(04/20/2021) "100% Gold and Marble"

 

For many Christian believers the most difficult elements of transformation away from relying on secular and worldly knowledge center on practicing godly and sacred operations that require consecrated substance rather than lavish display, money, ownership of possessions, the distribution of property, and accumulating wealth. Just as the character and nature of divinity is made visible to mankind on the earth through Jesus Christ, things are to appear within the church Christ has created that are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the things that appear in heaven. Correctly understood, what created beings and living creatures are to regard as the precious things of the earth have been provided to communicate such features as the abundance, authority, balance, dominion, humility, perfection, and wisdom of divinity. Sacred law delivers sanctions to the living that condemn covetousness, envy, idolatry, lust, possessiveness, exaggerated pride, and selfishness. It is written: James 4: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:

Why is the bishop’s church in my diocese 100% gold and marble when he closed down my church for lack of funding?

Hey, so I’ll burn in hell for all eternity for not having a church to go to but at least he can be ensconced in gold and platinum every Sunday.

Updated 1 hour ago:

Actually, I guess it’s a new bishop. The bishop who closed down my church in 2019 was replaced in early 2020. But still

THE GOLDEN ARROW: John 14: 1-3, KJV: 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Device of Inheritance (12/01/2020); On Giving and Tithing (11/05/2020); Why So Many Churches? (10/17/2020); The Inheritance From GOD (08/26/2020); Power To Get Wealth (01/15/2020); The Love Of Money (10/27/2019); Giving, A Divine Discipline? (10/09/2017); A $1,000 Dollar Seed? (11/02/2015); Some Points on Tithing (03/19/2015)

“Anonymous”, aspects of acknowledgment, glorification, praise, sacrifice, submission, and worship are involved. The use of gold, marble, and platinum that we see displayed among the various congregations sharing Christian belief is not intended to establish a base for political conflict and division, exalt hierarchy with worldly social standing and preference based on wealth, or represent the authority and power of any individual on the earth. Believers are to apprehend and discern the material presence of invisible divinity through the properties of consecrated and sanctified devices, tools, and utensils. Included are balance, beauty, completeness, purity, eternal purpose, simplicity, and transcendence projected through the carpeting, cloths, flowers, and other adornments of the altar, communion-ware, the font or baptism pool, the pews, prayer stalls, and other fixtures. The bishop may reside and regularly serve a broad area that includes diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Correctly understood, the “headquarters” church (often a cathedral) is a shared inheritance for the full community that has been increased, maintained, managed, and preserved through the work of many generations. Developing believers often err responding to divine displays as though they are selfish expressions from disbelievers and skeptics rather than unselfish offerings by those in commitment and conviction. While the church endures as a single sacred body by practicing a division of labor and oneness without sameness, it is not unreasonable that every discrete congregation must continue by its own members accepting requirements for accountability, duty, effort, and manifesting Christian maturity. Through the earthly treasures of the church believers are encouraged that the goals of their faith and practice can be achieved within their own life-process as those belonging to GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Exodus 25: 1-9, King James Version (KJV): 1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. 3 And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, 4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, 5 And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, 6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, 7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. 9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

(2.) Exodus 36: 1-6, KJV: 1 Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded. 2 And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: 3 And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning. 4 And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made; 5 And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make. 6 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. 7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, eternal salvation with divinity is not determined by ones giving and financial behavior, their intellectual knowledge, their service, or their personal suffering so much as by their content of divine substance and their continuance under grace.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:00 PM, April 18, 2021 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3b/27/84/3b2784a14f6cb78680023c66ae9314a7.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/16/2021) Restoring Relationship With Divinity

 

Salvation is provided by divinity to the living that establishes and restores active relationships between the Creator and the created. In a remarkable miracle, Jesus restored mortality to a man named Lazarus, and continuing to live on earth as a mortal, Lazarus eventually died a second time. Salvation goes beyond divine works that focus on the flesh such as healing the sick and raising the dead, and salvation is not a one-time sacred event. Correctly understood, salvation continues Creation by amplifying, perfecting and restoring the communication, exchange and interaction GOD set out to share with mankind. Salvation is more than being restored to life having flesh and a material form after a person has completed their mortality. Salvation is provided to those living on the earth for their inborn spirit substance to become permanently transformed, for them to receive immortality, and for them to continue to exist as a companion to the divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). Only at the appearing of Jesus Christ to harvest from the earth those who belong to him as anointed, edified, purchased, redeemed, and saved will the living become perfected through operations of GOD. While they live, those who are being saved are being prepared to enter into full relationships with divinity that complete and realize conversion, rebirth, repentance, and new life that resembles, reflects and reveals the character and nature of Christ. Before Jesus restored Lazarus from the dead, the Savior had shared an ongoing relationship with his sisters, Mary and Martha, and everyone within the household of Lazarus. Lazarus was not raised as an act of salvation for a long-time disciple and follower, nor was Lazarus raised so he could face divine judgment. The figure of Lazarus appears like that of Abraham who is called the Friend of GOD. Raising Lazarus was an act of sacred demonstration that also expressed affection, friendship, love, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the performance of sacred promise. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 15: 51-54, King James Version (KJV): 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. A fighter in the Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Uncle Travus Top Pen Kuiper” (Level 3 with 1,330 points) posted the following:

Is it too late to be saved after death? then how do you explain the story of Lazarus according to Mark 6:11?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: John 11: 41-45, King James Version (KJV): 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Both Existence and Life (12/11/2020); When Does Resurrection Occur? (10/25/2020); Sacred Law Promotes Relationships (04/23/2020); Salvation Is Not Predetermined (03/15/2020); Only Divine Resurrection Saves (12/24/2019); (06/23/2019) Preserved As Life Companions; Repentance Must Happen Now (06/07/2019)

“Uncle Travus Top Pen Kuiper”, salvation must occur as an aspect of ones life experience through multiple sacred operations carried out by divinity on behalf of the living (we say, by divine prerogative and the sovereign will of GOD; by the grace of GOD). In addition to repenting for sin, the living are to experience rebirth, acknowledge atonement, and become ripe for harvest from the earth by Christ at his coming. Mature Christian believers receive the account of Lazarus returned from the dead as a sacred event provided to further prepare the followers of the Savior for his crucifixion and resurrection from the dead to appear in heaven. Life was restored to Lazarus to demonstrate that Jesus was endowed with divine authority and power; however, Lazarus was not lifted up to heaven for divine judgment as will occur in the resurrection of those who complete their mortality on the earth. In death, the dead do not continue to operate carrying on life processes, or having intent and purpose. Consider again the following:

(1.) Psalms 115: 15-18, King James Version (KJV): 15 Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. 16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. 17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.

(2.) Lazarus of the miracle

This personage was the brother of Martha and Mary of Bethania; all three were beloved friends of Jesus (John 11:5). At the request of the two sisters Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:41-44). Soon thereafter, the Saturday before Palm Sunday, Lazarus took part in the banquet which Simon the Leper gave to Jesus in Bethania (Matthew 26:6-16; Mark 14:3-11; John 12:1-11). Many of the Jews believed in Jesus because of Lazarus, whom the chief priests now sought to put to death. The Gospels tell us no more of Lazarus (see ST. LAZARUS OF BETHANY). [Downloaded 12:25 PM, March 15, 2021 from New Advent: The Catholic Encyclopedia @ https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09096a.htm].

(3.) John 12: 1-2, KJV: Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 12: 9-11, KJV: 9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; 11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 6:15 PM, 03/15/2021 @ https://christianclipartreview.blogspot.com/2018/04/lazarus-come-forth.html

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(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

(01/25/2021I) The Growth Of Faith

 

Faith is described, today, as a divine substance imparted from divinity to transform the life-process and spirit-maturity of created beings and living creatures. It is written: Hebrews 11: 1-7, King James Version (KJV): 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. One of the writers at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

what exactly is faith in God? what causes faith to mature?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ephesians 4: 11-16, King James Version (KJV): 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Recognizing Authentic Christian Believers (12/21/2020); The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); Why Are Sinners “saved?” (10/11/2020); Spiritual Integrity and Maturity (05/12/2020); Divine Protection Against Covid-19? (04/26/2020); Endure Trials Through Faith (03/31/2020); While We Are Growing (03/09/2020)

“Anonymous”, like existence and life, faith is a spirit-substance that exists among the inseparable aspects that are the makeup of GOD (we also say, the divine fullness; the Creator; the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Where one appears, all the others appear, though not always in the same measure. Included within the complete array of sacred being are holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Faith as an element within the consciousness and makeup of created beings and living creatures should be understood as imparted or transmitted from divinity, and is spirit that manifests only its own authority, character, operations, and power. Thus, faith is only made up of faith, just as holiness consists only of holiness, righteousness consists only of righteousness. GOD did not create life as a separate element that could later be used to make mankind a “living soul;” life essence (breath; utterance; word) was provided to Adam and later to the female directly from GOD. Only GOD is immortal, and while the living may be consecrated and sanctified to have duration, exist as offspring to GOD, and to serve divinity, the living must become transformed to have eternal life. Faith and life exist as perfected, however, the life process for those on the earth now goes forward by degrees, and is progressive from birth to the completion of mortality. Water baptism depicts the death, burial, and rebirth/resurrection of ones inborn spirit. Those who become born again also must grow-up again (we say, must develop; be edified; gradually grow; become accountable, consistent, stable, etc.). Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, sinners receive a fresh endowment of the same spirit that was provided to Jesus while he served on the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Acts 20: 32, King James Version (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.

(2.) 2^nd Peter 1: 2-7, 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. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

(3.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, eternal salvation with divinity is not determined by ones behavior, knowledge, service, and suffering so much as by their content of divine substance and their continuance under grace.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 4:05 PM, January 24, 2021 @ https://www.facebook.com/JesusChrististheonlyway100/photos/1347198372152438

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/25/2020) Being Equal With GOD?

 

Christmas proclaims a profound gospel from GOD sharing points of truth, surprise, and good news from the Creator. It is the gift of GOD that mankind is neither to be inferior to one another nor to divinity; and Christians will be equal as to what they hunger for, and what will nourish them. Even so, few Christians account themselves the equal of Jesus Christ, and many mature Christian believers will shrink from acknowledging that they themselves are to become peers with divinity through operations of GOD. Christians celebrate the nativity of Jesus Christ as the one sent by GOD to deliver mankind from the operations of sin; however, the divine use of human flesh and life essence that we see in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ is a prelude to all mankind being made to exist as an immortal, incorruptible life-companion with GOD. Apostleship, witness, and revelation of the character and nature of divinity will be continued. There are to be mutual sacred commitments, eternal purpose, and shared vision. Where the restoration of paradise lost through the transgression of divine law once may have been strictly anchored in knowing and obeying sacred law, the present transactions of divinity with mankind focus on the provision of opportunities, possibilities, privileges, promises, and prophecies that are being fulfilled through operations of divine grace. Included are the imparting of deposits and endowments from the makeup and substance of GOD whereby men become known as children and offspring of the Creator. The living become perfected and transformed through sacred gifts, eternal life, everlasting inheritance, and divine rewards for godly service. It is written: Ephesians 2: 18-22, King James Version (KJV): 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “David” (Level 1 with 102 points) posted the following:

Philippians 2:5-6 says to think like Jesus. Did he believe he was equal with God while he was in his form? Should we?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9: 6-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Both Existence and Life (12/11/2020); Why Are Sinners “saved?” (10/11/2020); Divine Process and Substance (06/24/2020); The Return of Yeshua (05/21/2020); The Place to Start (12/23/2019); The Persons Within Godhead (12/20/2019); Customs of the People (12/06/2019); On Diversity and Equality (05/22/2018)

Merry Christmas, “David”; I hope you find this to be Good News. Equality with GOD is not so much a matter of having the same celestial authority, dominion, glory, and power as it is a matter of having the same duty to manifest truth as well as the same accountability, benefits, opportunities, possibilities, and privileges. In addition to inseparable aspects of divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) such as faith, holiness, immortality, incorruptibility, personhood, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, sovereign will, wisdom, and wrath against sin, divinity has revealed that through the operations of GOD, there may be oneness of substance without the sameness of sacred form and process. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Ephesians 2: 8-9, King James Version (KJV): 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

(2.) Hebrews 2: 3-5, KJV: 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

(3.) 1^st Peter 4: 9-11, KJV: 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 14: 8-18, KJV: 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/03/2020) Does The Bible Forget?

 

Divinity is providing graphic and memorable one-time events along with immutable recorded accounts to correctly display multiple aspects of divine fullness to created beings and living creatures. Awareness and self-will (willpower) in the living are influenced by divinity to embrace, internalize, recall, and express sacred meanings, standards and values. While man-made devices also are used such as abbreviations, analogies, lessons, repetition, and sacred symbols, the process of GOD is directed to those who receive understanding that is imparted from divinity, and sacred knowledge unfolds primarily through Spirit substance deposited within the living. It is written: Hebrews 10: 16-23, King James Version (KJV): 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 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: A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is presented) posted the following:

Did the Bible forget the 10 commandments?

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.(I) 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a](J) and whatever other command there may be, are summed up(K) in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b](L) 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.(M)

This is from Romans 13 and I'm pointing to where it just ignores all the other commandments and say just follow whatever commandments that were summon up. I can understand that the Bible was written by different people with different ideas but this reminds me of Joe Biden saying you know the thing. But how could the Bible ever forget about the 10 commandments? I was thinking maybe these were the commandments only Christians follow because of keep the Sabbath holy isn't viewed by a lot of Christians as don't do anything except worship God. But really it does even say any other comment there may be.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. (1^st Timothy 4: 6-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); “What if” and “Maybe” (10/20/2020); It’s Not Rocket Science (07/15/2020); The Place Of Meeting (04/08/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); The Commandments Against Sin (11/26/2019); A Complete Divine Revelation (11/15/2019)

“Anonymous”, the Bible does not forget, however, many lack the knowledge of sacred truth that must appear among the living fitted to the life-process of mankind. There must be acknowledgment, discovery, gradual growth, focused study, suffering, and victory. Mind-reading, predicting the future, are not required so much as discernment to recognize and respond to familiar patterns among the things from GOD (e.g., ABCDEFG, XYZ must be coming). The process and substance for divine redemption and salvation do not disguise, hide, or make a mystery of GOD. The Scriptures display and reveal otherwise invisible, unchanging, and unknowable aspects of the character, makeup, and nature of GOD. Thousands of events that occur within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years are presented within the holy writings that impart a correct awareness of sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purposes, and the sovereign will of GOD. Praises, prayers, proclamations, promises, and prophecies offered by others have been recorded and preserved as part of an inheritance to those who enter covenant relationship with divinity through such sacred operations as baptism, rebirth, repentance, resurrection, and suffering. Because many reading the Bible are re-building and restoring the foundations of sacred order within themselves that may have been in place since before their birth the holy writings often use abbreviations, brief summations, reminders, and warnings without details. Consider again the following that use language from the Bible:

(1.) 1^st Peter 2: 1-5, King James Version (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. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

(2.) 2^nd Peter 1: 2-9, 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. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

(3.) 1^st Thessalonians 4: 8-10, KJV: 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. 9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (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. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/01/2020) The Device of Inheritance

 

Inheritance as a sacred device is in view, today, for inheritance speaks to more than the lawful transfer to the living of material goods and wealth from those who are deceased. Properly understood, the inheritance for mankind from divinity includes words of comfort, exhortation, proclamations, promises, prophecies, and sacred practices. On the earth, there may be many heirs who all are to receive a portion of what may be a small estate. Even so, the primary heir is to receive a double portion above others. Where a firstborn child is to be acknowledged as a primary heir, he or she is to serve as the duly appointed agent who will continue and fulfill duties that have not been completed, repair the reputation of the deceased, or maintain the obligations and responsibilities of dynasty. Among Christians, inheritance is not another man-made legal process to manage debt, resolve claims and counter claims among family members, or settle disputes among those claiming authority and succession. Sinners who become “born again” are granted benefits, possibilities, and spirit-substance from the makeup of divinity that establish the very continuity, purposes, and relationships we describe as rebirth, resurrection, and eternal life. It is written: Revelation 5: 9-14, King James Version (KJV): 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Christians! What good is it being God's heirs if God will never die?

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ..." -- Romans 8:17

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2: 19-22, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Explaining The Earlier Covenants (11/22/2020); The Inheritance From GOD (08/26/2020); He Commanded Our Fathers (08/09/2020); The Sons Of GOD? (07/19/2020); They Which Are Called (04/09/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); Grace Abounds Much More (04/02/2020)

“Anonymous”, inheritance as a sacred tool used by divinity is not connected to death, dying, and receiving material goods and wealth from someone who has deceased so much as it is a connection between heaven and earth to establish eternal life. Through Jesus Christ, the operations and substance of inheritance are expressions of sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Inheritance as a sacred device and practice further establishes continuity, duration, grace, and multiple aspects of relationship (e.g., accountability; communication through confession, praise and prayer; forbearance; forgiveness; gratitude; lovingkindness; oneness without sameness; stability). Sinners who become “born again” by turning to GOD must “grow up again” and undergo permanent changes whereby they receive fresh endowments of the life essence (breath; spirit; word) that was imparted to Adam from the character and makeup of GOD. As vessels containing divine DNA (so to speak), sinners become offspring of GOD, the children of GOD, and those on the earth who are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ in their lifestyles and daily routines. Included are inseparable features such as commitment, discernment, faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, mercy for those found guilty in judgment, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 6: 9-11, King James Version (KJV): 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 15: 45-43, KJV: 45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

(3.) Ephesians 5: 1-6, KJV: 1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

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

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/29/2020) Our Correct Sacred Priorities?

Correctness of members judging the clergy and others within the church, and the priority for clergy preaching the gospel compared to performing “good works” are topics, today. While all believers are to demonstrate and display the love of GOD, all are not called to serve as pulpit preachers. Those who talk about you yet do not speak with you can never correctly know the full extent of what you suffer for Christ, or the specific works he has chosen and fitted you to fulfill. Many within the church mistakenly regard works that are priority among those in the world as somehow vital to redemption and salvation. Such believers focus heavily on the giving of alms, ministering to families, relieving others in their distress and suffering, and devoting oneself to programs for change and social justice. They neglect the preaching of the cross; the needs for rebirth, sanctification, and reconciliation; and the necessity that all members of the church are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ within their own lifestyles and daily routines. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 1: 17-24, King James Version (KJV): 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. The user in “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Sparkles” (Level 1 with 204 points) posted the following:

Should a pastor spend more time helping the homeless on Sunday mornings rather than preaching inside the church?

My dad is a fundamental Baptist pastor, and recently he's been spending his sunday mornings helping the homelesss rather than preaching his sermons. Some members of our church committee have suggested that he should spend more time preaching and let the missionaries take care of the homeless.

Updated 20 mins ago:

My dad believes helping the homeless is more important since he is sharing the gospel with the unsaved, and most homeless people are willing to listen.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. (2^nd Corinthians 11: 23-30, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); 22 Years Spent Preparing (05/20/2020); The Testimony From GOD (10/22/2019); How Can Christians Preach? (09/25/2019); Giving To The Homeless (03/13/2019); The Answer From GOD (05/19/2017)

“Sparkles”, Christian believers are to demand perfection from themselves before demanding perfection from the clergy or other members of the church. Because the workings of divinity are Spirit in process and substance, many in the church can become confounded and deceived by things that are human concerns and that do not express sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. There are those who mean well, yet, they continue to behave as instruments of the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation (such as hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mental operations (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall) ). Putting aside the issue of whether you accept that your father has been ordained and is in a peculiar relationship with Jesus Christ as his head, your duty and responsibilities as a member in his flock do not include proclaiming his condemnation, performing judgment, or the posing of questions about his competence. Developing Christian believers must come to acknowledge that salvation is through acts of GOD such as baptism whereby a sinner’s inborn spirit dies, is buried, and is raised from the dead in rebirth and resurrection. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Romans 14: 4, King James Version (KJV): 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

(2.) 2^nd Corinthians 10: 12, KJV: 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

(3.) Luke 16: 10-15, KJV: 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 14: 16-23, KJV: 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC