(07/12/2018) Christ Is The Head

Today, reply is on completeness and perfection for Christ as the Head of the church, and the multiple streams of change and growth that must appear as the process for the church as his body on the earth.  Fellowship and relationship with divinity is not so much a growth and movement from new truth to new truth as it is growth from faith to faith, and glory to glory.  When Jesus Christ began his ministry on earth as an incarnation of divinity, he would accelerate, continue and fulfill things already begun in Adam, the Patriarchs, and Abraham.  At his birth, sophisticated mechanisms and practices were in place through Judaism and the Temple at Jerusalem.  Jesus founded his church as a fulfillment of unchanging eternal purposes, and a new creation.  The church has continued mankind’s focus and systematic examination of the life and teachings of Jesus, and has developed and maintained its own customs, practices, sacred history, and traditions.  The operations and process of the church to bring about sacred events (we say, miracles), divine order, godly law, judgment, and salvation not to be repented of have gone forward through discovery, gradual growth, unselfish service, and suffering.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


I am a Catholic, I am wondering what is wrong with Catholic teaching that goes against the Bible?

Like praying to saints and stuff like that?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  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:  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.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  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.  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  (2nd Peter 1:  2-11, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Church Of Jesus (06/18/2018); Abraham Demonstrates Spiritual Growth (05/30/2018); Diversity Within The Body (04/13/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); Meanings for “Apostolic Church” (05/08/2017); Diversity and Prophetic Gifts (11/22/2016); The Apocryphal Books? (08/07/2015); Catholics, Protestants and The Trinity? (10/12/2014); The Gift of Life Despised? (10/13/2014)


“Anonymous”, many Christians are perplexed by the fact that there are various differences in doctrine and practice found among the assemblies and congregations who name Jesus Christ as their head.  While Christ is to be acknowledged as complete, timeless, spiritual, and unchanging, the members of his body, the church, each must develop within the frameworks of time and space; the frameworks for cultural, intellectual, organizational, and social process; the framework of permanent changes by the Spirit of GOD provided through water baptism (i.e., death and burial of the inborn spirit with rebirth, spiritual growth, and maturation as born-again believers), and complete the transformation to exist as immortal, incorruptible companions to divinity at his appearing (we also say, Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming).

The church is challenged to apprehend sacred knowledge, divine operations, and spiritual truth that go beyond accounts of the Creation, the promises to Abraham, or the Ten Commandments and the Covenant of Moses.  Created beings and living creatures are to receive a revelation of divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) whereby divinity becomes knowable, known, accessible, and approachable.  The holy writings (Old and New Testament) describe thousands of events within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.  Even so, the Scriptures that include covenants, praises, prayers, proclamations, promises, and prophecy are held by many as only a single source for divine truth.  Inseparable aspects of the makeup of the Creator (breath; life essence; spirit; word) are imparted to indwell the living.  Thus, believers are to operate as vessels containing faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

With this in view, the streams of sacred truth are held to flow from “holy men of God” including the Patriarchs, the Judges, the Prophets, the Kings, the Apostles, the Bishops, the Church Fathers, and the Accord/Commonly Held Understanding of the Members within the Church.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Ephesians 4:  4-7, King James Version (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.

(2.)  Ephesians 4:  11-16, 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.

(3.)  Romans 3:  21-23, KJV:  21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:  for there is no difference:  23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Acts 20:  28, KJV:  28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/29/2018) A Second Sacred Pair

A depiction of Abraham, Sarah and Isaac

Today, reply is on the divine use of Abraham and Sarah as a sacred pair sharing a single personhood in relationship with the Creator through divine appointment and marriage.  Marriage as a sacred tool is intended to produce “godly seed” (see Malachi 2).  As with Noah and Moses among the Patriarchs, and Jesus Christ who has provided the new creation, his church, Abraham is spoken of among Christian believers as a “second Adam.”  Developing believers are, first, to acknowledge, and then understand, that authority, dominion and power over existence, duration, and everlasting life are with the Lord our GOD.  The many occasions and sacred events (we say, miracles) where divinity has operated according to divine laws, rather than natural laws to bring about human reproduction, birth, and new life include the birth of Samson, a Judge of Israel; the birth of Samuel, who is called the last of the Judges/the first of the prophets; the birth of John the Baptist, the son of a Levitical priest who was born full of the Holy Ghost; the birth of Jesus Christ as the Son of Man; and the birth of every repenting sinner who is “born again” through water baptism.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Love Unites” (Level 7 with 57,636 points, a member since May 08, 2013) posted the following:


Why did God condone Abraham's marriage to his half sister?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.  Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.  How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.  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:  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.  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.  For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:  Because the law worketh wrath:  for where no law is, there is no transgression.  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,  (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.  Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.  (Romans 4:  8-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Abraham Demonstrates Spiritual Growth (05/30/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); The Heir To Abraham (10/23/2016); An Eternal Inheritance? (06/26/2016); Ye Are Abraham’s Seed (07/10/2015); Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); Circumcision and Promise? (07/16/2013); The Bible and Stupid People (07/17/2013)


“Love Unites”, Abraham found grace in the eyes of the Lord.  Adam (the first male and female) were held to be one and a sacred pair before GOD by virtue of their creation.  Abraham and Sarah are to be accounted as one on the basis of their both having been chosen to fulfill eternal purposes that expressed divine prerogative and sovereign will; on the basis of their spiritual joining through marriage; and on the basis of their having received endowments of spirit content from the Creator that allow displaying oneness without sameness.  For Adam and Abraham, marriage was not a man-made or social institution structured by law regarding family and maintained for human survival so much as it continued to be a tool of divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) for making actual the multiple possibilities of sacred law, divine incarnation, inheritance, judgment, eternal life, and the necessary revelation of GOD to his own created beings and living creatures.  Abraham’s experience of divinity incorporated both prophetic visions and divine visitation.   Abraham was called by GOD to live as a nomad on the earth; and the Patriarch eventually commanded a household that may have numbered thousands, for it included the families of his male servants who also served as an army of more than three hundred.  Everywhere he traveled he dug life-giving wells for water; built altars for sacrifice; continued circumcision and covenant relationship; practiced intercession, praise, and prayer; and demonstrated worship of the true GOD.  Together with Sarah, Abraham was to accomplish a sacred event (miracle), the birth of a firstborn to a barren woman pass the age of fertility.  The birth of Isaac was to be a platform for the birth of Jesus Christ as Messiah.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Genesis 18:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre:  and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;  2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him:  and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,  3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:  4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:  5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on:  for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

(2.)  Genesis 18:  23-28, KJV:  23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?  24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city:  wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?  25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked:  and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee:  Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?  26 And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.  27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:  28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous:  wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

(3.)  Genesis 18:  9-14, KJV:  9 And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.  10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.  11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.  12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?  13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?  14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Genesis 18:  17-22, KJV:  17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;  18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?  19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.  20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;  21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.  22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom:  but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/30/2018) Abraham Demonstrates Spiritual Growth

Today, reply is on the demonstration of spiritual growth provided by the faith and works of Abraham.  While Abraham is spoken of in Scripture as one of the most prosperous and wealthy of the Patriarchs and the “Friend of GOD,” Abraham did not start out as one who was “perfect”.  Abraham’s beginnings were those of a simple man, a youth, challenged to commit himself to a lifestyle that included many trials and uncertainties.  Like most of us today, Abraham had to take on new knowledge, sacred knowledge, and become a new creation of Jesus Christ.  Abraham had to respond to divinity with correcting his own mistakes, discovery, gradual growth, learning, and becoming mature in the things of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).   A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


Why did Abraham question God when he was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, but never questioned him when he was told to kill his child?

It's odd that he didn't trust that God had good reason to destroy the city, but then trusted that Good knew best when it came to having him slaughter house own child...


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:  Because the law worketh wrath:  for where no law is, there is no transgression.  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,  (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.  Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.  And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:  He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;  (Romans 4:  13-20, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Firstborn Of Every Creature (05/09/2018); The First “Chosen” People (05/03/2018); Demonstrations of Spirit Truth (02/28/2018); The Heir To Abraham (10/23/2016); Why Was Lot Spared? (12/20/2015); The Judgment Against Sodom? (04/10/2015); A Common Heritage? (07/13/2014); Asleep Through the Holocaust? (07/14/2014)


“Anonymous”, you are speaking of both the faith and works of Abraham.  Along with building sacred altars, offering sacrifices to GOD, and demonstrating acceptable worship, Abraham dug life-giving wells of water, maintained a coherent community of thousands while living and regularly traveling as a nomad, and led his entire household into a covenant of circumcision.  Here are some other points to consider:

(1.)  Abraham did not challenge or question whether GOD had good reason to destroy Sodom; Abraham sought to know whether judgment to punish would also display divine righteousness (e.g., correction, forbearance, forgiveness, impartiality, mercy, reconciliation, thoroughness without giving attention to arbitrary details).

(2.)  The account of Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah is presented within the Scriptures chapters before the account of Abraham challenged to sacrifice Isaac.  The meaning of Isaac in the covenant of circumcision was no different from that for Ishmael.  However the meaning of the two was not the same in prophecy and in revelation.  Thus, Isaac was the “firstborn” and promised heir to Abraham, as is Jesus Christ, where Ishmael was the “first born” foreshadowing the trials that would be endured by the descendants of Abraham in Egypt.

(3.)  By his acknowledgements and responses to the Creator, Abraham increasingly expressed faith that was being edified, nourished, and built up by GOD himself.  Abraham experienced similar spiritual growth and the permanent changes that are made within those who are “born again” through Christian baptism.

(4.)  In Abraham, the personhood of divinity and mankind were joined through commanded expectation (we say, hope), obedience to divine law, patience, promise, and prophecy.  Reverence and trust were built up gradually within multiple settings (i.e., through time and space) by divine deliverance, fulfillment, and the bearing of fruit.  Consider again the following verses from the Bible:

1.  Genesis 18:  17-21, King James Version (KJV):  17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;  18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?  19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.  20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;  21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

2.  Genesis 22:  6-8, KJV:  6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.  7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father:  and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood:  but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?  8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:  so they went both of them together.

3.  Hebrews 11:  7-19, KJV:  17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac:  and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,  18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:  19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, James 2:  19-24, KJV:  19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:  the devils also believe, and tremble.  20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?  22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?  23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:  and he was called the Friend of God.  24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/06/2018) Salt of the Earth

 

Today, reply is on mankind’s use of the earth, and the divine commission that mankind preserve Creation by behaving as the “salt of the earth.”  Animal and human efforts to control access to choice locations, resources, and settings on the earth have resulted in abuse and destruction of the earth as the dwelling of mankind.  Through Jesus Christ, men are yet to be a new creation, and the sacred servants and workers who will continually purify and preserve life on the earth.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the  ID “noway_1no” (Level 1 with 169 points, a member since December 20, 2013) posted the following:


When did Jesus tell his fellows they were the salt?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.  Salt is good:  but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it?  Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.  (Mark 9:  49-50, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Mankind’s Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); Bible Borders and Walls (08/29/2017); Where Will Believers Go? (10/26/2016); Why Was Lot Spared? (12/20/2015); Salted With Fire?  (09/24/2013); A Halo Upon Jesus? (09/25/2013); Circumcision and Promise? (07/16/2013); The Bible and Stupid People (07/17/2013)


“noway_1no”, here are some points intended for mature Christian readers:

(1.)  In the holy writings salt is used as a medicine when closing open wounds, as a form of currency, as a flavoring for foods, and as a powerful poison that would be sown  to destroy the fertility of an enemy’s land for many generations (40 year periods).

(2.)  In keeping with the divine plan that mankind should populate and cover the earth, the Patriarch Abraham was made a nomad whose household may have included thousands of workers and their families.  Abraham sought a “city of GOD” (yet to come as the New Jerusalem).  Every where they traveled he acknowledged the living GOD, and established and left behind altars and wells of water.  Abraham also established a permanent burial place (we say, cemetery) for internment of his own family members.

(3.)  GOD commanded a sabbath of rest for the earth; every seven years, the land was not to be planted and seeded to produce a crop.  The creation of “the city” by mankind and the creation of “the farm” (fixed areas developed and maintain for growing crops) have resulted in men seeking to secure and exploit the land for extended periods (decades; their whole life time; permanently).  Home, farm, and property ownership tie men to the land, and sees the land in continual works. 

(4.)  Where mankind has defiled the land, and refused to let the soil lay fallow, divinity often has purged the earth using earthquakes, natural disasters, warfare, and wildfire.  GOD also uses weather events to remove the blood of battle and crimes such as murder as well as insecticides and chemical additives intended to increase the production of the soil, and that become a permanent feature of the land.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Mankind is to exist on the earth as a peculiar fruit of a divine planting.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:  1st Corinthians 3:  5-11, King James Version (KJV):  5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?  6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.  7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.  8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one:  and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.  9 For we are labourers together with God:  ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.  10 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.  11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/31/2018) Divine Priesthood on Earth

A depiction of Adam as High Priest making sacrifice for atonement that must be received by GOD through fire from heaven.

Today, the Bible is discussed as a record of the divine priesthood in heaven appearing on the earth through mankind.  Those in the office of prophet are to serve as spokespersons in the relationship between GOD and mankind while only those consecrated to serve in the office of priest are to offer blood for the remission of sin.  From skins to holy garments, from the blood of circumcision to the blood of the cross, the priesthood has performed the works of atonement, manifesting the active presence who is GOD, and countering the operations of sin through divine provisions.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Jim” (Level 1 with 90 points, a member since December 21, 2015) posted the following:




Whose idea was it to create the Bible?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.  To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,  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.  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:  and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious:  but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient:  whereunto also they were appointed.  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:  which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.  (1st Peter 2:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Divinity of “Word” (01/26/2018); What Would Moses Say? (10/27/2017); Christ Our High Priest (10/25/2017); The First Book of the Bible? (11/20/2014); The Beginning of Wisdom? (11/21/2014); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013)


“Jim”, the Bible began through what we call “oral tradition” before the development of reading and writing.  Adam and others of the Patriarchs lived for nearly a millennium (1,000 years); and it is thought that worship was held “in the gate” (i.e., at the entrance) to the Garden of Eden, and in the witness of the angel posted there.  In addition to understanding the Bible to be a written record of GOD revealing divinity to created beings and living creatures by using thousands of events within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years, another important way for Christian believers to apprehend the many streams of truth from the Bible is to acknowledge that the holy writings document the development on earth of the sacred priesthood from heaven that is carried out and performed by Jesus Christ as High Priest within the Temple of Heaven.

The priesthood of Jesus as Son of the Highest was demonstrated to Adam, and shared with mankind replacing their lost inheritance.  Through the mechanism of the priesthood the offspring of Adam would become the new creation; would continue as “joint-heirs” with Christ; would receive words of comfort, promise, and prophecy to be proclaimed and repeated to future generations; would be granted sacred knowledge to practice the mysteries of atonement and propitiation for sin; and would continue the sacred work of reconciliation.

Many Christians believe that, under the guidance through Moses, the many oral traditions held among the Hebrews who formed the tribes of Jacob were blended with those from the mixed multitude that left Egypt.  In order to survive the years of famine, the Egyptian people and many others literally sold their land, their livestock, and themselves as slaves to Pharaoh.  As absolute ruler over a one-world empire, Pharaoh presented himself as a false god.  Details of the idolatry, occult practices, and impure worship that existed among the Egyptians were carefully separated from the doctrines and teachings that were to be a platform for a new nation and covenant people of GOD.  The Pentateuch that serve as the first five books of the Bible establish the pattern for all authentic holy writing.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Genesis 3:  21, King James Version (KJV):  21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

(2.)  Exodus 28:  1-3, KJV:  1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.  2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.  3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.

(3.)  Hebrews 7:  11-17, KJV:  11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?  12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.  13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.  14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.  15 And it is yet far more evident:  for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,  16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.  17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

(4.)  Hebrews 7:  21-28, KJV:  21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)  22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.  23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:  24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s:  for this he did once, when he offered up himself.  28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  [For example, (5.)  Hebrews 9:  19-24, KJV:  19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,  20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.  21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.  22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.  23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.  24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:]  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/23/2017) Christ Descending and Ascending?

Edwin Longsden Long, ANNO DOMINI (1883)

Today, focus is on Jesus Christ appearing as an evangelist, a fugitive, and a nomad on the earth.  While still an infant, Jesus fled to Egypt.  Having no place to assemble the large crowds that would come to him, and repeating the pattern for establishing covenant with GOD used earlier with those who left Egypt following Moses, Jesus assembled and “wandered” with those who would come to him in large open areas.  Thus, he preached and shared his discourses on beaches, hillsides, in the plains, and on the shore.  His believers and followers are to like wells that supply his living water.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (Canada)” using the ID “Yummy Elephant Candy” (Level 6 with 19,302 points, a member since November 10, 2010) posted the following:


Did jesus own a home or was he a professional vagrant?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.  Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?  He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  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:  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;  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  (Ephesians 4:  4-15, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Generation That Wandered (06/14/2017); Why Was Lot Spared? (12/20/2015); The Sheep Who Lost Their Way? (11/18/2014); Restoring The Lost? (11/19/2014); Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014); A Common Heritage? (07/13/2014); Asleep Through the Holocaust? (07/14/2014); Circumcision and Promise? (07/16/2013); The Bible and Stupid People (07/17/2013); What is Worship? (10/18/2010)


“Yummy Elephant Candy”, the full demands of sacred ministry often include the sacrifice of traditional family and home life, property, and social standing.  Among mature Christian believers multiple streams of truth are shared to explain events from the ministry of Jesus Christ on the earth.  Included are his demonstration of divine dominion and ownership of the earth; his role as heir to Adam, the Patriarchs, and all anointed upon the earth; his intimate ongoing relationship as Son of the Highest; his service as a circuit judge, evangelist, and itinerant preacher; the requirement that a pilgrimage and on-site assessment be made upon the earth before ascendance to the throne of judgment; a duty to complete, correct, and fulfill the promises, prophecies, and sufferings for earlier lives as well as the tasks of continually manifesting divine presence among the living.  For divinity, movement is directed and purposeful; there is no chaos, flux, and randomness.  In the same way we see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob building altars and digging wells wherever they sojourned, we should be able to discern an outpouring of benefits from Christ who is High Priest, Redeemer and Savior.  Just as the angels serve on Jacob’s Ladder, the Savior descends appearing as fugitive, outcast, and humble servant even as he ascends to higher and higher thrones of judgment, mercy, and glory.  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Hebrews 1:  1-4, King James Version (KJV):  1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:  4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

(2.)  Luke 4:  38-44, KJV:  38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.  39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her:  and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.  40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.  41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak:  for they knew that he was Christ.  42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place:  and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.  43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also:  for therefore am I sent.  44 And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Luke 9:  57-62, KJV:  57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.  58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.  59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.  60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead:  but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.  61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.  62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/21/2017) The Place of Torment?

A Depiction of the “Harrowing of Hell”

Today, a reply is shared on Christ having gone to the place of torment after dying on the cross.  Relying upon the tools important for life in the flesh, even Christian believers may not completely and correctly apprehend the state of the dead, and the many divine operations that occur focused on and that thereby involve the dead.  The intellect and the mind must employ the frameworks of time and space.  However, this may introduce flawed concepts and notions of “a material place” that has boundaries, partitions, and walls to contain disembodied spirit matter once deposited within the created from the makeup of divinity to their  existence and life.  Where we argue an “abyss”, a “bottomless pit,” “limbo” or “purgatory” we often appeal to extra-biblical sources that may further introduce inconsistency and what appear as departures from the Gospel.  It is not an error to focus upon a “more sure word of prophecy,” rather than upon extrapolations from doctrine, orthodoxy, or tradition.  By focusing on the higher issues of Advent and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, many of the questions concerning punishment, salvation, hell, and the dead are superseded, and put to rest.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


Why did Jesus go to Hell when he died? Did he do something bad?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,  And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled:  and after that he must be loosed a little season.  And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them:  and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:  on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.  And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,  And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle:  the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.  And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city:  and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.  (Revelation 20:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Forgiveness, Grace and Merit (06/22/2017); Hell and The Cross? (04/10/2016); Is Hitler Now in Hell? (07/02/2015); The Harrowing of Hell? (02/10/2015); How To Accept Bible Truth? (04/17/2013); About Preaching the Gospel (04/18/2013); Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013)


“Anonymous”, some of the most difficult teaching from the holy writings are those points that speak to the death of Jesus on the cross, and what the Savior then accomplished that is often called “the harrowing of hell.”  The divine process for imparting sacred knowledge, here, is one that employs contemplation, discernment, discovery, and growth.  Even so, believers are not to rely upon the finite tools of intellect, secular knowledge, logic, and carnal reason.  Here are some points to help developing Christian believers avoid spiritual confusion:

(1.)  Revelation of divinity to created beings and living creatures began with their creation, and has continued ever since.

(2.)  The Incarnation (i.e., divinity appearing on the earth using the form of a man) required that Jesus respond to multiple streams of authority and law.  As well as parental, civil, and other social standards, the Son of GOD had to respond to the natural law and operations for life upon the earth that included completing mortality; the laws for covenant relationship with divinity; the demands of promise and prophecy; and the unseen, yet, active divine laws of eternal existence.

(3.)  Hell as the grave and a repository for the dead is distinct from hell as the place of torment.  We accept that Jesus was buried, and went to the grave.  However, the Savior did not undergo the usual corruption, decay and rot of death.  Representations of this appear throughout the Bible that may only be correctly recognized and responded to by using ones own spirit content from the makeup of GOD to discern the spirit that is present within such features as events, other persons, prophecy, and the holy writings.  An example is seen in the separation by a pillar of fire (judgment) during the night between Moses and the pursuing army of Pharaoh.  Another is in the parable of the rich man in torment, and the beggar in the bosom of Abraham.

(4.)  Where the place of torment is spoken of as a realm or region where the dead have awareness and self-will for eternity, believers are to be very cautious.  Again, the serpent’s lie to Eve comes into view:  Ye shall not surely die.  Acknowledgement and embrace of the serpent’s truth also requires embracing the Lake of Fire, and the annihilation of the wicked in the second death.  Because all will be judged according to the record of their own deeds out of the book of life, final judgment will have no accuser.  Satan is cast into the Lake of Fire before the resurrection and final tribunal of the wicked.

(5.)  The understanding that Jesus Christ appeared to Adam and the other Patriarch’s, those from the time of the Judges, and those from the times of Covenant through Moses is understood in two ways:  First, that Jesus appeared using angelic and other material forms to be knowable, known, and capable of affiliation and exchange with mankind (Before Abraham was I AM.).  Secondly, Jesus visited the place of rest and safekeeping for those who died in hope of eventual restoration to GOD and salvation.  Here, the separation of spirit from flesh at death is accounted as a parting of the divine and eternal substance imparted to the living from the person of GOD away from the carnal, instable elements from the earth that were established by the Holy Spirit (from dust thou art, unto dust thou shalt return).

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  Believers are to be judicious, and to carefully consider the agreement and consistency among their own beliefs.  What sinners and developing believers have been given as the Gospel of Jesus Christ is sufficiently challenging that mature believers tend to forgo questionable studies on death and hell.  As with considering exorcism and encounters with Satan such as that experienced by Jesus following his baptism, many become “puffed up,” from exaggerated pride, others become “swallowed up” by conjecture, speculation, errors regarding the occult, and superstition.  Avoiding commitment to whatever generates ungodly conflict and division, the sacred doctrines and practices acknowledged and shared within ones congregation are usually a safe path that has been approved by GOD.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/03/2017) Eating and Drinking Christ?

Today, focus is on the reactions to Jesus’ requiring that believers also must receive his blood and body.  Jesus did not cancel the earlier meanings of Passover and covenant meals.  Rather, heretofore hidden meanings and unseen aspects of Atonement, Redemption and Salvation are being unveiled.  The Passover meal speaks to deliverance from condemnation, death, and wrath against sin as well as an entrance into covenant relationship with GOD through conditions of conformity, inheritance, and obedience before a proclamation of continuing sacred law.  Both the meal that Esau received from his brother Jacob, and the meal Isaac received from his son Jacob, sealed the disinheritance of Esau and the election of Jacob, who later would be named Israel.  The meal at Mizpeh shared by Jacob with Laban established the independence and integrity of Jacob critical to his becoming a nation fulfilling divine promise and covenant through Abraham.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Bruce” (Level  7 with 108,493 points, a member since August 12, 2007) posted the following:


If Jesus' teaching about eating his body was a metaphor, why didn't he explain it when many disciples were leaving him?

John 6:53-55: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed."

60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?”

66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Ye have said, It is vain to serve God:  and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?  And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.  Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another:  and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.  And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.  Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.  (Malachi 3:  14-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Fed From The Altar? (06/19/2017); GOD’s Peculiar People (12/11/2016); Frequency of The Lord’s Supper? (10/30/2016); The Loaves and Fishes (08/09/2016); To Drink Holy Blood? (02/16/2015); Modern Communion? (08/11/2014); How Can Christians Believe? (08/12/2014)


“Bruce”, here are some points that many mature Christians have found helpful:

1.  The ministry on earth of Jesus Christ was not only intended to re-awaken and spark interest in sacred knowledge and practices among the Jews that were being forgotten, supplanted and suppressed by both religious and worldly customs and traditions, an entirely new testament was being introduced capable of establishing a new covenant people. 

2.  It had been more than 400 years since Malachi, the “last” prophet after the model of Moses and Samuel.  There were many immutable and unchanging principles and standards acknowledged as the “law and the prophets,” however, emphasis on interpreting and keeping of the law became a denial of imparted spirit, personal relationship where GOD is the Father, and the possibility of service to both GOD and mankind as sacred spokespersons (we say, prophets), rather than as priests having responsibility for making sacrifices. 

3.  The process for pubic ministry used by the Savior was not that for exchanging or transmitting secular information.   Jesus provided proclamation (broadcasting official decrees), comfort, edification, exhortation, and prophetic demonstrations that used actions in place of words.  Those who came to Jesus were led to discover their own commitment and faith on the basis of guidance and things revealed. 

4.  In the same way parables were used to identify the extent of preparation and understanding among the people within the crowds, Christ provided commandments, judgments, ordinances, and sacred practices (we say, sacraments) that would crystallize and make manifest hidden and unseen faith.  Separation of the sheep and the goats are begun on the same platform as the separation from Eden:  faith as ones own spirit content along with trust. 

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 5.  Jesus did reveal that emblems of bread and wine were to be used by those on the earth to receive him into oneself.  The divine triumph over death and sin requires operations of flesh and Spirit at the same time.  There must be a complement and matching of Creator and created in oneness without sameness.  Jesus is revealed as the divine High Priest during his last Passover supper with his apostles.  The new testament with its peculiar gift of fulfilling sacred law through faith and righteousness is sealed through a covenant meal.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/15/2017) Inheritance Must Become Commitment

 

Focus, today, is on Jacob and Esau, divine inheritance, and coming into covenant relationship with GOD.  The priesthood granted to Adam became an inheritance to all the Patriarchs.  Included were Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Even so, inheritance must become more than simply duty and privilege; inheritance must become ones own choice to be in continuous acknowledgment, exclusive devotion, personal commitment, and solemn promise.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “John” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since May 14, 2017) posted the following:
 


If my mother is Jewish and my father is catholic and I was raised as a catholic what am I?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.  And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.  And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven:  and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.  And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac:  the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;  And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south:  and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.  And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.  And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.  And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.  And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.  And he called the name of that place Bethel:  but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.  And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,  So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:  And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house:  and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.  (Genesis 28:  10-22, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Church Attendance and Inheritance (09/11/2016); An Eternal Inheritance? (06/26/2016); GOD Appearing in Dreams? (05/03/2015); A Kingdom Now and One To Come? (09/05/2014); Comfort? (09/06/2014); Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); Contradictions (09/21/2012); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012)


“John”, consider again the words, You must be born again.  The process of divinity for establishing continuing relationship once began through inheritance, the peculiar spiritual gifts and status one receives as a child or an offspring of a parent who is in covenant with Deity.  The principles of inheritance that are described throughout the holy writings explain somewhat the devices and mechanisms used by GOD to restore personal relationship with mankind that was effectively lost through our first parents, Adam and Eve.  Because the Creator did not present the law written in stone (as for Moses and those who left Egypt), many now complain that GOD did not fully explain the law and its sanctions (declarations of consequences for obedience and violation—we say, provisions for correction and punishment).  Thinking the pair were ignorant, and “taken by surprise,” there are those who argue that GOD has been unjust and unrighteous.  Yet, divine law (i.e., commandments and statements to share the otherwise hidden intent and will of GOD) was provided to the pair that included, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth as well as, From all the trees of the garden you may eat, except….  The full expression of their “offence” was not merely “transgression” and violating the “letter of the law;” the pair did not acknowledge and respond to divine love with acceptance, respect, and trust.

For this reason, there is a new conversation shared by believers in Jesus Christ that centers upon sinners receiving a fresh endowment of the inseparable sacred substances from the makeup of GOD that were imparted to Adam (the divine name given both the male and female).  Included are faith, holiness, hope, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Multiple sacred operations now must be completed that will allow mankind to exist as a companion to GOD, who must remain immortal, incorruptible, and invisible except as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.

The account of Jacob that appears in the Bible goes a long way in illustrating the sacred truths that are here:  At a time when Esau was hungry, and felt he was starving to death, Jacob had already gotten his twin brother to “sell” for a bowl of beans his birthright and legal status as the firstborn and heir to Isaac.  Urged by his mother, Jacob then used deceit and guile (trickery) to steal the only sacred blessing Isaac could give as the heir of Abraham and true caretaker of mankind’s inheritance from GOD.  When Esau discovered how he had been deprived of his future under GOD, he swore to kill Jacob as soon as his father was dead.  His mother counseled Jacob to flee for his life, and to hide in the home of her brother.  On his way there, Jacob made camp for the night, and had a dream that was sent to him by GOD where he saw angels going up and down a ladder.  When he awakened he was filled with awe (the fear of the Lord), and he offered—where GOD would protect him, and prosper him in the way he would go—he would acknowledge the GOD of his father as his own GOD.  Like many of us today, Jacob did not recognize any connection between the birthright, his father’s blessing, his salvation from death at the hand of his brother (Cain and Abel), and the dream of revelation.  Even so, the principle, here, is that only on the basis of specific conditions, promises and their own works can the sons of Adam and Abraham enter into personal relationship with GOD.

Of course, there is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, through Jesus Christ sinners now may become the offspring (sons and daughters) of GOD, and joint-heirs with Jesus, the Son of the Highest.  As the children of GOD believers must display commitment, discernment, and responsiveness to the active presence who is GOD (we say, the imparted, indwelling Spirit) through their lifestyle and daily routine.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC