(08/30/2020) Always Connected By Spirit

Today, focus is on the content and process of the church founded by Jesus Christ that now is to be continuing on the earth as a spiritual body, rather than as a man-made institution fashioned to secure human prosperity and well-being. All Christians are connected wherever they are located within the frameworks of time and space. Because the church has been fashioned to reflect the image of GOD and properties of the Holy Spirit, the church is more than merely a local organization. Those who now become saved also become celestial, eternal, individual, indivisible, international, virtual congregants, and those knowing Christ in the life through multiple denominations. Even so, just as Jesus prophesied, as a Christian believer who acknowledges an eternal connection to divinity through Jesus Christ, my friendship, spiritual gifts, sacred knowledge, my willingness to learn, my willingness to serve, my willingness to share, my willingness to teach, and even my love have been unwelcome among many other believers. Included have been fellow Americans, family, former schoolmates, neighbors, and those in other nations. To me having a commitment to Christ has not meant being a member in a church community that has a rich and respected patriotic, racial, or social history. Belonging to a local congregation, and becoming prominent through my financial donations or serving in many important and needed roles has not been meaningful for me. The spiritual transformation sinners are to seek from GOD requires repentance and permanent change of ones consciousness and self-will that result by workings of divinity. Despite speaking of law and social justice, often issues of our flesh and protests within the community where the church is placed (i.e. the world) such as BLACK LIVES MATTER (BLM) can be distractions and sources for error and spiritual confusion. The challenge of Christ to me has been to operate as the Savior does within the divine fullness (i.e., the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). While yet on the earth, I am to display the consecrated spirit of oneness without sameness that is inseparable from the other aspects of divine makeup that are imparted to mankind as the breath of life. Included are balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. In the holy writings, that one spirit is also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, a spirit of judgment and burning, and the Spirit of Truth. It is written: Mark 6: 3-5: King James Version (KJV): 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 4 But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1^st John 1: 5-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: He Commanded Our Fathers (08/09/2020); Pure Religion And Undefiled (08/07/2020); The Sons Of GOD? (07/19/2020); Uniting In The Struggle (06/17/2020); White People Becoming Atheists? (10/03/2019); Catholic and Protestant Bibles? (10/11/2018); Fulfillment of His Dream? (04/05/2017)

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, I responded to a clergyman who had written on the Internet that he is a “white Christian.” Using the technology that allows us to travel the globe in moments, I replied to him that such thinking placed a gulf between us: there are neither white nor black Christians, only “Christian Christians”. Many of the same persons who will agree that they have been created by one GOD also will argue their independence and separation from every other person created by GOD. Thus, I am impressed to say that commitment to share and work as a follower of Jesus Christ requires the practice of discernment to correctly acknowledge and respond to others who are authentic members of the Savior’s church and kingdom of GOD, rather than apostates, deceivers, heretics, slanderers, or counterfeit and unclean spirits. Even among the clergy, there now are many wolves in sheep-clothing. Believers are to recognize one another by the operations of the Holy Spirit, even where there are differences in age, ethnicity, formal education, gender, language, nationality, political affiliation, race, the practice of ceremonies, rituals, and sacraments as well as the possession of property and wealth. The Holy Spirit who is manifest in local COGIC (Church of God in Christ) congregations of Detroit (Michigan, America) is the same that must appear in cathedral worship at Protestant Canterbury (UK) and Catholic Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Spain). Surely, every believer having a fresh endowment of the Spirit from GOD through Jesus Christ should find welcome within the gatherings for guidance, instruction, praise, and thanksgiving held among others naming Christ as their head. Most obstacles to godly communication can be reduced and removed through humility, meekness, and genuine reverence. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Acapeldridge:

(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.) Romans 8: 35-39, KJV: 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(3.) Revelation 5: 9-10, KJV: 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzVaX3wwUyE.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:48 PM, August 30, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2c/13/1a/2c131a0735ec9f833f15280b8b9e92c4.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/17/2019) Our Hope Already Fulfilled?

Today, reply is on whether the Rapture has already occurred without those left behind being made aware of judgment against themselves. As a sacred process, the focus or object of hope may be fixed and unchanging, yet, hope is to be ongoing, pending, and recurring. Properly understood, our sacred hope also is timeless, eternal, and everlasting. Hope for the believer derives from the grace and personhood of divinity, rather than deliverance by the law, and from the law. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

What if Rapture has already happened but no one was saved and therefor no one got Raptured?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1^st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Preparations for Advent (03/17/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); Preparing For The Rapture (11/09/2018); A Short Time Left (10/30/2018); Believers Must Become “Ripe” (09/02/2018); “The End Is Near” (03/14/2018); Waiting For His Appearing (02/09/2016)

“Anonymous”, developing Christian believers are all cautioned to acknowledge that the present process of divinity for redemption and salvation is one of proclamation and revelation. Things otherwise invisible and unseen are displayed and made actual for created beings and living creatures to establish unshakable consciousness of divine things that have been, that are, and that are yet to come. Divine law is not the hope of the Christian; yet, law is a life process, not merely a set of rules, whereby the accomplishment of judgment appears. Spiritual confusion is eliminated through sacred devices that include the operations of inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD such as faith, holiness, impartiality, oneness without sameness, and prophetic demonstration. Saying this another way, multiple sacred events to make divinity known, knowable, accessible and approachable will occur that are “public” and “open”. While there will be various operations that involve only those members of the church founded by Jesus Christ who are adjudged as just and righteous, these will not be private or secret events. Through what they witness, those ruled as being unjust, unrighteous and wicked are to realize their condition of condemnation before the Most High, and their further entrance into the tribunals of final judgment.

Keeping in mind that salvation is through grace and the merits of Jesus Christ, who, when, how and why there is a harvesting of the earth is not a social event, or a matter of selection on the basis of human accomplishment. Christ will be published within the consciousness and substance of all Creation through righteous judgment, and the resolution of all conflict. Among Christian believers teachings that have themes of the new creation, “the rapture,” or the descent of the New Jerusalem are to generate appetite (ire., longing for the appearing of the Lord), expectation (we also say, hope), and zeal through assurance. Consider against the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Deuteronomy 29: 29, King James Version (KJV): 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

2. Revelation 1: 5-8, KJV: 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

3. Matthew 24: 23-28, KJV: 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Romans 8: 24-25, KJV: 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:30 PM, June 17, 2019 @ www.jesus-is-savior.com/End%20of%20the%20World/rapture_headlines01.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/16/2019) Just Make Up Anything?

Today, reply is on the discipline of developing Christian believers who are to share only the doctrine for the church received from GOD, and fresh expressions of their own faith. Revelation of divinity through the use of anointed prophets and spokespersons is to be acknowledged as an authentic appearance of GOD, and a sacred event having full integrity as a manifesting of divine truth. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

Why do Christians believe they can just make up anything to fill the great gaps in their bible and expect people to accept their conjecture?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1^st Corinthians 2: 1-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Ministry Is Through Relationship (03/05/2019); GOD Appearing As Christ (12/03/2017); Divinity Must Be Proclaimed? (05/09/2017); Known By Divine Revelation (06/16/2015); One Faith, One Lord? (09/26/2014); Healing is By Relationship? (09/27/2014); Asked to Help? (12/11/2013)

“Anonymous”, the process for sharing sacred knowledge among Christian believers is both the proclamation of doctrine and instruction received from divinity to be shared within the body (the church) through anointed spokespersons as well as the putting forth of a fresh expression of ones own faith displaying their personal endowment of inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD. Included are balance, faith, gratitude, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Skill at presenting simple truths that are in fact profound is not granted by divinity in a one-time sacred event (i.e., miracle) so much as by a life process that includes rebirth through divine operations, edification, and becoming mature/ripe while alive upon the earth. The living must undergo a transformation that appears through such features as discovery, fellowship with others who are in Christ, gradual growth, sacred practices (sacraments), study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and suffering.

Developing Christians all are encouraged to understand that the elements required, and all the spirit content they may create to impart must be in accord with the guidelines of Christian belief and the revelation of Jesus Christ. Those with whom believers share may lack discernment to know the differences between the things spoken by commandment, and the things shared by permission. Christianity is the most challenging belief system in the world, today; and has been developed through thousands of events, occurring within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. Knowing this, mature Christians tend to remain conservative, orthodox and “plain” in their practice as well as in their profession of faith. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Matthew 12: 35-37, King James Version (KJV): 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

2. 1^st Corinthians 12: 3, KJV: 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. 1^st Corinthians 7: 1-7, KJV: 1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. 6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. 7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:18 PM, June 16, 2019 @ https://princessofzion.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/week-7_faith.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/11/2019) A Divine Covenant Partner

Today, reply is on the error that legal and social contracts among men are the same as everlasting and perpetual covenant relationship with divinity. The divinity of GOD does not depend on his use of covenant; with or without covenant, he is GOD. Even so, the integrity and righteousness of GOD does depend on the divine fulfillment of promise and utterance. That Israel and Judah repeatedly broke covenant with GOD did not end the relationships of these nations with divinity, for they were being continued because GOD was committed to fulfilling his word to their fathers. The fellowship shared by the Creator with mankind within the Garden of Eden is seen continued through the device of covenant relationships for salvation. Mankind is granted opportunity to apprehend otherwise hidden and unseen aspects of sacred character and process. Included are commitment, faithfulness, forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation. It is written: Leviticus 26: 40-46, King James Version (KJV): 40 If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; 41 And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: 42 Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. 43 The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes. 44 And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God. 45 But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD. 46 These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

Why do Jews believe that breaking a contract still entitles you to benefit from the contact anyway?

Jews had a covenant with God but they broke it. So why do Jews still feel entitled to enjoy "God's Chosen" status and His promises when they didn't abide by God's terms and conditions?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever. (2^nd Chronicles 21: 4-7, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Committed To Unchanging Promise (04/09/2019); Continuing and Refreshing Creation (04/01/2019); Completeness, Integrity And Wholeness? (06/21/2018); Continuing A Perpetual Covenant (08/03/2017); GOD is Faithful (12/03/2015); That GOD Is Faithful? (08/31/2015); We Establish Covenant Relationship (05/01/2018)

“Anonymous”, the keeping of a covenant with GOD is not possible relying only on finite human willpower. Developing Christians often make the mistake of conceiving the many covenant relationships between GOD and mankind as having been agreements and contracts between the Creator and the created as though they were equals. The covenants of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David each introduced different levels of communication, exchange, and interaction that continued a single revelation of divine excellence. Rather than a condition of equality, divine law and personhood foster oneness without sameness. The transformation of consciousness that occurs as we live and walk in the Spirit allows the believer to realize that the character, process and substance of covenant is altered by the operation and presence of divine person. Using such devices as inheritance, proclamation, promise, and prophecy, GOD, who is immortal, incorruptible and invisible, establishes continuity where personal relationship is regularly ended through interruptions and instability from aging, death and mortality.

The terms of covenant extended to the twelve Hebrew tribes (the sons of Jacob), and the mixed multitude (some say, Gentiles) who left Egypt with Moses were to make divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable through the establishment of a peculiar nation and people. That the accords provided were to continue as everlasting and perpetual covenants immediately demonstrated the authority, fullness, prerogative, and sovereignty of GOD. More than this, features required for a genuine redemption and salvation appear that include chastisement, commitment, forbearance, forgiveness, judgment, longsuffering, lovingkindness, mercy, patience, renewal, repentance, and restraint. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Deuteronomy 7: 6-10, King James Version (KJV): 6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. 7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; 10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

2. Exodus 31: 15-17, 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.

3. Jeremiah 31: 31-33, KJV: 31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. 1^st Peter 2: 6-10, KJV: 6 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. 7 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, 8 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. 9 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; 10 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:03 AM, June 11, 2019 @ https://biblepic.com/53/0405.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/01/2019) Two Uses For Resurrection

A depiction of Lazarus raised from the dead.

Today, reply is on two distinct uses of resurrection that appear within the holy writings; entrance of the dead into eternal life through Jesus Christ; and, that all who appear in the sacred presence for tribunals of final judgment must be alive. Those who were returned to life from the dead while on the earth neither completed their judgment, nor altered their condition of mortality. In the same way, believers must distinguish between Lazarus in the parable of the rich man and the beggar, and Lazarus, brother to Mary and Martha, whom Jesus commanded to come forth from his resting place alive, developing believers are to exercise alertness, discernment, and vigilance to recognize and respond to the many subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning and value) that appear within the course of our speaking about judgment and resurrection. Many are sure that only by answering in resurrection will mankind see the complete fulfillment of divine cleansing, healing, exorcism, and the perfection of human godliness. Distinctions must be acknowledged between the first and second judgments that are completed through (1) the first and second resurrections, (2) demonstrations where the dead are made alive, (3) apprehending Jesus Christ through the death, the resurrection and the judgment the Savior had to undergo, and (4) sacred resurrection where the dead are enabled to appear within the tribunals of divine judgment. These things are not provided to cause confusion, or humble the living before divinity; rather, they are shared to make the entire Creation aware of the difference between dying a second time after being raised from death, and the second death that will complete divine judgment, end human mortality, and totally eliminate the operations of sin. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Blue Ridge” (Level 1 with 24 points, a member since January 05, 2019) posted the following:

Jesus Raised the Dead?

During His earthly ministry, Jesus raised several people back to life. Great, right? The problem is that each person that was brought back to life had to die again. Horrible! Let me get this straight. I thought resurrection meant BRAND NEW BODY NEVER TO DIE AGAIN. What do you say? Why did Jesus raise people back to life knowing that they were going to die again? Wow!! Dying TWICE in one life time must suck big time. What do you say?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. (Revelation 20: 4-6, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Name “Resurrection Sunday” (04/23/2019); Satisfying Creation and Law (01/22/2019); Judgment Perfects Divine Revelation (12/18/2018); How Sinners Become Perfect (11/26/2018); The Elimination of Sin (11/25/2018); Challenged To Explain Resurrection (10/08/2018); Bereavement, Death and Suffering (11/10/2017); The Place of Torment? (08/21/2017); The Administration Of Death (07/11/2017)

“Blue Ridge” in Christian belief, resurrection is a sacred process made visible to mankind on the earth through divine revelation and Incarnation that display otherwise invisible aspects of divine fullness (i.e., Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). Those raised from the dead by Jesus Christ while on the earth were entered into his resurrection, and appear as new life, rebirth, and new creation. The dead are returned to exist within communities and relationships of love, of ministering the gospel, and of service to the Savior. While they live they experience divine joy, and are becoming mature/ripe for harvest (we say, Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming) when the Lord will receive those who are his from the earth. In addition to inseparable aspects imparted from the makeup of GOD (e.g., balance, completeness, dominion, faith, holiness, personhood, utterance, wisdom, wrath against sin), resurrection demonstrates the authority, prerogative and sovereignty of divine will over existence, life, mortality, mechanical process and natural law as well as forgiveness, immortality, incorruptibility, and reconciliation. Resurrection as a divine operation also is used to ensure that the dead will appear before divinity in living tribunals for final judgment that are set apart (sanctified) by impartiality, mercy, permanence for its renderings, and righteousness. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Romans 6: 3-7, King James Version (KJV): 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

2. Romans 6: 8-13, KJV: 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

3. Philippians 3: 7-14, KJV: 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Luke 16: 22-31, KJV: 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:25 PM, April 30, 2019 @ http://openmyeyeslord.net/Website%20Images/Lazarus.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/11/2018) Catholic and Protestant Bibles?

The List of Bible Books Also Showing “the Apocrypha”

Today, reply is on the differences among Catholic and Protestant Bibles. Developing believers are wise to embrace the holy writings as sources and tools to nourish spirit content from the makeup of GOD, provide divine guidance, and further supply sacred knowledge. Even so, the permanent change and transformation of the believer is through operations of the Holy Spirit (also called, the Comforter; the Holy Ghost; the Spirit of Prophecy; the Spirit of Truth). All those on the earth who will be acknowledged by Jesus Christ as his harvest at his coming will not be labeled Catholics, Jews, or Protestants, yet, all will be children of the Father and joint-heirs with Christ. Acknowledging the truth that all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD, it is correct to consider that (1) there are only two kinds of people in the world, impenitent and penitent sinners; (2) there are no black Christians, there are no white Christians, there are only “Christian” Christians; (3) there will be no denominations of believers, only those who are perfected through GOD; and (4) the elements that now contribute to disunion (e.g., arrogance; ethnicity; exaggerated pride; racism; regionalism; relying on earthly languages and tongues such as Greek, Hebrew, or Latin) will not exist within the perfected church of Jesus Christ. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Do catholic and protestant bibles have a significant difference in their bibles?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6: 63, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Christ Is The Head (07/12/2018); Knowing What To Believe? (12/31/2017); The Apocryphal Books? (08/07/2015); Those Who Read? (02/17/2015); Catholics, Protestants and The Trinity? (10/12/2014); The Gift of Life Despised? (10/13/2014); The Bible is Unchanging? (03/23/2014); Genuine Repentance? (03/24/2014)

“Anonymous”, among the followers of Jesus Christ, many hold that authentic Christian belief and practice appear only by believers becoming “born again” and receiving fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, gratitude, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, wrath against sin), rather than by church attendance, doctrine, policy, sacrifice, and service. The differences among the Bibles shared by Catholic and Protestant believers result from significant differences in their discernment and acknowledgment of oneness without sameness among sacred texts; their apprehension of covenant relationships and sacred law; their historical development as institutions and social organizations that express carnal, material and political views; their reliance on sacred knowledge rather than academic, scholastic, and secular knowledge as well as the differences among what they acknowledge as their continuing divine commission, their eternal purpose and work in the things yet to be fulfilled, and the nearness of the Advent of Jesus Christ (we also say, his appearing; the harvest; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Correctly understood, the Bible is a collection of holy writings (we say, a library of sacred books) that share a divine “point of view” with finite created beings and living creatures, and has been provided by GOD using thousands of events occurring within the lives of thousands of people over the course of thousands of years. Inseparable aspects of the divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) will be conveyed to every believer as rebirth (life essence, breath, spirit, word). However, the instantaneous and sudden process of GOD is gradual and progressive in such a way that divinity is not to be understood as being “everywhere” “all the time” responding to the specific needs of believers, for believers will go “up and down” Jacob’s ladder, so to speak, and believers will exist having different levels of insight, maturity, and strength. 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.) Romans 6: 3-6, KJV: 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

(3.) 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.

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/13/2018) Diversity Within The Body

Today, a reply on diversity within the church is shared.  As a living entity that displays aspects from its social (the flesh) and spirit origins, diversity for the church appears through multiple characteristics, individual differences, and physical traits as well as aspects of divine content, makeup, and spirit substance.  Just as sacred knowledge, prophetic gifts, and skills for preaching and other aspects of pastoral ministry are not the same throughout the body, aspects of maturity (e.g., accountability, balance, commitment, completeness, faithfulness, resilience, stability, stamina) will vary from member to member.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 15,614 points, a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:



Are Christians supposed to avoid materialism and self-indulgent spending?

Sometimes I fantasize about riding first class to china and going on vacations and eating fancy restaurant foods and drinking lattes and going on trips to other countries.

At the same time I also want to live an ascetic lifestyle so that I can feel closer to God and to spend my whole life saving other people's lives

I guess according to Jesus you can't do both



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;  Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.  (1st Peter 5:  2-4, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Gift(s) From GOD (04/08/2018); Not A Financial Transaction (01/28/2018); Abundance, Plenty and Harvest! (11/23/2017); Will There Be Diversity? (10/22/2017); Diversity and Prophetic Gifts (11/22/2016); Laws Favoring the Poor? (03/06/2017); Money Is No Object? (10/14/2015); The Rich in Divine Relationship? (11/29/2013); We Are Still Sinning? (11/30/2013)



“Breakthrough”, while GOD has provided wealth to many whom he exalted as examples and leaders for mankind upon the earth (e.g., Abraham, Job, King David, King Solomon), their material goods and property continued to belong to divinity; and what they possessed, including their lives, were “on loan”, so to speak.  Resources in the earth must be turned to the sacred works and eternal purpose of GOD; even so, riches are fleeting and temporal.  More than this, the  demand that there be “new life,” rebirth, and regeneration due to the operations of sin, are answered by the new creation through Jesus Christ, the church.  As the body where Christ is the head, the church displays oneness without sameness, yet, there is great diversity among her members.  All do not have the same life experiences, and are not on the same level of maturity.  Believers differ emotionally, financially, intellectually, psychologically.   Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Ecclesiastes 2:  24, King James Version (KJV):  24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour.  This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

(2.)  Ecclesiastes 3:  9-14, KJV:  9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?  10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.  11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:  also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.  12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.  13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.  14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever:  nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it:  and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

(3.)  Jeremiah 9:  23-24, KJV:  23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:  24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth:  for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Timothy 6:  17-21, KJV:  17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;  18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;  19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.  20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:  21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/04/2018) Attend Chapel or Church?

Today, reply is on differences between attending church and the gathering of believers in the setting of hospital, military, or private chapels.  Some think of the church as being the HQ (headquarters) while the chapel is a small outpost where you seek emergency assistance, field medicine, and crisis support only when there is a crisis back home.  The church is taken to be “family”, and the chapel is dealt with as “institution”; yet, GOD has not commanded it be so.  A prayer offered on the battlefield can be heard of GOD and answered the same as a prayer offered from the sanctuary of a local congregation.  However, the one setting has been cleansed, consecrated, and set apart for the specific purpose of prayer, not for combat, conflict, or dying.  GOD does not change from setting to setting.  Even so, the content of prayer in different settings are likely to be different; and the context, pressure, and urgency for truth are not the same.  Also, participation often is passive, rather than active from setting to setting.  The sheep who appear with one shepherd are being led to nourishment, pasture, and water, rather than like those having a second pastor, being put to work as mules, oxen and other livestock in ministry and service.  The offerings from multiple diverse settings can become confused, defiled, profaned, and made worldly.  The primary benefits one receives by regular, intimate assembly with other believers include the physical appearance of spiritual substance, that things promised and prophesied are made actual and present, and that otherwise secret portions for those in close relationship are shared from the divine abundance and plenty.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses, the ID “David” (Level 1 with 205 points, a member since December 15, 2012) posted the following:

 
What's the difference between a "church" and a "church service"?

I'm in the Navy, I'm from Ohio. I am a nominal Catholic. My roommate is from Georgia and he's a Southern Baptist.

He's really religious. But he doesn't go to chapel on Sunday mornings. He has found a civilian church off base that he attends.

I asked him why he doesn't attend chapel on base and he said "Because it's not a church, it's just a church service."

I'm like.... what's the difference?

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:  Standards For Godly Behavior (02/01/2018); Attending Church a “Chore”? (01/23/2018); Free Speech in Church? (12/18/2017); Bereavement, Death and Suffering (11/10/2017); As An Anointed Body (10/04/2017); ...Gathered In My Name (05/29/2017); The Quality of Life? (03/29/2017); Become Like Jesus Christ? (10/27/2016); Good Christians and Church? (10/19/2016)

“David”, consider the following:

1.  Differences between attending chapel and attending church with a local congregation go beyond simple considerations such as the size of the crowd, the inclusion of women and children, the time involved from start to finish, or the specific messages that are preached.  On surface, it’s like the distinction between celebrating a birthday at home with family and friends as opposed to having a party with a group of guys and gals at a local bar.  You could have some fun, yet, its overall meaning and value would feel different.

2.  No one can speak in place of your roommate to explain his feelings and thoughts, however, many Christian believers would be willing to share the doctrines and teachings that are the framework for their faith, or express their understandings to discharge their duty as a believer to share personal ministry.  To avoid bias, human error, and the misinformation that comes through pride, many would share selected verses or passages from the Bible.  

3.  The church as a collective, and every individual who exists as a “born again” believer are to be understood as the new creation put forth by Jesus Christ.  All who make up the church are vessels of divine substance (we say, breath, life essence, spirit, Word) imparted from the makeup of GOD.  Believers are to display divine content (sacred DNA, so to speak) as sons and daughters of GOD.  Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

4.  The world fosters and provides things that are carnal, material, secular, and social.  Influenced by the world, church services do not meet many spiritual needs, and, therefore, may be experienced as disjointed, separate episodes.  By contrast, a stable congregation offers elements of balance, commitment, continuity, insight, maturity, and restraint as well as the broad range of opportunities for regularly giving, sacrifice, and service that further immerse believers within, and join believers to the active presence who is GOD.

Acknowledging that the chapel is no less part of the full body of Christ, there is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,

(1.)  Romans 12:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:  5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 12:  12-13, KJV:  12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.  13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC