(04/20/2020) Demonstrating Dependence on GOD

Nebuchadnezzar challenging the faith of the three Hebrew companions

Today, the reply is on the many demonstrations of divine power and purpose provided by divinity using “weak” Christian believers and sinners on the earth. To accomplish salvation a believer must walk in the divine strength demonstrated by Christ, rather than his own human knowledge and willpower. Christian believers are endowed with holy boldness and spirit power that permits them to exist as a conquering army. To fulfill the eternal purpose of the Creator, operations of the inborn spirit, the flesh, and the mind may not dominate human awareness and self-will (willpower). GOD appears to those on the earth primarily through operations of spirit character, process and substance. It is written: 2^nd Corinthians 4: 5-11, King James Version (KJV): 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “shoeshopper3” (Level 3 with 1,242 points) posted the following:

Why do you have to become wreak in order to be a Christian, and why does the personality become so boring?

Updated 24 mins ago: Weak.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water. And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. (Judges 7: 1-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020); New Birth By Resurrection (09/27/2019); Flesh As Divine Vessels? (01/14/2018); Testing and Divine Process (06/12/2017); On Weakness? (07/03/2014); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012)

“shoeshopper3”, the work of a Christian is never showing independence or self-promotion so much as it is the demonstration of interdependence, obedience, respect, and reverence. Mature Christian believers agree that necessary aspects for a full relationship between divinity and the created beings and living creatures on the earth require that the living acknowledge inseparable sacred properties and aspects of consecrated expression such as covenant law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. The character, process, and substance of divine fullness (we also say, Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is active presence appearing as “spirit” (i.e., breath; life essence; utterance; word). To exist having discrete and separate being, the living must receive fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that include balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Through the elements regarded by some as “weakness” (e.g., forgiveness, gratitude, humility, mercy, nonviolence, patience, restraint) the living become capable of acceptable responses to divine dominion, glory, grace, judgment, immortality, invisibility, perfection, and purity. Rather than continue focused by pursuits in the world system for human survival that depends on the finite tools of carnal reason, intellect, logic, and science, Christian choose to undergo operations by the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD that transform ones nature. As vessels of divine substance and the offspring of GOD upon the earth, believers all are to display the image of GOD, and are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Consider again the instruction to sinners who turn to GOD through the ministry of Jesus that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music prophesies of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Judges 6: 13-16, King James Version (KJV): 13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my LORD, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. 14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? 15 And he said unto him, Oh my LORD, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. 16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

(2.) Daniel 3: 14-17, KJV: 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

(3.) 2^nd Corinthians 12: 6-10, KJV: 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVM8eD-4pag.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:16 AM, April 20, 2020 @ https://www.bibleblender.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/image_thumb-7.png

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/27/2018) Satan's Challenge to Divinity

Juan de Flandes (ca. 1500-04), The Temptation of Christ

Today, points are shared on the sovereign will of GOD, the temptation of Christ by Satan, and the sacred process of GOD for ministry to mankind.  Satan’s attack on the finite strength and weakness of Jesus as one in the flesh was more than simply an attack against mankind.  It was an attack against all divine fullness that would be recorded in the book of life as his own undoing.  In the same way the tempter could not recognize Jesus as the Son of the Highest, the Lamb of GOD, and the Word, the Adversary was unable to determine whether Jesus was the one prophesied, promised, and sent who would bruise the head of the serpent.  Therefore, he sought to provoke the Anointed One into confessing and boasting of his exalted, sacred  identity while Christ appeared to be simply another man who also was unbalanced and vulnerable.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:



When Satan tempted Jesus three times, why did Jesus choose to submit the first two times?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.  And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly:  and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.  And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,  And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.  And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.  (Luke 22:  39-47, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  In The Image of Man (05/04/2016); Divine Jealousy? (09/11/2015); Jesus Given A Divine Ministry? (08/18/2015); Gall Refused on the Cross? (03/20/2015); The Testing of Job? (10/06/2014); Knowing the Spirit is Inside? (10/07/2014); On Testing GOD (06/20/2013); GOD Grants License? (06/21/2013); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)



“Anonymous”, here are some points to prayerfully consider:

1.  To avoid spiritual confusion, the temptation of Christ should be acknowledged as a sacred event that focuses upon aspects of divine character, eternal purpose, and the spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that has been imparted to created beings and living creatures including angels and unclean spirits. 

2.  In the understanding of many mature Christian believers, Satan appeared having the purpose of challenging the authenticity of Jesus Christ as a man on the earth by boasting his own dominion over the inheritance bestowed on Adam as a son of GOD. 

3.  Christ was guided by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness following his baptism at the Jordan River.  There he would be isolated, without food, water, and the usual comforts of men.  Prepared only for fasting and prayer; he also would have to endure the extremes of cold nights and burning days.  The focus of Jesus was to discover the Father’s intent and sacred process for ministry to mankind.

4.  In the same way Christ did not appear having the glory and image he manifested while in heaven, it is likely that the tempter appeared in the form of a man, and did not display the recognizable adornment and regalia he had been privileged to present for ages while among the heavenly host. 

5.  The deceiver did not first announce himself as the Adversary of GOD, nor did he speak to proclaim his purpose.  Even so, his own words would expose him.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 6.  By appealing to appetite (that Jesus should transform stones to bread), exaggerated religious pride (lifting Jesus above the Temple at Jerusalem, the highest, holiest place on earth), and lust for wealth and worldly power (showing Christ the fallen nations), the temptation appears designed to arouse greed, trigger concern for the flesh in place of the spirit, and draw Jesus into human submission and false worship.  However, the key element for success in the use of Incarnation by the fullness of divinity (we also say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) was the willing acknowledgment of the divine will, rather than the finite will of the created ones.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/02/2018) Confessing Your Own Salvation?

A depiction of the Apostle Paul writing an epistle to Timothy from his prison cell.



Today, reply is on having certainty or confusion when talking about ones own salvation.  Just as many hesitate to confess their needs for help from GOD, many hesitate to confess that they have been saved through the ministries of his Son, Jesus Christ.  The living must enter into new ongoing relationships that continually display hope, patience, and trust.  When joined to divinity, the repentant sinner is to confess, testify and witness to the workings of Christ in their life, and not their own strivings, struggles, and temporary victories.  Thus, it is never a matter of boasting, bragging, exaggerated pride and self-promotion to share with others the things of salvation from GOD through Jesus Christ that we receive as those he purchased by dying on the cross.  It is written:  Ephesians 2:  8-9, King James Version (KJV):  8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:


Is it prideful to believe without question that one is saved?

I ask because I can see my own wretchedness and I just cannot convince myself that I am saved. In fact I believe that it would be painfully insincere to claim to have something which I do not. In the Christian scene I tend to notice a lot of pride and people who think that the way that they translate The Bible is the only way to translate it. As for me, the only thing which I know is that I don't know for sure and that my faith in something does not imply fact.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,  But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:  (2nd Timothy 1:  7-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Certainty, Conviction and Faith (01/05/2018); Knowing What To Believe? (12/31/2017); The Commandments of Jesus (12/17/2017); “Logical Sense” Is Replaced? (12/05/2017); As Newborn Babes.... (10/13/2016); Help Thou Mine Unbelief (12/31/2014); A New Year’s Message, 2015:  Great Expectations? (01/01/2015); Struggling? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013)


“Anonymous”, it is not wrong that those belonging to Christ acknowledge their dependence, and declare his judgments.  The most important operations for the  salvation of a sinner are not products of secular knowledge, human effort, and exercise of ones own self-will (we say, a person’s finite willpower).  Given we are commanded by our Creator to accept, acknowledge, and continually operate applying multiple streams of sacred knowledge and divine truth, mature Christians account their salvation as an unearned gift bestowed by GOD on the basis of grace, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will.  The fullness of divine substance (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is making himself known to created beings and living creatures as more than an abstract, academic concept; a distant, impersonal authority figure; or an explanatory device to make someone appear knowledgeable during argument and debate.

In the same way the male was placed in deep sleep (death), and was able to continue as alive while GOD completed the creation of his female partner, there must be changes in the spirit substance of sinners, without their complete destruction, and while they are yet alive.  There must be a transformation of their divine life essence (we say, breath, spirit, Word) imparted from the makeup of GOD; and so we say, You must be born again having divine seed (sacred DNA).  The inborn spirit of a living sinner must die, be buried, and be raised from the dead, so to speak.  Filled with  a fresh endowment of inseparable aspects from GOD (e.g., balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin) the sinner becomes a child of GOD, a joint heir with Christ, and a new creation.

Those who are “born again” must also “grow up again” and become mature as a “developing believer,” and as an appearance of divinity in the earth.  They are to become ripe for harvest by Christ at his coming (we also say, his appearing, the Advent, the Rapture, the Day of the Lord).  Spirit growth, certainty (we say, knowing), and discernment (ability to recognize and respond to spirit content from GOD in oneself, other persons, events, messages, etc.) come by such means as discovery, gradual learning, and sacred practice (e.g., fellowship with other believers, praise, prayer, unselfish service, thanksgiving, study of the holy writings, worship).  Those who are saved ought be aware of the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Psalms 107:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good:  for his mercy endureth for ever.  2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;  3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

(2.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, KJV:  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

(3.)  Hebrews 12:  4-10, KJV:  4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:  shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?  10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Isaiah 58:  13-14, KJV:  13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:  14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father:  for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/15/2016) A Divine Day Off?

Divine need for a day off, or rest from sacred duty is the topic, today.  Within relationship with GOD, Deity can see that all created beings and living creatures are dependent like small children.  Many things we can not accomplish for ourselves at all, and must be done on our behalf through the ministry of Jesus Christ, and operations of the Holy Spirit.  Other things are to be acquired or discovered through aspects of life experience that include choices, growth, inheritance, learning, maturing, obedience, service, and suffering.  Just as Christian believers must be directed, guided and instructed through divine law for their present-day participation in divine works, we also must be prepared to enter the divine presence for eternal companionship, healing, judgment, and rest.  In addition to new meanings and values already revealed within the holy writings, believers will gradually realize union with divinity through the Son of GOD that puts aside the finite frameworks of material form, time, and space.  Consider the following verses from Scripture and how they apply to our present-day cycle for amusement, fundraising, grocery shopping, and volunteer-work as well as the presentation below:

Exodus 31:  15-17, King James Version (KJV):  15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD:  whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.  16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.  17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever:  for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Isaiah 56:  6-7, KJV:  6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;  7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer:  their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Exodus 16:  28-30, KJV:  28 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?  29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.  30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

John 4:  23-24, KJV:  23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:  for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  24 God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Isaiah 55:  8-11, KJV:  8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Hebrews 4:  15-16, KJV:  15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Larry Fine” (Level 7 with 74,366 points, a member since August 29, 2013) posted the following:


If God is so strong, why did he have to take a day off?

There's lots of time I work 7 days straight.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:  but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.  For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest:  although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.  For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.  And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.  Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:  Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.  For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.  (Hebrews 4:  1-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sabbath, Power, and Rest? (07/17/2015); Sabbath Transferred to Sunday? (04/05/2015); Divine Sleep (03/28/2014); The Storm-battered City? (03/29/2014); To Keep It Holy (02/23/2014); 7 “Godly” Sins? (02/24/2014); About Sabbath (10/16/2013); We Shall Behold Him (10/17/2013)


“Larry Fine”, because we are to understand mankind is “made in the image of GOD,” even many who are just becoming Christian believers repeatedly make the mistake of thinking that GOD is also a physical being like themselves with brain, mind and muscle that need regular exercise, nourishment, and rest.  All must come to understand Deity and the things of divinity in a very different way.  GOD is a spirit whose existence is known by aspects and qualities that impress mankind as character, person, active presence, sacred operations, and eternal purpose.

Believers in Jesus Christ are to accept that GOD paused from the ongoing exchanges and interactions that appeared in the work of Creation.  The “rest” proclaimed by divinity, then, was a “one-time event” only in the sense that it is perpetual and unending.  Believers today acknowledge the same meanings and values of the “first” Sabbath, and its various presentations through changing covenants with mankind.  Sabbath now continues the same sacred processes as at Creation including assessment (we say, evaluation, judgment), celebration, communion, covenant, fellowship with GOD, revelation (making Deity known to created beings and living creatures), sanctification, and worship.  Consider again how this is stated using the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 58:  13-14, KJV:  13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:  14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father:  for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

(2.)  Hebrews 3:  16-19, KJV:  16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke:  howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.  17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?  18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?  19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

(3.)  Isaiah 66:  22-23, KJV:  22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.  23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (Sixty-six books of the Bible can not be reduced to 4 verses.  Yet, for example, it should be shared, (4.)  Romans 5:  1-2, KJV:  1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/11/2016) A Self-Less Creation?

Today, points are shared on describing Christian believers as a “new creation” that is “self-less”.  Every believer must undergo profound changes within their individual makeup and substance as well as their sacred knowledge, practice, service and worship.  Those chosen and elect through operations of divinity all are dependent, and must be drawn into spiritual relationship to acquire aspects of Deity they otherwise could never experience.  Included are contentment, righteous desires, feelings, fellowship, intent, inner peace, piety, and understanding.  Consider again the following from Scripture, and the presentation below:

2nd Corinthians 5:  17, King James Version (KJV):  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Philippians 3:  8-14, KJV:  8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:  for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.  12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:  but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Acts 4:  32-35, KJV:  32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul:  neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.  33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus:  and great grace was upon them all.  34 Neither was there any among them that lacked:  for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,  35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet:  and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “X” (Level 3 with 1,057 points, a member since February 21, 2013) posted the following:

Christians: would you say aiming for salvation and eternal life is selfish, even though it involves serving and helping others?

since the final goal is for oneself i mean

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  (Galatians 5:  19-25, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Not Through Human Will? (01/29/2016); Offspring of GOD? (12/23/2015); Put On Charity? (11/16/2015); Few Are Chosen (07/06/2015); The Gift of Meekness (11/25/2014); Concerning Meekness (11/26/2014); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013); A Second Adam? (03/25/2013)

“X”, mature Christians are free to say, Christ liveth in me, and account themselves as “selfless”.  This is because, among the many points difficult for some to understand are those that describe Christian believers as a “new creation” before GOD by their continual application of attitudes, behavior and conduct that are from the person of Jesus Christ through his imparted Spirit.  Family, friends, and co-workers more likely will attribute what they see to the believer’s own changing and developing character, and personality; yet, these are the indications that Deity is active and present.  Following the sacred operations of baptism (i.e., death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak) the disciple and follower of Christ more consistently desires and hungers for the things that come forth from GOD.  As those “born again”, believers gradually “grow up” to mature again acknowledging and embracing things preordained for created beings and living creatures; and enduring the same challenges and “growing pains” as all others upon the earth.  Their appetite, curiosity, emotions, self-will, and thoughts become increasingly focused upon the spirit content and origin for such features as events, lessons, relationships, and other persons.  All they say and do come under the influence of endowments from divinity that include awe, covenant, duty, law, divine process, sacred privilege, and eternal purpose.  Consider how this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Galatians 2:  20, King James Version (KJV):  20 I am crucified with Christ:  nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

(2.)  Romans 8:  9, KJV:  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

(3.)  Philippians 2:  5-8, KJV:  5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a part of ones spiritual treasure.  (For example, (4.) Isaiah 58:  13-14, KJV:  13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:  14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father:  for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX Washington, DC

(11/22/2015) Ongoing and Unfinished?

Today, points are shared on repentance as a continuing and ongoing sacred process carried out by the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit can not be stopped.  Believers must realize a total dependence upon divinity for their new life and salvation.  All are gradually guided, led and rooted in (i.e., carried through what scientist call successive approximations) events expressing the divine character and nature, and that consistently display correct acknowledgment, praise and service to Deity.  Given that sin attacks, dominates and influences the living through their own awareness and self-will, the divine operations in salvation establish consciousness and focus that indicate permanent change, and reinforce the divine will that must be present within created beings.  Despite the damage and destruction by the operations of sin against all living (angels, animals, mankind, plants), the Holy Spirit will fulfill all divine utterance (we say, breath, proclamation, promise, prophecy, word), and complete his work to maintain the Creation.  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the presentation below:  Ephesians 5:  6-10, King James Version (KJV):  6 Let no man deceive you with vain words:  for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.  8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:  walk as children of light:  9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)  10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  Also, John 1: 12-13 KJV:  12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  Hebrews 10: 35-37, KJV:  35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.  36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.  37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Gabrielgoh” (Level 1 with 111 points, a member since April 19, 2013) posted the following:


How to truly repent of my sin ?

How to truly truly repent of my sin ?  I don t wish to go to hell.  I know that it is difficult to forgive others completely to those who hurt me.   I know I also commit some kinds of other sin that I know but harder for me to let go.  Because I know I have a pride, self will and stubbornness.  It is difficult for me to humble myself under the mighty hand of God.  What prayer must I do in order to get to heaven ?  I don t even have an opportunity to have a friend and at the same time talk to a girl.  I also wish I have desire Christian girl to be my girl friend who I like.  Face must be nice and personality are also very important.  She can able to relate to me.  We can enjoy together going for the adventure.  Thank you :)  Hope you understand.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:  for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:  but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded:  and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.  (Philippians 3:  7-15, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Repentance, Sin and Willpower (09/08/2015); There Must Be Permanent Change (07/12/2015); Becoming Ripe for Harvest? (07/03/2015); Holy Wars? (11/06/2014); Genuine Repentance? (03/24/2014); When Is A Law The LAW? (03/25/2014)


“Gabrielgoh”, here are a few points I can share that may help you focus upon repentance as a work accomplished by GOD:

(1.)  A Christian is a “new creature” called into being by divinity, who has appeared using flesh and the physical person of Jesus Christ (we say, by incarnation).  In water baptism there is death and burial of ones inborn spirit, and rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak.

(2.)  In rebirth, the “born again” believer receives inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin), and so may be spoken of as a child or offspring of GOD.  As a child, the believer must “grow up again,” and become mature (we also say, ripe for harvest) by continuing to meet the same life challenges as all others upon the earth.

(3.)  Believers are accounted as being in a new standing with GOD.  The sacrifice of Christ upon the cross has not eliminated and erased all death, error, and sin, yet, has provided for atonement and propitiation for sin.  Similarly, baptism does not automatically remove all earthly desire, ignorance of sacred knowledge, and lust for things carnal, material and social.  Yet, meaningful change and growth are provided that are necessary as preparation for the transformation at the Advent (Second Coming of Christ).

(4.)  Repentance is more than a matter of performing acts of contrition, making public apology, or declaring heartfelt remorse.  Correctly understood, repentance is an appearing or manifesting of the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Repentance is known and made visible through permanent change in attitudes and behavior that repeatedly occur in ones lifestyle and regular routine, and is not a “one-time” event.

(5.)  Sin has not been created or put forth from any inner aspect of divinity (e.g., heart, imagination, mind, thoughts); and has neither divine substance nor material and tangible form that we might toss it about like a ball.  Yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence; and sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  Sin has never existed as do living entities, and is more related to chaos and lack of divine order.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the universe that conforms to sacred law.

There is far more that must be said to fully shift your awareness regarding that that is holy (i.e. having the active presence, and eternal purposes of divinity).  For example, (6.)  The believer must trust that they truly are in a bond with the Father through Christ the Son, and that the Holy Spirit will actually accomplish all things divine for their benefit.  Believers display acceptable works, and live “lives of repentance” by applying and responding to sacred knowledge, divine law, and shared standards within a community of faith.  All must increasingly respond to the guidance and promptings from the imparted, indwelling Spirit that has been deposited from Christ and the Father.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and willingness to be made spiritually mature.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/30/2015) Asked To Teach On Adam?

What is written in the law and the prophets? how readest thou?  Today, I respond to a blog follower who requested I share my understandings on the Creation of Adam.  Those who seek to discredit the Bible, the operations of faith, and the existence of a sovereign deity, are quick to complain that the texts appearing in the Bible do not provide all the necessary detail; and, according to some believers, the accounts there do not agree.  Often, it is more important to ask what are the divine principles and purposes shown in the Bible, instead of asking, What is recorded and written there (i.e., what does it say in the letter)?  Consider the following points:

(1.)  Where ones investigation of divinity starts with a focus that is in error—seeking explanations that are carnal, fleshy, and material in their nature that would apply to present day living—they can not be in harmony with the first premise for study to acquire sacred knowledge:  The aim and purpose of the Bible is to reveal divinity, not mankind.  Wrongly focused, readers naturally go on to conclusions, and a finish that are inadequate and unsatisfying.

(2.)  Many accept notions that the male was formed, became a living soul through the operations of GOD, and continued in fellowship with Deity before the creation of the female.  It is reasonable (some say, logical), therefore, to believe that sufficient feeling and knowledge were imparted to Adam from GOD that made possible the exchange, interaction, and sharing that describe a unique personal relationship.  More than simply the simultaneous existence for abstract and mechanical presence of object and maker existed with GOD, the Father, and Adam, the offspring.

(3.)  The creation of Adam should not be considered merely the beginning of a peculiar ethnic minority, or human family.  Initially, there were no language groups, tribes, or national states.  No command was given that such things be developed, and maintained.  Rather, Adam was to have dominion upon the earth, and his work would be to maintain this new sphere of life.  Only after the female was introduced, did the command become, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.

(4.)  The creation of a female companion for Adam is regarded as a separate account of a different Creation by those who become entangled within the expressions and specific words that appear.  Because a recognizable feature of narrative (e.g., the phrase, “once upon a time”) is repeated in order to add new information, the continuation of the single account is taken to have its own beginning and end.

(5.)  Such features as atonement, forgiveness, praise, prayer, salvation, and solemn worship have been provided to encourage recovery, and their return to GOD by finite beings following the appearance of divine wrath against sin, condemnation of sin by sacred law, division, recurring separation because of sin, and divine silence.

There are many other points that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example:  (6.)  Adam was introduced to the sacred operations of death, re-awakening, and sacrifice—he laid down his life, so to speak—for the female to live.  GOD placed Adam in a profound sleep, and required all the aspects of dependence, faith, respect and trust be exercised.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/05/2014) GOD Does The Divine Part

The cooperation of flesh and Spirit to establish life and salvation are considered; and there is no BATTLE AXE, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers (New Zealand)” writer using the ID “steve” (Level 1 with 232 points, a member since 26 November 2013) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers United States:


I'm not going to do anything; god will do all the work?

Rational?

I'm a theist. I really have no other way. God explains all, besides himself.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:  That no flesh should glory in his presence.  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.  (1st Corinthians 1:  26-31, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Place of GOD (06/01/2013); The Divine Use of a Human Life (04/23/2013); Quoting Scripture to GOD? (04/24/2013); Acknowledging Divinity? (03/30/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012)


“steve”, here are a few points that agree with Bible teachings, and that have made a difference in the understanding of many Christian believers:

(1.)  In the same way created beings and living creatures had no say in their own creation or that of the environment provided by GOD for their existence, there are many other divine operations where only GOD has full authority, and input.  Included are damnation, incarnation, judgment, prophecy, re-birth, redemption, resurrection, salvation, and sanctification.

(2.)  In the same way, the intellect, logic, reason, and science of finite beings does not eliminate crime, sin, and wickedness; full release and recovery from the consequences and effects of error can not be achieved without the action and presence of GOD.

(3.)  GOD is a spirit who has generated carnal, material and spirit matter.  Sin is no thing created or put forth by GOD, and has no spirit content.  Yet, sin has direction, effect and presence, and may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures as an artifact of their existence as distant and separate from the Almighty.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example (4.)  Sin can not be eliminated without widespread destruction and upheaval throughout the universe of GOD.  The appearance of GOD in flesh as Jesus Christ has not eliminated sin; however, the books of life and records of sin that must be used in judgment now can be altered and amended through the atoning blood of Jesus.  Both Spirit and flesh must act in concert, and the frameworks of time, space and relationship must all be correctly acknowledged and employed to accomplish life.  On the one hand, the potential for spiritual confusion is increased; on the other hand, divine person and purpose are revealed with greater clarity and completeness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  (1st Corinthians 1:  25, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC