Surrendering his sense
And body to be made
A new creation two

For names the beasts had come
Yet all as kinds and pairs
Sparking a vague regret
There was no vessel meet

And death would have to be
the tool to bring release
From agonies of fear
unutterable pain

And unnamed loneliness
Seed from the earth could be
Seed in the earth could not
And so must spring from he

A she whose work to sprout
A race of living seed
Bold heirs of breath and grace
An heritage from GOD

Awakening he saw
The one whom he must know
Oneness without sameness
To overspread the earth

It was his Son who came
With miracles of love
To die upon a cross
A testament in blood

Why do you pale or shrink
That other sons dreamed too
Who heard our father’s voice
And spoke sight to the blind

News of new creation
The coming of brief sleep
That we would overcome
That justice would prevail

That the liberty bell
Of life would sound and ring
Divine glory will shine
The Father’s face will beam

Anointed with gladness
His true sons will embrace
Crowned with honor and peace
Free at last, Free at last

Awake clear eyes receive
The earth made new our hope
Black and white together
Eternally alive

Unchanging, so diverse
The family of man
In the full strength of love
To study war no more

©Michael Andrew Williams, 2017.  All rights reserved worldwide.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/01/2015) The 8th Day?

In addition to teaching by the Holy Spirit on the creation of Adam, there are points shared, today, on the first Sabbath.  No information has been given believers through the Bible that indicates further divine action occurred following the creation of the female aspect of Adam that would establish existence and a sphere of life for any other kind of living creature than man.  Correctly understood, the GODhead displayed and revealed the Sabbath as a further aspect of eternal divinity through—and sovereignty over—all Creation.  The active presence we describe as Sabbath appeared, was manifested, and then proclaimed to be divine rest, acknowledgment, and rejoicing.  The Sabbath is a permanent aspect of divine order for the entire universe.  Therefore, the Sabbath itself is more than a brief or measurable time period; and pertains to exchange, interaction and process for the sacred matter and spirit substance that are the makeup of GOD.  Where mankind becomes joined to divinity through the imparted Spirit, correct embrace of the Sabbath also is seen as praise, thanksgiving, and solemn worship.  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the points appearing below:  1st Corinthians 2:  12-13, King James Version (KJV):  12 Now we have received , not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  Also, 2nd Corinthians 6:  2, KJV:  2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee:  behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

(1.)   Many Christian believers accept the teachings in accordance with the Scriptures that say the female aspect of Adam was made a living soul on the sixth day of Creation.  In the initial appearance of the male, before his being paired with the female for reproduction—as had been done with most of the animals—Adam was to be a companion to an eternal Deity who requires exclusive devotion (we say, Jealous).  The male acknowledged that the female was fashioned from his own material body, saying, Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh; yet, did not describe the female as having come forth from his own spirit, by his own will, or by the spirit and will of GOD.  The divine fashioning and in-breathing of the female (called “Adam” by GOD; called “Eve” and “Woman” by the male) was completed before Sabbath as the highest and “crowning achievement” among the divine creative works.

(2.)  Many teach that the Sabbath is the only thing that was introduced or “created” upon the seventh day.  The first day following the Sabbath (some say, the 8th Day of Creation) does not appear a focus for divine revelation throughout the holy writings as does the seventh day.  Only the scheduling of circumcision makes the eighth day seem notable, because the ceremony is an entrance into ongoing covenant with GOD.

(3.)  The frameworks established for finite beings through the movement of objects as events (i.e., time and space) are used by divinity to supply awareness in the living with such features as balance, direction, focus, guidance, and stability.  However, the eternal purposes of divinity require that those living upon the earth be transformed to exist having immortality and incorruptibility.  With this in view, the Sabbath further operates to release mankind from mortality, with its strictures and structures for carnal existence.

(4.)  Many of the events that followed the seven days of Creation are not described in detail; and no calendar or timetable appears.  Even so, it is reasonable to assume (i.e., take it to be true without argument and debate, or extensive documentation, evidence, experimentation, observation, etc.) that things spoken of through the various accounts occurred through sequential unfolding that may be described using what we know as “time periods” (e.g., hours, days, months, years).  Thus, we assume once they were conceived, the children born through Eve arrived after a standard period of nine months.  Similarly, all other events in Scripture appear in line with their own peculiar development, growth, pacing and progression.

(5.)  Adam remained alive upon the earth for nearly 1,000 years; and served as an oral historian, a Patriarch (i.e., the chief authority and head over a family), a divinely-authorized and divinely-instructed high priest who was commanded to make offerings and sacrifices to GOD; and a living witness having testimony of divinity upon the earth.

(6.)  Acknowledging the pattern from divine Creation, a day is reckoned to last from one evening to the next, and a complete week is understood as having seven full days.  Sabbath-observance demonstrated by the Jews as a people in sacred covenant with divinity was maintained for a period of forty years (called, a generation in Scripture) as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.  Many features and practices of earlier covenants were restored then, including circumcision, offerings, and sacrifices.  Sabbath-keeping was then linked to more than the law that had been written in stone, and proclaimed to all the people by the voice of GOD.  Those delivered from Egypt were continually reminded of the terms for covenant through the pillars of cloud and fire, the Tabernacle, their regular activity for physical survival, and events in nature that made it their necessary daily work to collect and gather manna for food.  From the time of Moses to the present, sundown of the sixth day (Friday) until sundown of the seventh day (Saturday) has been acknowledged as sanctified (we say, set apart for sacred use).

By now you recognize the words I use to say, TO BE CONTINUED:  There is far more that must be said to fully shift your awareness regarding that that is holy (i.e. having the active presence, and eternal purposes of divinity).  For example, (7.)  Today is the first day following the first, ancient, eternal and timeless Sabbath.  It is in this day we call “now”, through the unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit that a new creation is being put forth through birth, suffering, death, rebirth, resurrection, ascension, and atonement.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and willingness to be granted spiritual maturity.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/16/2015) The Creation Of Mankind?

I share some ideas, today, on the various creation stories that feature Adam and Eve, on divine revelation through utterance (the Word), and on the accuracy of a believer’s sacred knowledge.  A reader at thoughts.com requested I share my understanding of what are found by many to be conflicting and confusing accounts of Creation from the holy writings.  In accordance with the faith from GOD deposited within me, there are no contradictions or errors within the Scriptures.  GOD is a spirit, and we must worship him in spirit and in truth.  Saying the Scriptures are “the word of GOD,” we say, the Scriptures are put forth by a spirit.  The Scriptures, therefore, must be understood through spirit content, spirit process, and spirit substance.  When taken as a product of flesh (carnal, material, social beings), the Scriptures display multiple patterns and similarities among the accounts found there that some will attribute to human characteristics, human error, and human nature.  While there are multiple ways to apply, explain and relate the information shared through sacred documents only a narrow band of these acknowledge, describe and demonstrate divine consciousness, holiness, and eternal purpose.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  (1st John 4:  12-16, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  To Express the Fullness of GOD? (07/09/2015); The Words Are Spirit? (06/03/2015); Getting It Right About Angels (05/10/2015); Those Who Read? (02/17/2015); The First Book of the Bible? (11/20/2014); The Beginning of Wisdom? (11/21/2014); The Male, the Female, and GOD (02/09/2014); Destroying the Resurrected Body? (02/10/2014); Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013); A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); Before the Fruit? (11/10/2012); Why "Mysterious" (11/11/2012)


Many seek to read and study the holy writings as a narrative using chronological order, and having a beginning, a middle, and an end.  However, the intent and process of divinity is one of introducing permanent change and transformation of ones spirit content.  While the narrative can be absorbing, rich, and riveting, it is incidental and minor.  The narrative is only a device to foster spiritual focus (we say, attention), and generate an appetite for genuine sacred power.  Those who hear, who understand, and who submit to Christ are to be used as living stones for a spiritual house of GOD upon the earth.  Those in error, who want to introduce other architectural plans and blueprints, fantasies, and vulgar notions of beauty and symmetry also are willing to use foreign materials and non-biblical resources they have seen others display in houses and structures to promote philosophy, science, technology and the world.  Christian believers are challenged to operate having a new consciousness of GOD that is to gradually overcome their inner process that now upholds continuing arbitrary differences, complacency, denial, digression, inconsistency, irregularity, and straying from the path of righteousness. 

The Holy Spirit has encouraged me to understand that the books of Moses and other scriptures (e.g., Proverbs) have been developed from collections of oral histories and tribal legacies along with ancient ceremonies, mysteries (i.e., special knowledge shared only with those initiated), practices, rites, and rituals provided by divinity for a priesthood upon the earth.  Such facts as dates or names of persons, places, and bodies of water may have had more than one spelling, may have been lost, and may have become different from local group to local group among the tribes of Jacob that were challenged to escape assimilation and genocide within Egypt as a cosmopolitan empire.  In addition to introducing civil code (we say, a formal system for recording and publishing legal statutes) with a written covenant and ceremonial law, Moses began the work to transform the diverse tribesmen and a raw multitude into a polished nation before GOD.

Because our study is to gain knowledge about the attributes, character, nature, and power of the Creator and Savior who is divine, the Bible allows believers to discover and realize the existence of GOD as divinity appearing through thousands of events, occurring within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years.  So to speak, readers are provided a divine listening post and point of view where even the feelings and private thoughts of others are audible and visible.  Quotations and references to things spoken by others do not have to be by-the-letter, exact, and word-for-word.  It is the gist, and intent that must be conveyed.  Where multiple accounts appear, their effect is to be additive (edification; more information is being supplied through distinctive details).  The goal is not to have the peace that comes by arrogance, ignorance, neglect, presumption, or self-importance.  Rather, it is to acquire balance, certainty, fullness, maturity, peace of mind, and stability.

Information that seems absent or missing from Scripture accounts, in fact, are supplied through operations of the Holy Spirit.  Many of the facts that appear within the Bible are in the nature of abbreviations, suggestions, and a vocabulary intended to provide possible approaches, examples, guidelines, outlines for understanding, general principles, and useful terms; and are not to serve as an accurate and exact compendium of all sacred knowledge that a believer must rely upon for all truth.  Thus, there is no list naming all the children born to Adam and Eve; and, while the Egyptian name given to Joseph appears, such names do not appear for his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh.  There is much that can be dealt with as secular knowledge irrelevant to ones continuing in faith.  For this reason, readers should receive peculiar translations and versions of the Bible as aides and tools, never as idols and mandates. The reader’s need is less for accurate and exhaustive data, an ability to recall and recite obscure details of esoteric information, or the skill to amuse and entertain as would a court storyteller.  The divine intent is to provide information that lifts and maintains awareness on a cosmic scale for comprehension, discernment, exchange and revelation.

Revelation is accomplished by divinity acting to show or speaking to provide new and otherwise hidden perception as well as by reconfiguring consciousness to establish fresh comprehension or insight.  The process of divinity for salvation even includes groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26, KJV).  Sacred knowledge is not solely by the finite and mechanical operations of intellect (we say, logic, reason) or sense (e.g., seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting) within created beings and living creatures.  Flesh must be overshadowed by living Spirit.

There is much more I could say that readers should carefully consider and spiritually internalize.  (For example, for the sake of completeness, the things revealed through the Scriptures also must address preexistence, the conditions and events before the creation of heaven and earth.  Yet, how much must believers know for their salvation and eternal life established through grace, by faith?  It is consistent with conceptions of divinity as having all authority, knowledge, and power that Deity should exist being immortal and sovereign as well.  Additionally, that GOD would breathe and impart substance permanently existing within divine person into figures and forms set apart to become living souls is no less appropriate as a clear and legitimate explanation for the origins of human life than the acknowledgment that mankind is an outcome of operations by an exalted will to complete deliberate, directed action upon an object composed and constructed within the divine mind.  Where we trust GOD to have given us the answers we need through the Bible, we stop asking questions to get the answers we don’t need.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/09/2014) The Male, the Female, and GOD

Marriage for Adam and Eve, and sexual sin are topics, today.  Also, there is more on immortality.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Dorian Black” (Level 2 with 499 points, a member since June 17, 2011) posted the following:


Were Adam and Eve even married?
 
The bible says sex outside of marriage is a sin.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Immortality (02/08/2014)—Since the beginning, the excellence of humanity was to be its intimate relationship with GOD, not its longevity.  Knowledge, life, eternal purpose, and truth are not to be destroyed because of sin; however, they are all being changed and transformed through operations of GOD in Christ.  Through law, intimacy is achieved as obedience where one puts aside their own will to affirm and carry out the will of another.  Intimacy as the sharing of what is otherwise hidden or secret is accomplished as communion, prayer and revelation.  Intimacy is achieved as love when one adds value, and unselfishly provides benefit to another.  Through Jesus Christ, intimacy is achieved as union where there is agreement, mutual consent, oneness, and sameness of spirit content.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?  Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.  The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts.  And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.  Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously:  yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.  And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.  For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away:  for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts:  therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.  Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?  (Malachi 2:  10-17, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); GOD Enjoys Judgment? (12/19/2013); About Sabbath (10/16/2013); We Shall Behold Him (10/17/2013); Desire for Love? (07/05/2013); The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); A Second Adam? (03/25/2013); GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012); On Asking Why (11/08/2012)


“Dorian Black”, here are some points Christian believers have been privileged to receive by operation of the imparted, indwelling Spirit:

(1.)  Initially, the being that was formed and breathed into by GOD was intended to be a companion to the Creator, and therefore was not regarded as “alone”.  The man was placed within a living sphere (the earth), and would be a caretaker of all it would contain.  With formation of the woman, the male and female were a single “person” before GOD; and so they shared a single name, Adam.  All other life forms had been paired, and were essential to one another for reproduction.  Similarly, Adam and Eve were to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth.

(2.)  Divine law existed in the place of celestial presence (we say, heaven) as the expressed will of GOD (we say, the Word) before the creation of Adam.  Sin first began to operate among the holy angels as hidden opposition to the continued existence of divine law, later, became defiance, and further on, was recognized as open rebellion.  The spirit union of the pair proceeded from GOD, and in social terms theirs was an “arranged marriage.”  Their sexual joining was not an act of disobedience (some say, original sin), or transgression of the law; and was consistent with the divine design.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (3.)  Adam and Eve did not have to meet the same challenges as couples today where marriage also pertains to birth rights, proper passage through growth and developmental stages, inheritance, rites of passage, social customs, and cultural traditions.  Increasingly now, only holy matrimony establishes the original covenant relationship between GOD and mankind—where the male and female become one flesh, and GOD is the other.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.  (1st Peter 3:  7, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/18/2013) Traditional Marriage?

Adam and Eve, arranged marriages, and the world system are topics, today.  Also, there is more on being good stewards.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Anon” (Level 5 with 6,115 points, a member since March 7, 2013) posted the following:


Why don't Christians practice traditional marriage as God intended?
 
Traditional marriage = arranged marriage. Did God give Adam a choice between Eve and other women? No, he did not.

Additional Details

And he certainly did not require Adam to get down on one knee and ask for Eve's permission.


THE BATTLE AXE:  On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013)—(6.)  Stewardship pertains to all the resources for life from GOD, and not merely to money and finances.  Our abilities, intellect, skills, and talents come to us as investments from GOD, and should provide a return to GOD in such aspects as honor, glory, obedience, reverence, thanksgiving, and worship.  Believers in Jesus are to provide leadership as stewards in the home, the community, and the workplace.  (7.)  The work of a sacred steward is the ministry of a prophet and spokesperson from GOD, for the steward is an agent and mediator specially appointed to regulate and distribute from the divine supply.  Because believers receive from godly abundance, and are commanded to serve all who are needy, we are often shocked and shaken (as were the apostles of Jesus) to find that we ourselves do not have enough for all.  On the one hand, we know whatever we give, or spend in our work as stewards, is to be understood as “on loan” to GOD, and the Almighty will repay.  On the other hand, renewing our supply may not be done immediately, and according to any human payment schedule.  Thus, in addition to giving over material goods and resources to the needy, the steward must continuously practice and provide to GOD acknowledgment, attention to detail, dutifulness, faithfulness, gratitude, humility, longsuffering, patience, praise, truthfulness, and worship.  Believers are correct to challenge themselves, push themselves, and so far as possible answer every request.  Yet, believers are to avoid “beating themselves up,” and “charging GOD foolishly.”  Where we find ourselves with only five loaves and two fishes, and are unable to multiply and share with a multitude of thousands, our readiness to serve and act with faith is not to be reduced or weakened.  The miracles of feeding five and then seven thousand began with an act of creation to establish divine order (seating everyone in groups of fifty).  Just as when we began, our focus is to continue uninterrupted upon the spiritual gifts, and upon the eternal and unseen things.  We must not forget that, in the process of GOD, by giving to just one, a blessing may come upon all (see 2nd Corinthians 5:  14-17 and Romans 5:  12-17, KJV).  Also, see Proverbs 19:  17, James 1:  27, James 2:  15-18, Matthew 16:  9-11, Luke 6:  1-15 and 25-41, 1st John 3:  16-18, 2nd Corinthians 4:  15-18, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?  And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,  And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?  Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.  They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?  He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.  And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery:  and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.  His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.  But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.  (Matthew 19:  3-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Why GOD Does Not Tell All (09/11/2013); Desire for Love? (07/05/2013); Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013); Salvation for Atheists (06/14/2013); The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); Family and Romance (10/13/2012); Why Courage? (10/14/2012)


“Anon”, here are a few points that have been useful for understanding of marriage among many Christian believers:

(1.)  Marriage as a social institution is defined and structured by the “world,” and is distinct from marriage and holy matrimony that conform to divine law, and sacred presence in relationship.  Mankind has created and developed the world as a system of interconnected beliefs and practices that make contact and exchange easier, permit communication, and promote survival.

(2.)  GOD, who is spirit, has created and put forth mankind as well as the material sphere for human existence (i.e., the earth), while mankind, not GOD, generates and puts forth the world.  Although many of the patterns, rules and standards that make up the world speak of GOD and spirit, they do so using the frameworks of time, space and finite awareness. 

(3.)  What the world calls the “marriage” of the male, Adam, to the female, Adam (as she was called by GOD), can not be properly understood using only the tools of the world—and the same may be said for family, incest, love, parenting and populating the earth.  Thinking after the world, many fail to realize that both marriage and divorce are emblems of divine authority (what GOD has joined together, etc.).  The world defines good/bad, real/unreal, right/wrong, true/false and many other aspects of its own existence centering only upon flesh (i.e., appetite such as hunger, thirst, sexual craving; sense such as hearing, tasting, touching; and mental activity such as desire, imagination, reasoning, recall).

There is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood.  ( For example, (4.)  Eve—the name given by the male to the female—means “mother of all living.”  While Eve gave birth to her own kind, and first accomplished human reproduction in the earth, Eve was to be a “caretaker” of all, not the one to give birth to every species and kind upon the earth.  In fulfillment of divine purpose, Eve was to be a “life companion” to Adam, that would not separate Adam from GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/07/2013) Unguarded Chocolates?

A parable is used, today, to share points on the fall of Adam and Eve.  Also, there is more on knowledge of GOD among the holy angels.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “william” (Level 2 with 354 points, a member since September 30, 2013) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers United Kingdom:


Why did god get so cross when adam and eve ate an apple?
 
I mean seriously it's not like the raped or murdered anybody
if he didn't want them to eat it he shouldn't have put the tree of knowledge in the garden of eden


THE BATTLE AXE:  Does Satan Know? (11/06/2013)—The holy angels appear as divine instruments and spokespersons in prophecy; and may appear in forms that exhibit animal features, geometric polygons, or beings that fly using wings (see Ezekiel 10:  6-22, Genesis 28:  10-17 and Revelation 14:  6-12, KJV).  Confronting Jesus in the wilderness, Satan could not recognize the Son of GOD as someone he had seen before in the celestial presence, and so challenged Jesus to “appear” in his form as Son of the Highest.  Similarly, Satan came into the presence of Jesus, however, not in celestial form.  With this in view, believers are always wise to “try the spirits” (see Matthew 4:  1-11, Hebrews 1:  1-14, 2nd Corinthians 11:  13-15, 1st John 4:  1-6 and Revelation 22:  8-9, KJV).


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:  shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?  For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:  nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  (Hebrews 12:  1-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why Jesus Used Parables (11/03/2013); Denying Baptism to Others (11/04/2013); Balaam (10/15/2013); About Sabbath (10/16/2013); Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013); GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); A Second Adam (03/25/2013); GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013)


“william”, here is a parable making a few points that help Christian believers understand the account of Adam (the single name given by GOD to both the male and female who existed before the Almighty as a single person):

Dad brought home a lovely box of assorted chocolate candies for mom on Valentine’s Day.  In celebration, she allowed each of her three little charges to choose from the assortment.  The next day, while she was out shopping, one of her boys decided he would have a sweet; so he went into mom’s room looking for the candies.  He reasoned that, she loved him so much she would want him to take freely of what dad had provided.  Besides, there were so many, she would still have plenty left.  He would only sniff out the mints; she probably would not miss one (or two); and, should she become angry, no one would ever trace the deed to himself were he careful to leave no trace of his having been there, and wash any residue from his hands.  After some searching, he found where the candies were “hidden” (i.e., stored to keep from melting, spoiling, etc.), carefully lifted the lid of the box, removed two stunners, and tried to carefully replace the tissues and wrapping paper as though they had not been disturbed.

Later, upon her return, mom went to her chocolates and found the box had been rifled.  She called the children to her, and asked what had gone on.  After several minutes of awkward denials and protestations of innocence, the matriarch “arbitrarily” declared that all would be on punishment (we say, lock down) until she would be told the truth concerning the “harmless” prank.  The children were sent to their room, where a pair of them insisted the culprit surrender himself.  As they heard their mother crying from her room, the innocents tried to explain why the game was up; that mom could see the stain of chocolate on his tongue, like they had done, and could smell the mint on his breath.

The mother could have taken the chocolates with her, or eaten them all; and could have avoided leaving the candies as if bait or something to deliberately entrap her children.  Surely she knew, even from her own experience as a child, what could happen to luscious chocolates left unguarded.  Knowing her own children, she should have realized whether they all (or who would be the lone suspect that) might yield to appetite, and seek to gobble a treat from her treasure trove.  Had the offense remained only a simple filching of chocolates (i.e., taking what belongs to someone else without authority and permission—we say, stealing), the outcome might not have been a personal breakdown, maternal heartache and weeping.  No less important than a theft of unguarded chocolates, there also had been covetousness, deception, disrespect, dissembling, greed, impatience, lying, passive aggression, presumption, pretext, separation, trespassing into ones private space, and violation of trust.  A “hate crime” had been committed in the home.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Even so, be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming.  Grow in grace.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC