(08/04/2016) Anointed, Consecrated and Installed

Today, focus is upon the sacred benefit and enlightenment Jesus received through water baptism.  The Spirit that indwelt Jesus is called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Patience of the Saints, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Spirit of Truth.  While miracles do manifest glory, Jesus was not granted added measures of the Holy Spirit in order to perform miracles.  The Savior did not receive a fresh deposit of the Holy Spirit as sinners must do.  Rather, the Son of the highest experienced growth and transformation (we say, an epiphany) through careful meditation, fasting, prayer, and self-denial.  Later, he would be transfigured also; in both instances, without anything being added or imparted to the Savior’s person, there would be a more complete, and greater appearance of his inward fullness.  Jesus had to submit to divine operations, and had to tarry or wait for various features to appear in sequence, and at their appointed time.  Thus, the imparted spirit he speaks of for mankind is directed to discernment, growth, revelation, and suffering.  Multiple emblems are used throughout the holy writings to describe the imparting of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD to created beings and living creatures.  Included are blood, bread, breath, clouds, corn, fire, incense, oil, smoke, water, and wine.  In addition to anointing and coronation as king, the Lord was witnessed as also receiving endorsement and ordination to holy office as counselor, judge, priest, and prophet.  The fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Lever” (Level 1 with 11 points, a member since July 07, 2010) posted the following:

Could Jesus do miracles before the Holy Spirit came to him? What did the Holy Spirit provide to Jesus?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:   And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:  And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.  And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.  Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.  His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.  And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.  Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.  And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.  When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was:  (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,  And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse:  but thou hast kept the good wine until now.  This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.  (John 2:  1-11, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Miracles and The Cross (06/09/2016); Jesus Given A Divine Ministry? (08/18/2015); Called of GOD? (08/02/2015); Consecrated in Christ? (06/21/2014); Anointed? (04/28/2014); No More “Mr. Nice Guy”? (04/29/2014); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012)

“Lever”, until he “gave up the ghost” upon the cross, Jesus Christ was never “without” the Holy Spirit.  Mature Christian believers acknowledge that the Lord was conceived through operations of divinity, rather than through human sexual reproduction, and the simple joining of ovary and sperm.  In the years before his response at the Jordan River through the Levitical priesthood of John the Baptist, Jesus was in preparation for his own priesthood as redeemer and savior through ongoing, “low-profile” sacred operations that included home life, fellowship, meditation, participation as first-born in mandatory feast days, attending synagogue, and study of the law. 

For sinners, in water baptism, there is the death of ones inborn spirit, their spiritual burial, and their rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak.  As “new creations” from Christ, sinners must receive inseparable aspects of the divine makeup such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Because emphasis is placed upon absolution (i.e., sin being removed by rinsing, sprinkling, and washing with clean water), many do not correctly understand that there must be permanent changes in ones character, nature, and substance.  Those “born again” must also “grow up again” to become mature (i.e., display balance, completeness, consistency, stability) by meeting life challenges upon the earth.  

More than being given special gifts for ministry, at the Jordan, Jesus was acknowledged as the Son by the Father and the Holy Spirit.  Anointing (making one acceptable and fragrant to GOD by using incense, prayer, and spiced oil) is provided to those who are sanctified (i.e., set apart to exclusively serve divinity), and those who are consecrated (publicly installed to serve divinity).  As the heir of GOD, Adam, Abraham, Moses and David, Jesus was anointed and consecrated to serve as deliverer (i.e., judge), exorcist, healer, high priest, king, prophet, rabbi, and teacher.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, miracles are sacred events that serve as prophetic demonstrations and signs to authenticate divine messages, and spokespersons.  Miracles may appear in situations where the people lack discernment (ability to use ones own spirit content from GOD as a standard to recognize divine spirit in events, messages, oneself, other persons, prophecy, etc.).  Miracles are aspects of divine revelation that further identify those sent from GOD as genuine, continue eternal purpose, and may crystallize faith.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/11/2015) To Give Glory?

Glory, respect, and self-esteem are topics, today.  Glorifying GOD is accomplished through consecration, obedience, praise, putting forth spiritual fruit, and unity.  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the points appearing below:  Psalms 22:  23, King James Version (KJV):  23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.  Also, Matthew 5:  16, KJV:  16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  John 15:  8, KJV:  8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.  Romans 15:  6, KJV:  That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


Why do people want to give glory God? Doesn't he have enough glory already?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price:  therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.  (1st Corinthians 6:  19-20, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  We Call Him Jealous? (10/25/2015);  The Glory of GOD? (06/23/2015); Filling the House With Glory? (08/17/2014); What GOD Demands (05/10/2014); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); A Halo Upon Jesus? (09/25/2013); On Marketing Church, and Speaking by Occasion (09/26/2013)


“Anonymous”, many of us accept our own inner feelings and ideas that proclaim human existence is bound and knit to that of divinity.  As we seek clearer and more complete knowledge of GOD—who is sanctified and set apart by various aspects of being—we develop a correct relationship using special tools for communication, exchange and interaction with Deity.  Given that divine being must embrace such features as active presence, authority, awe, faith, holiness, love, personness, righteousness, sovereignty, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin; the process for created beings and living creatures to acknowledge and rightly embrace GOD includes praise, prayer, purification, offering, repentance, and sacrifice.

As used within the holy writings, there are multiple meanings for the word “glory”.  Glory pertains to how divinity must be known, and therefore, to the content of full revelation from GOD.  In addition to divine processes, sacred operations and eternal purposes, GOD appears and is manifest through qualities and values.  GOD is a spirit, and is discerned or recognized by the living because the inborn spirit that generates their character and nature is substance from the makeup of divinity.

To give glory to GOD is to acknowledge GOD as the single origin for all the things of divinity within ones awareness.   Included are things abstract, carnal, material, physical, social and spiritual.  A believer attributes, or describes GOD as possessing perfection as well as all the things finite beings often fail to display (e.g., incorruption, grace, humility, immortality, longsuffering, mercy).

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, a person requires respect from others as an aspect of their self-esteem, and not on the basis of what specific relationship they may be in (e.g., family member, co-worker, spouse, sweetheart).  Respect is not measured using fixed dimensions such as height, length, ounces, and pounds.  Nor is the giving of respect to be a “one time event.”  The giving of glory to GOD is to be a non-negotiable and continuing aspect of existence within the divine Creation.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/21/2014) Consecrated in Christ?

Blood, divine inheritance, priesthood, and sin are topics, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Wick” (Level 3 with 1,357 points, a member since March 23, 2014) posted the following:


If we're destined to be priests do we have to have blood put on our right ear, thumb and big toe like God said in Exodus 29:20? 

"20 Then you shall kill the ram, and take some of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tip of the right ear of his sons, on the thumb of their right hand and on the big toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood all around on the altar."


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.  For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.  But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.  Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:  In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.  Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.  Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.  By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  (Hebrews 10:  1-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Anointed? (04/28/2014); No More “Mr. Nice Guy”? (04/29/2014); Responsible for Sin? (05/30/2014); Choosing a Church? (05/31/2014); Sacrificed and Risen? (10/06/2013); Assurances of Salvation? (10/07/2013); Why Blood? (04/13/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013)


“Wick”, here are a few points to consider that pertain to the inheritance believers receive as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ:

(1.)  Priesthood upon the earth was first established in Adam as a divine mechanism to continue the sacred bond between the Creator and mankind.  In spite of forbearance, forgiveness and divine love, the male and female pair would have to endure the losses that came by disobedience, distrust, and broken relationship.  Where the law, as admonition, warning and the expressed will of GOD was insufficient, human experience would have to establish change, new awareness, repentance, and submission to the salvation GOD would provide.

(2.)  The priesthood granted the tribe of Levi, and established for the covenant of Moses, focused upon sacred operations and practices to deliver atonement and propitiation for sin; and acknowledged that sin would not be eliminated through the finite works of created beings and living creatures.  Temporary cleansing and purity could be bestowed upon chosen servants by the use of blood from animals offered as sacrifice (i.e., a loss one suffers willingly).  Also, as the vessel for distributing and transferring life essence, blood was a fit vehicle for demonstrating the return of spirit content to GOD.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  For example, (3.)  The priesthood granted Melchizedek and bestowed upon Jesus Christ is accomplished through eternal life, and entails sacred service both upon earth and in heaven.  Sin can not be detected and removed relying only upon finite human resources such as feelings, intellect, logic, mathematics, persuasion, reason, and science.  Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross, mankind comes under the Savior’s divine anointing, and is made “born again,” consecrated, purified and sanctified.  Humanity is transformed to become immortal and incorruptible at the appearing of Christ, and until that event is empowered to minister upon the earth through his glorious resurrection.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.  If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings:  yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.  (Malachi 2:  1-2, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/15/2013) On Titles and Respect

Continuing our prayers to encourage GOD’s blessing upon the church of Jesus Christ, the newly elected Pope Francis I, and all who serve as spiritual leaders in the earth, our topic today focuses on titles and respect shown to clergy and others. Also there is more on the eternal person of Christ. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Beyondthebox” (Level 4 with 3,948 points, a member since June 19, 2010) posted the following:


Although Jesus said, call NO man your father, teacher, rabbi?

( i’m pretty sure that includes guru, pastor and pope) sheeple will always insist on having a king to follow right?
Since sheeple insist on having to follow a king, don’t wish that the new pope will use his influence to promote kindness toward all, oppression of no one. genuine kindness doesn’t pick and choose?


THE BATTLE AXE: Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013)—Just as the sudden removal of all plant life from the earth would result in a chain of destruction and upheaval, the sudden removal of all who are presently tainted by sin would cause disproportion and ripples of imbalance throughout the universe. The salvation of mankind is therefore carried out as an aspect of perfecting all that is. As the primary agent in the divine process, Christ who may be within all, also must be above all.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? (Matthew 21: 33-40, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: My Sheep Hear My Voice (03/08/2013); Wanting to Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Idols of Flesh? (03/12/2012); The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Dispatch 45: Partakers (09/24/2011); Dispatch 42: Unprofitable Servants (09/21/2011); Why No Answer? (08/25/2012); To Be or Not To Be (08/26/2012); Respect? (01/02/2011); Not Accepted? (01/03/2011); Spirit or Word? (12/11/2010); Justification? (12/12/2010); Faith Forced? (12/13/2010)


The counsel of Jesus, to call no man on earth “Father”, is a warning against idolatry, and the promotion of clergy, family, and all temporal leaders as false gods. Eternal life and salvation from judgment against sin do not result from actions by created beings and living creatures operating apart from Almighty GOD. The flesh generates many devices and mechanisms that are distractions for the people of GOD, and will interfere with their pursuit of the Gospel. 
 
Mature Christian believers generally agree that those who are consecrated and sanctified for service to the church often have greater emotional, psychological and spiritual burdens placed upon them, for they are accountable to GOD, and under scrutiny within themselves and by the full assembly in ways that constitute continual (though not always correct and righteous) judgment. See 1st Timothy 3, King James Version.

Given that experience, gifts, skills and understandings of spiritual truth varies from person to person, it remains that there are many who are not prominent, yet may make unique contributions to a body of believers. Where such persons serve as clergy, cooperation, obedience and respect are to be shown their authority and service, even where their character, demeanor and personality do not make them likeable (see John 10: 36-38, 1st Timothy 5: 17-18, KJV).

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the high standard of cooperation, mutual support and respect that should appear in the church is often called “love.” Even the lowliest servant within the household of GOD is not to be abused, insulted, mistreated, or obstructed in their work, or spiritual growth (see Matthew 18: 6, Luke 12: 42-38 and Romans 14: 4, KJV). Consider how this also might include both Death and Satan.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/14/2013) Before Abraham Was…

The eternal person of Christ, false doctrine, and the universe are in view, today, along with more on how the Decalogue was received.  Again, I could not share my response (below) with the “Yahoo! Answers” writer who posted the question.  The person using ID “Sincity” (Level 2 with 273 points, a member since September 27, 2012) posted the following:


Does "before abraham I am" show jesus says he was god?

Or is it just a false doctrine invented by men?


THE BATTLE AXE:  “Authorized Personnel Only”? (03/13/2013)—The more than 400 year sojourn for the twelve tribes of Jacob within Egypt not only resulted in their acculturation and assimilation into Egyptian society, many aspects of their sacred inheritance had become suppressed and forgotten.  Included were circumcision, expiatory sacrifice, the ministrations of priesthood, tithing, sacred promises and prophesies.  While Hebrews were segregated and lived mostly within the area of Goshen restricted to despised occupations as herders and keepers of livestock, many aspired to full citizenship, and copied secular Egyptian customs, dress and manners.  Arriving at Mount Sinai, many remained essentially unchanged in their attitudes and desires despite having witnessed (1) the wrath of GOD against sin displayed as plagues against Egypt, (2) miraculous deliverances through the parting of the sea and the Passover (3) as well as the provision of water in the wilderness for men, women, children and cattle.  The followers of Moses had been chosen to become a nation, however, genuine commitment, faith and unity were not yet as widespread that they could all enter into the divine presence to receive the law graven in stone by the finger of GOD.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,  Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.  Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.   For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.  (1st Peter 1:  18-25, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Need to Sanctify Heaven (01/17/2013); The Price of Humanity? (12/13/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth (10/07/2012); Divine Self-Sacrifice? (09/30/2012); Binder 7:  The GODhead (10/04/2011); GOD’s Favorite (02/19/2011); Confess?  Yes! (02/20/2011)



In describing the operations of GOD that pertain to the establishment of a Creation that would continue as eternal, and that also includes the transformation of mankind to be incorruptible and immortal, it is correct for mature Christian believers to accept that the ministry of Jesus was established before the foundation of the earth.  The eternal being of Christ (some say “Messiah”) and the existence of divinity in multiple persons (for example, see Genesis 1: 1-3; John 1: 1-4 and 17: 4; and Ephesians 1: 3-6 KJV) are teachings that agree with, and further endorse what mankind has received as knowledge about divine intent, sacred process, and sanctified purpose.

While a major focus of the Bible is the creation of mankind and life upon the earth, the scope of divine action and presence extends to a universe of GOD.  The teachings from Scripture also promote our understanding that, at the time Adam was put forth, (1) Heaven was already filled with angels, sacred beasts and other created beings; (2) behavior and beliefs were expressed among the angels that later are called “sin” and “rebellion” (Ezekiel 28:  11-17, KJV); (3) cleansing for sin and sacrificial worship was introduced in heaven through the Temple and Sanctuary; (4) sin was initiated upon the earth by a celestial being disguised as a serpent (Genesis 3); and (5) mankind became fixed as mortal and temporal.

Divine action to recover the earth must address the fullness of Creation.  As a result, such features as rebirth, redemption, repentance, judgment and salvation are being applied throughout the living system that is our universe, and are more than simply mechanisms to favor mankind.  Hidden connections, dependence and unseen relationships are now in place, and make it that destruction of sinners, and elimination of sin must be accomplished in a manner that will preserve divine order, undo spiritual confusion, and make permanent those creations that, in fact, fulfill divine will.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, for the earth, flesh and spirit must be unified by transformation of inner content and sacred substance from the person of GOD.  GOD is a non-material spirit; and may be understood as consisting of peculiar elements such as faith, grace, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin.  GOD has used birth, carnal form, death, resurrection and ascension to appear among mankind through Jesus Christ; and, mature Christians believe, continues incarnate.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/27/2012) Women Ordained to Minister?

      Devotion and the service of women in the church are topics with more on the crux of the matter regarding modern social legislation. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Pastor Ken” (Level 1 with 180 points, a member since April 8, 2012) posted the following:



A woman ordained minister?

What could they do that is legal according to the bible? Would they even need to be ordained in the 1st palce? Only God ordains...

Additional Details

A woman with a paper that shes ordained is wrong isnt it?



THE BATTLE AXE: The Crux of the Matter (10/26/2012)—Given that law must be fundamental, and must serve as the anchor and base whereby exchange, interaction and continuing relationships are maintained, law is published and put into place before decision-making and opportunities for thought and action. Law proclaims and reveals probable consequences and outcomes of choices. Where current presentations of public issues through debate and media events repeatedly fail is in that they speculate or speak about the law, while not declaring the law. Lacking the authority of the law, the statements made are often misdirected, uninformed, and weak. Examples are seen in recent media campaigns to promote legislation in support of gambling initiatives in nearby Maryland that appeal to voters in terms of benefits to education, employment, and economic growth. Television ads have been broadcast featuring retired educators, government officials, and well-known athletes. None have raised the issues of social and spiritual corruption, the association of gambling with increased use of alcohol, or the influx of prostitution. There has been no mention of the impact upon the police burden (e.g., manpower, security, supervision of traffic, etc.). More than this, there seems to be no detailed, realistic and reliable public information on how both a gambling business and its host community become solvent and stable. The persistence of “hidden” and “unexposed” process is a sure sign that there will be unanticipated and unintended outcomes. An illustration of what results when a segment of a nation’s population denies that it must be accountable to law has been seen in the violence by drug cartels of Mexico that execute the entire family of drug enforcement officers. Their goal is not to control or replace the present government so much as to eliminate all law. Among men there are bad, oppressive and unfair laws; however, these do not come from GOD, and are not built upon precepts and principles for enduring productive relationships, and eternal life.



THE GOLDEN ARROW: And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (Revelation 2: 18-23, King James Version)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Some to Rule? (03/31/2012); Birth Control and Sexism? (03/16/2012); Many Forms of GOD? (03/17/2012); Binder 28: Purity (10/25/2011)



      Here are some ideas that are shared among the mature sons and daughters of GOD through Jesus Christ:

      In accordance with the Scriptures, consecration for sacred service that pertains to atonement for sin was to meet a number of peculiar specifications. Separation, cleansing and anointing were essential as were considerations of birth order, priestly inheritance, maturity, stamina, and various levels of emotional and psychological strength needed for the slaughter of livestock. The physical limitations of women included their regular cycle to remove unfertilized eggs that would otherwise decay, and become poisons within their bodies. Also, the problems attending childbearing and birth limited the participation of women in all social and spiritual service. Generally, regardless of ones gender, an issue of bodily fluids, and certainly of blood, made one unclean, that is, unfit for sacred service and full participation within the community of believers.

      In the dispensation of the Gospel, women are not denied discipleship, and their function and service includes operating as prophetess and saint. Like women of the Old Testament, that include the judge Deborah, women often were the strength that nourished the bonds maintaining groups in faith. Nevertheless, the official titles, and division of labor for women within the assembly and community of believers do not include bishop, deacon, teacher, and apostle. Given the oneness of man and wife before GOD, many understand that both the bishop and his wife occupied the bishopric; and both were anointed in single service. Their specific duties, functions and works were different, even according to gender; however, the efforts of one always complemented and completed the efforts of the other.

      All believers have place in the work of spreading the Gospel, however, all are not to preach from the pulpit, teach in formal settings, or do anything other than display the Spirit of Christ in their daily living and routines of life. In their roles as wives and mothers, women are granted full authority to operate in the dictates of their faith that include humility, obedience, and unselfishness.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, in the dispensation from Christ, neither women nor children are denied opportunities to serve, share and express themselves in spiritual devotion to GOD. Where problems arise, there are usually worldly issues of envy, manipulation, presumption, pride, and social prestige. Divine authority and holy presence are not discerned.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC