(11/22/2020) Explaining The Earlier Covenants

 The images of Abraham (left) and Jesus Christ (right) are shown together acknowledging the connection among the diverse covenants through Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ.

Covenant practices and signs are in view, today, responding to a question on the frequent discussions of circumcision that appear from the Apostle Paul. The early church was required to demonstrate that they were anchored in the sacred knowledge displayed among the temple elders and the Rabbis. Paul began his apostolic ministry within the synagogues by appealing to believers among those who regularly attended. At first, belief in Christ was put forth as only a further expression of GOD’s covenant promises granted to the Jews. However, many of those who escaped from captivity and exile became grounded in tradition, and were determined to restore and preserve the covenant of Moses along with the Torah as what earlier had been provided as the highest blessings from GOD. Circumcision that had been bestowed on Abraham and his household as a mark of covenant relationship was not correctly acknowledged by the time of Moses, nor was circumcision uniformly practiced when divinity appeared on the earth using human form and life-process as Jesus Christ. Christ received circumcision as part of his inheritance and authentic humanity. Even so, circumcision was never intended by divinity as an outward mark of approval and consecration, or as a mark of disgrace and humiliation. Authentic sanctification (being set apart to serve divinity) appears by conformity to covenant law and sacred practices (e.g., observing the Sabbath; tithing; using the prayer shawl); and while circumcision is to be a visible declaration of commitment to relationship with divinity, a man will display his circumcision to fewer than 100 others during his entire lifetime (e.g., companions, doctors, family, etc.). It is written: Romans 4: 8-16, King James Version (KJV): 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “ShalloWhale” (Level 6 with 18,373 points) posted the following:

Why is circumcision mentioned so much in the Bible?

Why was it so important that the Apostle Paul kept referring to it?

Updated 1 hour ago:

Is it a sloppy intrusion by male culture into a sacred text?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8: 52-58, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); The Foreskin And Circumcision? (10/13/2020); Do We Follow Paul? (10/01/2020); Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Heaven Speaks Using Mankind (09/15/2019); No Wall of Partition (07/05/2019); Scripture Has No Ethnicity (05/27/2019)

“Shallowhale”, your focus is on the flesh, not the Spirit. Just as Christian believers today are to share with skeptics and sinners who seek new lives that release them from the operations of sin, the Apostle Paul was repeatedly challenged to explain what appeared as hidden connections among the operations of divinity through Jesus Christ and the earlier proclamations, sacred promises, and prophecies from GOD. Circumcision was granted to Abraham as a visible sign of covenant relationship between immortal, incorruptible, unseen divinity and mankind. GOD was to be acknowledged as more than an abstract Creator and Maker; divinity was to exist in continuing relationship through spirit process and substance imparted from the makeup of GOD that included balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, mercy for those found guilty in judgment, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The covenant of Moses that followed some 400 years later provided the divine presence through sacred law, identity as a sacred nation, and as a divine instrument to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of GOD. By focusing on the law as the foremost of all divine blessing, many mistakenly rejected and refused to receive and embody an indwelling spirit that would remove the obstacles continued by finite flesh (e.g., appetite; mind; sensation; self-will (willpower) ). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Jeremiah 31: 31-37, King James Version (KJV): 31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. 35 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: 36 If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. 37 Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

(2.) Galatians 3: 16-18, KJV: 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

(3.) Galatians 3: 26-29, KJV: 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 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. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Hebrews 10: 28-29, KJV: 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:26 AM, November 22, 2020 @ https://oneway2day.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/abraham-jesus-sm.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20201122033207AAB3Y1P

(10/01/2020) Do We Follow Paul?

 A depiction of Christ appearing to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus

Today, the blog reply not shared in the Yahoo forum is that the Apostle Paul is not the primary source of doctrine among Christian believers; the essential teachings of Christianity are contained in the four Gospels and the single, authoritative revelation of Jesus Christ appearing throughout the Bible (i.e., Genesis through Revelation). Jesus insisted on the integrity of the Law and the Prophets, for the earlier holy writings provided the necessary guidance and instruction for mankind to apprehend the depth and fullness of divinity appearing on the earth using human form and life process (we say, the Incarnation). The gifts and operations by the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) that were promised to mankind would appear as a fresh endowment of the same life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; utterance; word) that resided within Jesus. Sacred substance is imparted from the inseparable makeup of divine fullness (divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Included are balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Therefore properly understood, those living on the earth are being transformed and joined to GOD through their own content of spirit substance from GOD. It is written: 2^nd Peter 1: 16-21, King James Version (KJV): 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Anonymous” (no profile was shared) posted the following:

@Christians Is this true? You are Paul's followers?

Because Christians (Paul's followers), were mostly Greeks who would not submit to absurd Jewish dietary regulations.

Jesus's followers (Followers of the Way -see Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22) were and remained Jews, like Jesus, who evidently observed kashrut ("Kosher" dietary laws).

But Paul was trying to convert Greeks and Romans to his new religion.

So Paul had to find a way to make his religion more "palatable" to his target audience.

Hey presto - - suddenly Paul gets a vision from Jesus saying exactly what Paul needed to get more bums on pews. More followers, more money and more power.

The church leadership realized that in order to grow they needed to make converts from non-Jews. However, requiring a change in diet and a circumcision was a barrier to making those converts, so they decided to drop the requirements that non-Jewish converts to Christianity follow the Old Testament laws. Eventually, there were more non-Jewish converts than Jewish and so the OT laws were dropped entirely. (Anyone who claims there is a Biblical justification is ignorant of the history of their own church... Jesus explicitly says, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets." Matthew 5:17)

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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: (Romans 1: 20, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Meat That Perishes (01/13/2020); Proof of The Resurrection (12/01/2019); The Testimony From GOD (10/22/2019); Following The Apostle Paul (09/24/2019); Prophets After Jesus Christ? (06/04/2019); A Single Sacred Revelation (01/09/2019); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016)

“Anonymous”, developing and mature Christian believers are not to confuse the testimony of Paul’s conversion with the revelation of Jesus Christ as divinity Incarnate (using the flesh and life process of a man on the earth). The things proclaimed by the apostle are in the nature of corroboration and light that clarify practices and teachings from Jesus that are spirit rather than law in their character, makeup, process, and substance. Necessarily, many points to manifest things invisible are conveyed using things carnal, social, and traditional as the stepping-stones and baby-steps on a path of permanent change and eternal transformation. Thus it is written:

(1.) Matthew 22: 29,King James Version (KJV): 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

(2.) 1^st Peter 2: 1-3, KJV: 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

(3.) Revelation 1: 1-3, KJV: 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, We Have Seen God's Glory from the music ministry of Steve Green (7.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvP19V3FmiU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:45 PM, September 30, 2020 @ https://alfredntiamoah.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/500-paul-damascusroad22881.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/02/2020) Accountable For Spreading Disbelief?

Today, reply is on whether there are grace and forgiveness for those who spread disbelief, rebellion against Christ, and spiritual confusion. By blasphemy, complaining, practicing deception, lying, slander, and posing questions to undermine faith, many are made to despair of salvation. For this reason, mature Christian believers also serve as watchmen who nurture and protect those still developing. There are many different acts of acknowledgment and dedication to GOD that those who commit transgression against divine law are to perform in becoming restored as full members within the church body. Included are atonement, confession, contrition, learning, prayer, repentance, and sorrowing for sin. It is written: Psalms 19: 12-14, King James Version (KJV): 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Does god forgive you if you turned people against him? ?

I was very mentally ill at the time and was not aware of the consequences of my actions. I made some silly choices one of them being that I did not stop to think that I might’ve turned people away from god from one of the choices I made. I feel like this is a very big sin = turning others away from god.

Although I am not responsible for other people’s choices I could’ve enabled them not to have god In their lives.

Will god forgive me if I repent to him for making a big sin like this?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Proverbs 11: 30, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Pray For Your Enemies? (01/03/2020); The Many Divine Gifts (12/03/2019); Eternal Judgment With Mercy (11/19/2019); How To Serve GOD (09/04/2019); The Gift Of GOD (10/15/2018); Rendering Our Reasonable Service (06/15/2018); Opposing The Divine Will (03/30/2018)

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers acknowledge a duty to divinity to display the image of GOD, and to resemble, reflect and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. The elements of adult love toward GOD will be seen in such believers, rather than infatuation (puppy love) recognizable by their consistency, their willingness to be held accountable for their own actions and deeds, and their obedience (putting aside their own desires to perform the desire of another) as well as by their willingness to fulfill commitment. Where believers commit sins of ignorance, they are granted grace and forgiveness, atonement is made, and the operations of GOD should call forth such features as change, discovery, gratitude, gradual growth, focus, renewal, repentance, and unselfish service. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Bob Carlisle:

(1.) Numbers 15: 22-31, King James Version (KJV): 22 And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses, 23 Even all that the LORD hath commanded you by the hand of Moses, from the day that the LORD commanded Moses, and henceforward among your generations; 24 Then it shall be, if aught be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering. 25 And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance: 26 And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance. 27 And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering. 28 And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him. 29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. 30 But the soul that doeth aught presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 31 Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

(2.) Ezekiel 33: 1-9, KJV: 1 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: 3 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; 4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. 6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. 7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

(3.) Romans 12: 4-8, KJV: 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

(4.) 1^st Timothy 1: 12-14, KJV: 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saYYm1CkX3M). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 8:56 AM, February 02, 2020 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQTRxn31JGmdK0_4wKIm2erGfv9-DYum1Rfd9_AKvm3T6oZ0UlMnJuzKEBVY1qGF1xA6XKDmyTSlQSVI41TdLiJ-A1wFNUZ11jEr7Z4jtC1L0bzrNyx87yObXeQcaVba6Z5frGYEe5CXj/s1600/Leviticus+5-17.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/24/2019) Following The Apostle Paul

Today, reply is on following the Apostle Paul as a model for Christian believers. Mature Christian believers respect one another, and will acknowledge the authority vested in clergy and elders, yet, they regard themselves as following no one in the flesh. Correctly understood, the saints follow Jesus Christ only. It is written: John 14: 6, King James Version (KJV): 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Saul of Tarsus was called by GOD to provide structure to the early church when its members were still being condemned as a cult among the Jews, and during a time of persecution. Saul was to serve as an evangelist among Gentiles as well as an apostle (i.e., a witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and one anointed to authenticate manifestations of the Holy Spirit that fell at Pentecost). It was the Apostle Paul who commissioned Timothy to anoint and ordain bishops and deacons within the church. Sinners who turn to GOD through Jesus Christ become “born again” and are to mature (we say, “grow up again”) as the offspring of GOD, joint-heirs with Christ, and the new creation. All are to serve as vessels containing fresh endowments of spirit imparted from the divine fullness. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Developing believers also are to display the image of GOD, and the likeness of Jesus Christ. An anonymous fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality (no profile information shown) posted the question:

Why did Paul have to demonstrate the Spirit and power but we don't have to although I Cor 11:1 says "Follow me as I follow Christ"?

Update: PAUL SAID IN I CORINTHIANS 2:2-4

2 "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power"

I CORINTHIANS 11:1 SAYS

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ"

WHY DON'T WE FOLLOW PAUL?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (1^st Corinthians 3: 8-15, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Prophets After Jesus Christ? (06/04/2019); Authentic Experiences From GOD (05/14/2019); A Single Sacred Revelation (01/09/2019); Built Upon The Spirit (11/29/2018); Why Paul Observed Tradition (07/10/2018); The Pattern To Follow? (01/19/2018); The Water, The Fire (10/10/2017)

Mature Christian believers follow the Apostle Paul the same way they follow the Priesthood of Adam, of Moses as Prophet, and of John the Baptist as the Herald of Christ. Rather than conform to carnal, material, and social things of the flesh, believers follow Jesus Christ as he appears through sacred devices such as divine law, doctrine, principles, promises, and prophecies. Disciples of Christ will discern inseparable aspects of life essence (breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup of GOD., rather than ancient doctrines and practices. Many judges, kings, and prophets appeared who demonstrated and portrayed elements from the full gospel that eventually would be manifest through divinity appearing in flesh as Jesus Christ. While believers are recruited to spread the gospel, and prepare a peculiar people for GOD, the church founded by Jesus is not to be a collection of clones, copies, and one-dimensional figures. Within the body, there are multiple tasks to be completed, different principles that must be clarified, and multiple messages to be proclaimed. Therefore, there is a “division of labor,” and various mechanisms for oversight and supervision. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

1. Acts 6: 1-6, King James Version (KJV): 1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

2. Ephesians 4: 4-7, KJV: 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

3. 1^st Corinthians 1: 9-10, KJV: 9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

4. Romans 12: 4-8, KJV: 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVAh6OSrtfE.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:20 AM, September 24, 2019 @ https://struckbygrace.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/apostle-paul.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/26/2019) Are Christian Women Low-rated?

According to the Leverite law, Tamar was to marry the son of Judah; when Judah repeatedly required that she wait, she entrapped him by disguising herself as a harlot.

Today, reply is on sacred law being biased against females, and what appears to some as a widespread low regard for the worthiness of females as full members of the body of Christ. For many such bigotry and prejudice are disturbing, for there is an inarguable excellence for women above men, because only females may serve as those who actually bear children as fruit within their own bodies, and who fulfill the unchanging eternal purpose of GOD wherein mankind independent from divinity reproduces to populate the earth. Many feel that sacred practice as commanded in the law of jealousy and the punishment against adultery are overly harsh and unfeeling. Even so, a woman has rights to receive inheritance as a primary heir; and there are specific laws to continue the integrity of her father’s name over her estate so that his family does not lose through marriage their allotted portion of the Promised Land provided by GOD to their tribe through Moses and Joshua. Going further, Jesus Christ taught as a principle when applying covenant law that mercy is better than sacrifice. Abuse and cruelty against women are condemned and forbidden. It is written: Malachi 2: 12-16, King James Version (KJV): 12 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. 13 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. 14 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. 15 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. 16 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. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Why do Christians think women's lives are worthless unless they are incubating a fetus?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. (Proverbs 19: 14, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Purposes Are Unchanging (04/22/2019); Help Meet For Man? (04/12/2019); Purity For Sacred Truth (12/17/2018); The Priesthood of Adam (11/02/2018); Childbearing Pertains to Judgment? (02/23/2018); Sodom and Gomorrah Again? (05/30/2016); The Gender of Divinity? (09/13/2014); Saved in Childbearing (10/31/2012); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012)

“Anonymous”, you appear to have little understanding of the sacred knowledge that is shared among developing and mature Christian believers. Christian belief is having continuous consciousness of the existence and operations of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Christianity is broad and forward-looking, and goes beyond the finite human frameworks for philosophy, science, and secular knowledge as well as the human tools for time and space. Women are accounted as valuable members of the full body and indispensable partners who continue the ministry on earth of Jesus Christ.

Created beings and living creatures can become conscious of, and respond to, divinity as active presence that appears through multiple operations of spirit substance using objects in the earth. Included are things carnal, concrete, material, mechanical, physical, social, tangible, and visible. A process of reproduction through intercourse and sexual joining has been provided to mankind little different from that bestowed on the different animal and other pairs. The process of conception, development, and birth occurs displaying fixed patterns and sequences governed by mechanical and natural law, more than through divine law and direct sacred intervention as with the birth of the prophets Jeremiah, John the Baptist, or Jesus Christ.

While women do appear as a prophet (we say, prophetess) in Old Testament writings, through the covenant laws provided to Moses, Joshua, and others, females were denied a place in priesthood until New Testament times. The historian and gospel-writer Luke reports females who maintained and supervised places for gatherings of Christian congregations (churches) within their own homes. Even so, until Jesus Christ, females and all Gentiles appear to have been censured, condemned, and labeled as greater sinners than Hebrew males. Correctly understood, because of their menstrual cycle and likelihood of defilement through their flesh (in particular, their blood), the sacred law required women be set apart from the men of the congregation to re-dedicate themselves to GOD as would a Levite in private prayer with fasting, offerings, and supplication. Seeming to continue to acknowledge principles shared among the Pharisees, the Apostle Paul provided instruction to the early church that has continued unto this day. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Leviticus 12: 1-7, King James Version (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.

2. Genesis 38: 24-26, KJV: 24 And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. 25 When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. 26 And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. 1^st Timothy 2: 8-15, KJV: 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1: 18 PM, August 25, 2019 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rK3jRgjw6Wk/maxresdefault.jpg

AN AFTERTHOUGHT: The law from GOD to transform the loosely organized tribes of Jacob to appear as a legitimate nation among the existing kingdoms of the world correctly acknowledged the differences between females and males regarding issues of endurance, health, and stability. Women were to demonstrate repentance through calm, humility, modesty, quietness, respect, and piety. The purpose of divine law was not to legislate conduct and deportment by imposing etiquette and manners, so much as it was to establish a human community on the earth that would display the spirit of GOD. In no way did the law of GOD give males license to belittle, enslave, mock, or torment their intended life companions and partners from GOD. In the Scriptures we see that women maintained their own property, operated businesses, and even served as deliverers in times of war. Many of the traditions begun with Adam and Eve were eventually written into the judgments and codes of law delivered by Moses, Joshua, and others as the expressed will of GOD.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/05/2019) Present With The Lord

Today, reply is on conflicts that regularly appear within the course of Christian ministry, language from the Scriptures, and personal thoughts from the Apostle Paul. In sharing reports of his present condition and the challenges he was facing as a servant of Jesus Christ, Paul confessed that he now was experiencing the holy boldness both to face a martyr’s death, and to appear in tribunal before the judgment seat of Christ. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “jane” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since May 15, 2019) posted the following:

What the Bible meaning Absent from the body and to be present with the Lord ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12: 1-3, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Prophets After Jesus Christ? (06/04/2019); Why Paul Observed Tradition (07/10/2018); A Threat Against Judaism (07/17/2017); A True Apostle? (09/20/2015); Saul of Tarsus (03/26/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014); Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present (03/31/2013); A Family Affair? (04/01/2013)

“jane”, many Christian believers understand the language “present with the Lord” is describing when a believer is received by the Lord through death and final judgment to continue dwelling and servicing divinity within the celestial precincts, courts, and mansions of heaven. Those fully present with the Lord are believed in the same relationship with GOD, the same new flesh, and the same new life through resurrection as the Lord Jesus. To be “absent from the body” is understood as no longer being alive in flesh on the earth; and also means to no longer be available to minister to the body of Christ (i.e., the church; the community of believers) through devices that are carnal, material, physical, and social. In two of his epistles, the Apostle Paul expresses a sense of conflict and uncertainty about continuing his own service to the church that has included multiple confrontations with mobs, imprisonment, scourging, and suffering. On the one hand, Paul does not desire death; he is preferring to be with Jesus in the direct presence of GOD the Father, and desires to perform higher, holier works guided by Jesus, the divine High Priest. On the other hand, Paul understands the peculiar needs of the church demand that he and others continue at the various works they have been given through the Holy Ghost; and the Apostle continues to exhort the brethren to commitment, determination, and zeal. There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Philippians 1: 20-30, King James Version (KJV): 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:48 PM, August 04, 2019 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/I1XFAjt4H_0/maxresdefault.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/04/2019) Prophets After Jesus Christ?

Today, reply is on Bible reports describing the divine use of prophets on the earth following the ministry of Jesus Christ; the process of prophecy; and prophecy sealed through the Book of Revelation. The birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and return of Jesus to heaven did address and fulfill many major divine promises and prophecies. Even so, the full range of sacred works required for redemption, salvation, and eternal life are yet to be completed; and divine works expressing prophecy will continue to appear on the earth. Included will be the first and second resurrections; the judgment and distribution of rewards; the Garden of Eden returned to the earth; and the descent of the Holy City from heaven to the earth. Christian workers will continue to occupy such offices as ambassadors, apostles, evangelists, prophets, and spokespersons; yet, none will be exalted above others through competition, hierarchy, or vainglory. Jesus Christ will reign as Messiah and High Priest. It is written: 1^st Thessalonians 4: 16-18, King James Version (KJV): 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. One of the writers in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “jane” (Level 1 with 135 points, a member since May 15, 2019) posted the following:

What Does the Bible Say About Prophets After Jesus?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. (Acts 19: 11-17, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Recognizing The End Times (04/16/2019); Divine Preparations for Advent (03/17/2019); Challenges To The Church? (03/01/2019); Divine Revelation Not Showmanship (02/03/2019); How GOD Is Communicating (10/31/2018); A “Successor” To Jesus? (02/22/2018); Succession (02/05/2014); On Youth Doing Enough (02/06/2014)

“jane”, within the system of Christian belief, the entire movement of prophecy and revelation from the time of Adam has been the declaration of divinity appearing incarnate using human form as Jesus Christ. The ministry on the earth completed by Jesus for the transformation of mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible will be completed through operations of the Comforter who has been sent as his chief agent and representative. (We also say, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth.) Because the full manifesting of Christ is the “end of the law” (i.e., the essential principle, process, and divine substance embodied within sacred law), no human replacement, successor, or follower of Christ is named in Scripture. Moreover, the further appearance of apostles, prophets, and spokespersons does not appear so much as admonitions and cautions against the antichrist spirit, instruction regarding false prophets, and description of specific patterns among end time events.

Within the church founded by Jesus, men and women will continue to be anointed and ordained serving as child-bearers, healers, sacred messengers, priests, kings, miracle-workers, evangelists, and teachers. Developing and mature Christian believers should not expect or look for any new proclamation, or fresh revelation that contends against the Bible record concerning the operations of GOD for salvation and eternal life. While many notable modern-day figures and workers have been promoted publicly as genuine agents of Christ (e.g., Joseph Smith; Ellen G. White; Oral Roberts; Kathryn Kuhlman; Billy Graham) the prophecies do not describe any alternatives to Christ, or religious figures who become prominent through self-promotion except the Antichrist. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. 1^st John 4: 1-6, King James Version (KJV): 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

2. Daniel 7: 21-27, KJV: 21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. 23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. 26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. 27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

3. Revelation 13: 7-10, KJV: 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Revelation 22: 17-19, KJV: 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:10 PM, June 03, 2019 @ https://focusonjerusalem.com/030306q.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/14/2019) Authentic Experiences From GOD

Today, reply is on authenticity for experiences of divine visitation. 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:

What would you say if I told you that Jesus is sitting right here next to me?

I would guess that even Christians would call me a troll and a liar, to which I say-

Wait a minute- I thought you said that Jesus was coming back! How do you know He wouldn't pick a random person to help Him get started? There's a lot of logistics to consider here-

such as easing into it via radio, tv and/or social media announcements, avoiding mass panic, coordinating traffic, etc.

So, what do you say now?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. (Luke 17: 20-24, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Prophecy Over Personal Testimony? (06/29/2017); Proof That GOD Exists? (10/16/2016); On Really Seeing Angels (10/09/2016); The Testimony From Jesus (08/05/2016); Knowing GOD For Yourself (07/13/2016); Seeing Jesus While Alive? (02/05/2016); What To Say To A Friend? (03/29/2015); A Visit from an Angel? (10/20/2013); The Head Not The Tail? (12/21/2013)

“Anonymous”, “child, please!” Nothing is impossible with GOD, however, claiming experiences of encounters with divinity is no laughing matter. Sacred knowledge rather than secular knowledge is always a gift that should be received with joy, yet, with gravity, meekness, respect and sobriety. Within the church established by Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, occurrences and reports of encounters with divinity must be respected as intended to edify and build spirit value. Every member is to receive inseparable spirit matter from the makeup of GOD that includes faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Until shown to lack authenticity, a report is to be accounted as testimony within the process of ongoing divine judgment (i.e., a statement under oath bearing penalties for perjury, and therefore, “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”). For sinners who become “born again,” the sacred process is one of multiple changes, discovery, gradual growth, learning, and study. Ones integrity and justification as a believer comes by being anchored in the testimony of Jesus, the Spirit of prophecy.

Many within the body argue that no one is to see the resurrected Jesus in a one-on-one experience of prayer, or of private revelation (as did the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus). Paul wrote: (1^st Corinthians 15: 3-8, King James Version (KJV): 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. Also, the promises recorded as the revelation given to Jesus to share with his church state that “every eye will see him” at his appearing (we also say, Advent; the harvest; the Rapture; the Second Coming).

Developing and mature Christian believers are encouraged to “try the spirits” (i.e., examine the character, makeup, origin, divine process, sacred purpose, and divine substance) within events, oneself, other persons, prophecy, holy writings, etc. Believers are to focus on the claims and reports that come from divinity, avoiding material that displays only self-promotion, sensationalism, and vainglory. There should be accord and agreement with the things already proclaimed, promised, and recorded for the body of Christ as well as those things that are in their ongoing fulfillment. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. 2^nd Peter 1: 2-4, 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.

2. 1^st Corinthians 12: 3-13, KJV: 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

3. 1^st John 4: 1-3, KJV: 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Revelation 19: 9-10, KJV: 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:11 PM, May 13, 2019 @ https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cw80EIZXgAAHr2p.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC