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

 

In order to connect and interact with their Creator, all created beings and living creatures must share divine attributes of consciousness, love, and personhood. Love is to be carried out and performed as more than academic discourse, the scientific analysis of human communication, exchange, and social intercourse, or the expression of dreams, emotions, and romantic fantasies. Lovingkindness is an inseparable element within the divine fullness (i.e., the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) that is to exist within the created beings and living creatures who manifest sacred law, divine presence, and eternal purpose. The church founded by Jesus Christ is to be a sanctified community and sphere of life (set apart for the use of divinity). Faith, holiness, and other aspects of divinity that are otherwise invisible become clear and present there by the operations of love. It is written: Hebrews 10: 22-25, King James Version (KJV): 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Does religion teach love?

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

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

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

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

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) 1^st Thessalonians 4: 16-18, KJV: 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/22/2020) Forgiveness is not DIY

Today, reply is on confession and forgiveness as sacred operations within the church performed by members of the body who are anointed, ordained, and sanctified. Believers are to accept accountability, perform specific duties, and continue as proactive on their own behalf as the people of Christ, however, believers also must agree that salvation, forgiveness, and other sacred practices in the church are not the basis of do-it-yourself (DIY) and man-made methods. Authentic and divinely lawful aspects of the full spirit process and substance of the church can only appear through the performance of covenant duty and unselfish service performed for one another by those who embody Jesus Christ. Correctly understood, all Christians are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Many Christian believers challenge and resist clergy, hierarchy, and divine priesthood by insisting that their own conscience, integrity, and merit in Christ must be acknowledged as primary when their own salvation becomes a focus. Many err because they covet authority, control, independence, and separation; others encourage combativeness, comparison, competition, and condemnation. Even so, a priesthood on the earth modeled after that in heaven was provided as a divine blessing and gift to Adam that would manifest the cooperation of divine fullness with mankind. In addition to sacrifice, expiation, and remission of sin, confession and forgiveness are among the works of priesthood, rather than the works of prophecy and revelation. It is written: Philippians 2: 2-8, King James Version (KJV): 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Do you confess your sins to a priest? Did you know that is necessary for salvation?

God can forgive anything if you truly repent through confession.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (Philippians 2: 12-15, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Forgiveness Ministers Grace (07/20/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); Baptism Is Not DIY (05/28/2019); Let Us Reason Together (08/07/2019); Applying The Divine Standards (10/02/2018); Confessing Your Own Salvation? (03/02/2018); Prayer in Public? (02/24/2015)

“Anonymous”, within the church of Jesus Christ, many account the works of personal expression (e.g., confession, forgiveness, prayer, repentance) as pertaining to love, prophecy and revelation, rather than to universal order, sacred law, and priesthood. Confession and forgiveness are the outcome and result of grace, rather than ceremonies that declare condemnation and judgment. In the same way justification and salvation are not matters of personal freedom or self-promotion, and must be completed by the workings of divinity, forgiveness for sin is not a matter of human affection, fellowship, kindness, and self-will (willpower). Christians are to receive Jesus Christ as a divine High Priest who makes atonement for sin. Many mature Christian believers therefore agree that confession and forgiveness are most correctly acknowledged and practiced within the household of faith using an anointed priesthood, for there must be a transaction at the point where heaven and earth connect (i.e., a sacred altar; a consecrated table). In addition to an openhearted, private conversation with divinity about ones own errors and transgressions, there must be an offering and application of spirit substance that include the atoning blood, character, and personhood of Jesus Christ as it resides within the priest. Often, the concern for benefits and privileges from GOD (e.g., authority, blessing, freedom, power and rank) obscures the demands for celestial operations, divine order, sacred law, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. As a practice that makes present what we hope, those who are dedicated, disciplined, and mature through unselfish service, study of the holy writings, personal sufferings, and prayer should be entrusted as ministers to the body on behalf of those yet being built up and edified as developing believers. Consider the following that use language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot & Terry Talbot:

(1.) Psalms 32: 1-2, King James Version (KJV): 1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

(2.) Matthew 9: 2-8, KJV: 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

(3.) Luke 7: 36-50, KJV: 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7j10za_3gQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:17 PM, July 22, 2020 @ https://internationalforgiveness.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/1176903925-there_is_no_love_without_forgiveness.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/19/2020) No Knowledge Of GOD?

Today, reply is on the divine provisions for mankind to have complete and correct knowledge of divinity. In the same way displaying existence and life describe all created beings and living creatures, all the living possess awareness and an indelible innate consciousness of divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). The living are granted a primal and rudimentary knowledge of GOD that is to become elaborated, focused and refined through instruction, maturation, sanctification, and suffering. GOD is known to mankind by continuing as active presence manifest in spirit process and substance. Sacred knowledge may be acquired as prophecy and edification; and otherwise hidden truth is revealed and discovered through gradual growth, learning, discernment, practice, and study. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 2: 12-14, 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. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Princess” (Level 5 with 8,026 points) posted the following:

If a child was never told about things like "gods" but was given a strictly skeptical and scientific education, would that child ...?

... "find god" eventually on his own?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4: 7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Aspects Defining Human Life? (03/02/2020); Spirit Process and Substance (02/27/2020); A Complete Divine Revelation (11/15/2019); To Learn From GOD (11/11/2019); Fully Communicating Human Potential? (09/30/2019); Consequences and Divine Love (07/05/2018); Christian Beliefs About Sin (07/20/2017); The Best Starting Point? (09/13/2016)

“Princess”, GOD is known by divine spirit process and substance. Most mature Christian believers will agree that acquiring sacred knowledge and a mature consciousness of divinity are accomplished through multiple sacred devices and operations. Included are all mankind being endowed with a measure of the same life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) from the makeup of GOD that was imparted to the first pair (Adam); the appearance of divinity on the earth using human form and life process as Jesus Christ; water baptism wherein a person’s inborn spirit dies, is buried, and is raised from the dead (we say, they become born again); receipt by the living of a fresh endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, wrath against sin); and the multiple possibilities of an inheritance as the new creation established through the ministry of Jesus Christ. The natural world as our sphere of life is a sacred expression from divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Even so, mankind relies heavily on the finite tools of intellect, logic, carnal reason, science, and self-will (willpower). Academic studies and secular knowledge do not permit complete and correct knowledge of divinity. The operations of sin that oppose the continued existence of sacred law also promote a return to the conditions of preexistence, and challenge the integrity of the divine order that appears as the universe. Sin disrupts and undermines mechanical process and sequence, and therefore, results in evil (catastrophe) and upheaval. Our human potential for self-expression can be displayed in behavior that is animal, human or godly, for the earth and we ourselves bear the image and marks of GOD as our Creator. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a music selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

(1.) Psalms 19: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

(2.) 1^st John 4: 7-9, KJV: 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

(3.) Romans 1: 18-23, KJV: 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB-NT-vCzVk.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:01 AM, May 19, 2020 @ http://christrescuemission.org/yahoo_site_admin/

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/20/2020) The Visibility of GOD

The Drum Major, Ernie Barnes

Today, reply is on Christ presenting both authentic humanity and complete divinity; and for many, this is a National day of memorial in America. Sunday morning, I listened to the last sermon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached before his assassination, “The Drum Major Instinct” (February 4, 1968; Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA). Jesus Christ demonstrated that all men have opportunity and are called to serve their Creator in ministry on the earth by displaying the image of GOD in their lifestyles and daily routines. As we acknowledge and remember Citizen King, who was the son of a preacher, we can see the same truth was manifest within Marvin Gaye, also the son of a preacher. Sinners who turn to GOD through Jesus as their redeemer and savior all are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of the Lord. It is written: Colossians 2: 6-10, King James Version (KJV): 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: The writer at the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Princess” (Level 3 with 3,698 points) posted the following:

Christians claim Jesus was fully god and fully man. Isn't that like saying a person is fully male and fully female?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. (Luke 17: 7-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Twenty, 20-20 (01/17/2020); The Light Of Life (12/04/2019); Godly Exercise of Authority (12/16/2018); Life And Divine Purpose (05/04/2018); George Washington Owned Slaves (08/17/2017); Divine Presence and Spirit (01/18/2017); What the Preacher Said…? (03/24/2015); About Good Sermons? (08/26/2014)

“Princess”, you use fully male/fully female, a contrast (showing differences between 2 things), where Christian believers use fully God/fully man, a comparison (showing likeness between 2 things). Through Jesus Christ mankind receives opportunity and possibilities to experience authentic humanity, and to exist on the earth as the children of GOD, heirs of divinity, and the new creation. The operations of divinity to draw sinners into a saving relationship are more correctly understood beginning at forgiveness, going on to acknowledge divine fullness appearing on earth using human form and flesh and blood as Jesus Christ, then, receiving into oneself a fresh endowment of spirit content from the makeup of GOD. Inseparable aspects of divinity will be imparted that include balance, faith, forbearance, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

GOD is a spirit, and the properties of spirit do not include measurable dimension (e.g., color; form; height; size; weight) and the regular excitement of sensory receptors within the living (e.g., ears, eyes, hands, noses). Through revelation that includes appearing in human form, divinity makes themselves knowable, known, accessible and approachable using sacred operations and material objects such as birth, sequential change, commitment, covenant relationships, emotions, death, discovery, gradual growth, humility, integrity, judgment, personhood, eternal purpose, sacred law, divine order, and discursive thought.

Divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) may be described as the summation of all spirit substance who is characterized by completeness, finality, perfection, and permanence. Divinity is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible. Spirit appears and is “visible” through human attitudes, behavior, and expressions of self-will that display awareness, direction, effect, existence, life essence, movement that is self-regulated (in its initiation, direction, tempo, and termination is modulated and self-controlled), meaning, quality, presence, and value. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry archives by Marvin Gaye:

(1.) Colossians 1: 12-20, King James Version (KJV): 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

(2.) 2^nd Corinthians 5: 17-21, KJV: 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDxomUk52H4.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:35 AM, January 19, 2020 @ http://picture.xsrv.jp/sms/img/lineup_img_thedrummajor.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/25/2019) Qualified Because of Sin?

A depiction of divine fullness that includes the Holy Spirit with Jesus Christ as the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of GOD who takes away the sin of the world.

Today, the reply is on forgiveness as a release from sin that men on the earth receive through love and obedience appearing within the Son of GOD. Forgiveness and mercy are intended for those who come to divine judgment, and are actually guilty. Finite human tools such as intellect, science, and willpower do not provide mankind with sufficient integrity of being to appear sinless before divinity, or to display justification and worthiness for their own having eliminated sin. Salvation is the necessary divine operation wherein GOD extends forbearance, forgiveness, new life and reconciliation to mankind on the basis of the merit, sacrifice, virtue and works accomplished by Jesus Christ. It is written: 1^st John 1: 5-10, KJV: 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Jeff” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since November 20, 2018) posted the following:

I want to give all my guilt and regret and mistakes to God but I feel like I'm not worthy of forgiveness.?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. (Psalm 130: 3-8, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Paying For Our Sins? (08/20/2019); Spirit Using Human Form (08/16/2019); That Not Of Yourselves (08/13/2019); We Must Acknowledge Christ (08/08/2019); GOD Is The Creator? (07/04/2019); The Character of GOD (06/27/2019); Salvation Through Jesus Christ (03/25/2019); Forgiveness, Grace and Merit (06/22/2017)

“Jeff”, divine forgiveness displays that GOD the Creator is worthy of love, obedience, praise, and reverence from his Creation. Developing and mature Christian believers are encouraged to accept the truth that forgiveness appears as an aspect of the divine active presence, eternal process, and inseparable sacred substance. Forgiveness is to be received as a fresh endowment of the same life essence (breath; spirit; word) that was imparted to Adam and Eve. Included were faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While this and other divine content establishes opportunities and possibilities for created beings and living creatures to be in relationship with the Creator as heirs, offspring, and sons and daughters to GOD, both Adam and Eve violated the instructions they had been given, and transgressed against the divine law. The character and makeup of mankind was altered in such a way that all the descendants of Adam now receive an inheritance of being vulnerable to the operations of sin and ungodliness.

It is our profound need: it is not our ignorance, nor is it our innocence. It is what we have become through human error, and our condition as sinners who need change, release and repentance that qualifies us to receive a ministry of forgiveness that is extended to mankind through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD. It is not that we are worthy; it is that Christ continues to be received as worthy before the Father; and the Son may intercede on behalf of those who are truly guilty. It is not by our influence, our skill, our talents; it is because the makeup of GOD is made visible through divine judgment that features compassion, completeness, impartiality, mercy, and righteousness. On the basis of human accomplishments demonstrated through divinity using flesh and blood as Jesus Christ (we say, Incarnation), there now are no issues of merit and worthiness for sinners to receive forgiveness.

Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. 1^st John 4: 8-11, King James Version (KJV): 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

2. Isaiah 53: 3-6, KJV: 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Luke 7: 37-50, KJV: 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 8:59 PM, August 24, 2019 @ lh4.ggpht.com/_yEMzwApF7e8/SwdLyi62hoI/AAAAAAAAFEI/gdJfvabKHyQ/lamb%

20of%20God_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/22/2019) Divine Purposes Are Unchanging

Today, reply is on why congregations among Christian churches might consider making changes to their policies on same-sex marriage. The understanding that the church must address the concerns and needs of the community of faith as their servant, rather than the people be a servant to the church is taken to be a major principle taught by Jesus Christ. The church is to listen and respond, where legislators and the courts are deaf and inactive. It is written: Matthew 20: 25-28, King James Version (KJV): 25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Also, John 15: 12-13, KJV: 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. To lay down ones life for a friend is not so much to die as to be a living sacrifice who yields ones own desire, opinion and self-will to provide benefit, and unselfishly carry out the will of another. In a word, we say, “to love” where love is displayed through accountability, balance, commitment, gratitude, respect and truth. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Why are Methodists debating same-sex marriage? That should be a no brainier?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1^st Corinthians 14: 33, King James Version (KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Reasoning Together With GOD?(03/11/2019); The Church Of Jesus (06/18/2018); That GOD Is Immutable (05/04/2017); Thoughts on Sexual Relationships (03/07/2017); The Cross Condemns Fornication (05/20/2016); Answered by The Cross? (03/14/2016); Bad GOD, Good GOD? (01/03/2016); The Male, the Female, and GOD (02/09/2014); Destroying the Resurrected Body? (02/10/2014)

“Anonymous”, among those who now account themselves to be followers of Jesus Christ there are many differences in levels of commitment, knowledge, maturity, respect, and zeal. There is confusion of human appetite, desire, emotion, and sensation as the origin for ones actions and choices, rather than divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Seeking to address the full person and their various needs, the church often operates as an institution having multiple goals and practices that go beyond promoting rebirth, salvation, and spiritual growth, and that expresses greater concern for things having a character and nature that is carnal, material, political, psychological, and social. Efforts to suppress superstition, and demystify practice and worship have led to eliminating many ceremonies and formal standards (e.g., dress codes; speaking within the sanctuary; weekend grocery shopping); and many congregations no longer promote the truth that GOD is a spirit. The process and purpose wherein the male and female should populate the entire earth through the flesh in obedience to the spirit is no longer thought the only response men and women should pursue (e.g., there are donating sperm; surrogate services; the freezing, storage and thawing of ones own eggs for later in vitro fertilization (IVF) ). The makeup and substance of mankind once imparted to Adam from GOD is neither clearly displayed, nor correctly discerned to be the same indwelling endowment of life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word). Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, sinners who return to GOD in repentance are to receive fresh deposits of the inseparable aspects of divine fullness that include faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

The human process we acknowledge as natural, normal, and ordinary tends to install as values within the church elements such as ceremony, habit, human rights, and tradition in place of strict discipline, sacred doctrine, and godliness. As a result, errors may be found such as (1) GOD no longer pursues the purposes declared through Creation; (2) there can be no direct communication, exchange and interaction between GOD and human beings; (3) mankind will use education and science to escape the condition that resulted from the fall of Adam and Eve; (4) the Bible and ancient holy writings are no longer valid, because divine truth is ever-changing, expanding, and progressing; (5) GOD wants mankind to have freedom and to enjoy whatsoever they may desire; and (6) GOD wants the children of men to control and possess the earth, not merely manage and supervise the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Numbers 23: 19, King James Version (KJV): 19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

2. Isaiah 55: 10-11, KJV: 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

3. Isaiah 45: 17-19, KJV: 17 But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. 18 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. 19 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Hebrews 13: 8, KJV: 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:56 AM, April 21, 2019 @ https://williamoconnor.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/confusion.png

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/08/2019) Love Shown By Divinity

Today, reply is on the love shown by divinity being spoken of as “blind love.” Unlike infatuation and “puppy love,” divine love is a spirit substance that appears and is manifest only by those having an endowment from divinity that includes discipline, integrity of person, maturity, self mastery, truth, and unselfishness. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

If God is love, and love is blind, then is God blind?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1^st John 4: 18-20, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Revelation of Mercy (01/28/2019); Holy Boldness and Humility (10/04/2018); Chosen Through Sacred Process (09/06/2018); Consequences and Divine Love (07/05/2018); To Define “Godly Love” (08/20/2017); The Practice of Love (07/27/2017); Saying “GOD is Love” (12/18/2016); Herein Is True Love (10/21/2016)

“Anonymous”, among mature Christian believers, the love shown to mankind by divinity (we also say, divine fullness; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is more than merely affection, emotion and feeling, for the makeup and process of GOD displays active presence, eternal purpose, and sovereign will. Thus, elements from the exalted personhood, divine law, and sacred substance of GOD describe the divine manifestation of divine love. Included are accountability, admonitions and warnings, commitment, faithfulness, forbearance, forgiveness, righteous judgment, impartiality, mercy, obedience, restraint, sacrifice, stability, unselfishness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. To “know God” is to be aware of the exchange and interaction of divine spirit substance within oneself as well as within others. The love of GOD may be called “blind love” because divine love is shared without bias, demands for payment and recompense, partiality, and prejudice. Even so, divine judgment requires that the living acknowledge that GOD is selective imparting life essence (we also say, breath; spirit; word) to mankind that is made from inseparable aspects of the divine makeup (e.g., longsuffering, meekness, oneness without sameness, purity). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

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

2. Revelation 1: 4-6, KJV: 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

3. Romans 5: 6-11, KJV: 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Romans 13: 8-10, KJV: 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/28/2019) The Revelation of Mercy

A reminder of the Priest, the Levite, their Neighbor and the Good Samaritan

Today, reply is on grace, love, and divine mercy that operate with righteousness as a restraint to divine wrath against sin during final judgment. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Why didn't God smite Cain for killing Abel?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2^nd Corinthians 1: 2-4, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Satisfying Creation and Law (01/22/2019); Judgment Perfects Divine Revelation (12/18/2018); The Priesthood of Adam (11/02/2018); GOD's Will Be Done (04/27/2018); Being A Good Samaritan (02/18/2018); In Spirit and Truth? (10/02/2017); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Cain and Genealogy? (11/27/2015)

“Anonymous”, in the same way, GOD did not smite the parents of Abel and Cain, divinity did not smite their offspring. Throughout the holy writings, the Creator who Christian believers worship has revealed and shown himself also to be a GOD who determines quality, substance, and value for all that exists (we say, renders judgment deciding the duration and eternal life imparted to created beings and living creatures). In addition to forgiveness, impartiality and righteousness that ensure balance against the condemnation and harshness that may appear through correction and punishment, mercy is to be understood as one of the most important aspects of divine substance that will appear and soften judgment. The divine sentence against transgression (we say, sin) was pronounced to be death long before disobedience appeared. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, and promotes destruction along with the conditions of chaos, confusion, destruction and uninterrupted streaming that were in place before the establishment of heaven and earth (we say, preexistence). Both Adam and the devil using the form of a serpent (yet, like the holy angels, continuing as neither mortal nor immortal) became subject to the sanctions within the divine law. Despite mankind’s fall, the Creation as an expression of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD has not altered nor changed. Divinity employs atonement, correction, generational curses, mercy, rebirth, and a host of other devices to ensure that sin does not make death permanent for those who genuinely repent, and who receive fresh endowments of spirit substance from the exalted character and makeup of GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Genesis 3: 13-19, King James Version (KJV): 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 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. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

2. Genesis 4: 9-15, KJV: 9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?  10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. 11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; 12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. 13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. 15 And the Lord said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

3. Hosea 6: 1-7, KJV: 1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. 3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. 4 O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away. 5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth. 6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. 7 But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Ezekiel 18: 19-23, KJV: 19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. 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?) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/23/2019) Life Exists Before Birth

'Foetuses exposed to garlic in the womb are more likely to prefer garlic in later life.' Photograph: Steve Allen Travel Photography/Alamy (see reference below)

Today, topics include conception, prophecy, the stages of human development, and the divine new creation. For the collection of embryonic cells that will exist as the foundation for a living child, there are many spirit elements and unseen features that are put in place long before the moments of birth. The child becomes a focus for concern, desire, relationship, and self-expression for both parents long before emerging as a new life. Other features and patterns consistent with human life appear including appetite; awareness and self-will; the affection, permanent bond, love, and mutual consciousness of one another between mother and child; inheritance; instinct; personhood; life possibilities such as future accomplishments, hopes (expectations); ability to recognize and respond to signals from the mother for entering the birth canal and leaving the womb as well as participation in patterns of ethnic and cultural expression. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile was shared) posted the following:

Is a fetus alive? Is a fetus a life?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (Luke 2: 21, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacred Ministry or Parenting? (05/10/2018); We Begin Within GOD (02/06/2018); Circumcision of Infant Boys (12/11/2017); Baptism and “the just” (10/05/2017); Choice, Duty, and Obligation? (11/17/2016); Of Such Is The Kingdom (09/01/2015); Babies Given A Second Life? (01/25/2015); About “The Just” (10/29/2014); Antidotes to the Poisons (10/30/2014); Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014)

Anonymous, new babies are joined to continuing streams of life and truth that have preexistence; thus, you may be willing to agree to the following: Developing Christian believers are challenged to acknowledge that life exists within a child and its mother long before the event of the child’s birth. The child is first conceived and appears as tissue being multiplied and reproduced that later presents as a separate organism attached by the umbilical cord to the walls of the mother’s womb. Because stages of growth for a child are described using academic, medical, and scientific language to preserve an attitude of objectivity, new babies tend to be spoken of first as though they are no more than the content of a test tube, a bacterium, a parasite, a specimen or a virus. Despite the detection of a regular heartbeat for the new child, many continue to hold that so long as the child receives food and oxygen from the maternal host through the cord, the child may not be accounted as having been born, as having human integrity, or as having life as an individual.

For mature Christians, divinity is the origin for all existence and life. Included are the character, makeup and traits the living display; potential for animal, human, and divine expression; eternal purpose; and the array of possibilities that exist for created beings and living creatures. In the same way divinity has responded to and made use of the carnal traits and patterns of social inheritance that exist among men, GOD also uses the living as instruments and vessels having fresh endowments of inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, lovingkindness, personhood, oneness without sameness, wisdom, wrath against sin). Rather than rely on finite tools of intelligence, logic, carnal reason and secular knowledge, all believers are encouraged to consider such unchanging truth and instruction as the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Genesis 25: 21-26, King James Version (KJV): 21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. 23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. 24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. 26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

2. Hebrews 11: 8-16, KJV: 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

3. Jeremiah 1: 4-10, KJV: 4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7 But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9 Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. 10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

4. Psalms 131: 1-3, KJV: 1 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. 2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. 3 Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. 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.

Fleming, Amy. How a child’s food preferences begin in the womb. The Guardian (US Edition) Tue 8 Apr 2014 06.20 EDT @https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2014/apr/08/child-food-preferences-womb-pregnancy-foetus-taste-flavours. Image downloaded January 22, 2019, 11:54 AM; Photograph: Steve Allen Travel Photography/Alamy @ https://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/4/8/1396950889603/Human-foetus-014.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC