(04/15/2018) The Child Of Prophecy

The image depicts the hand of Jesus restraining the hand of Peter.

Today, reply is on the acknowledgement of covenant and law by Jesus Christ, and his surrender to the mob sent to arrest him at Gethsemane.  Jesus was among those within the Garden as an Incarnation of divinity to fulfill the promises and prophesies of GOD, a priest, a prophet, a rabbi, and the “ram caught in the thicket.”  Rather than resist the arrest, fight against the force that was dispatched, or take flight, Jesus acknowledged that his role was to submit as a lamb that would be placed on the altar of sacrifice.  When Peter attacked using a sword, Jesus rebuked him, and healed the servant of the High Priest whose ear Peter had cut off.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “?” (Level 6 with 14,244 points, a member since April 16, 2017) posted the following:


If someone told Jesus what was going to happen to him, and gave him a gun, would he have tried to escape?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:  Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.  And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.  And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.  So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.  As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;  Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;  Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.  (Hebrews 5:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Yes, Jesus Did Die (04/01/2018); His Suffering At Gethsemane (03/12/2018); Jesus Demonstrated Perfected Humanity (10/29/2017); The Cross was Premature? (04/07/2016); Animals Do Not Sin? (09/29/2013); GOD is Acknowledging (09/30/2013); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)


“?”, Christian believers are to understand Jesus correctly knew that he himself was a child of prophecy, and that he was anointed and ordained to complete the events of his life that included his death, burial, and resurrection from the dead.  Through the holy writings, through the events surrounding his birth (e.g., the slaughter of the innocents by King Herod; the Temple prophets Anna and Simeon), through the challenge made by Satan following his water baptism (turn this stone into bread), through the confirmations he received through prayer, and through many other sacred events that served as signs, he was strengthened to continue his ministry on the earth as one having authentic humanity, as one sent from GOD, and as one who would suffer the same fate as many others who served as divine prophets and spokespersons.

The revelation of GOD granted to Moses was that the Creator and Deliverer is also a GOD of Judgment.  Moses was allowed to see his glory, and Jesus Christ came as the image of GOD to further display the forgiveness, the mercy, the obedience, the reconciliation, the righteousness, and the surrender that pertain to divine judgment.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 23:  29-39, King James Version (KJV):  29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,  30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.  31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.  32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.  33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?  34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes:  and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:  35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.  36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.  37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!  38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.  39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

(2.)  John 18:  3- 13, KJV:  3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.  4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?  5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.  6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.  7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.  8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he:  if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:  9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.  10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.  11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath:  the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?  12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,  13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

(3.)  Matthew 16:  21-28, KJV:  21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.  22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord:  this shall not be unto thee.  23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me:  for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.  24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:  and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.  26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.  28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Matthew 26:  52-54, KJV:  52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place:  for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.  53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?  54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

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

Edwin Longsden Long, ANNO DOMINI (1883)

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


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


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.  Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?  He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  (Ephesians 4:  4-15, King James Version, KJV)


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


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

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

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

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/19/2013) Gentiles and the Law?

The covenant of Moses and the new covenant in Jesus Christ, and use of the word “law” are topics, today.  Also, there is more on escape, life and suffering.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Following Torah And Messiah” (Level 4 with 3,246 points, a member since November 13, 2011) posted the following:


"The law means so much to me that I want my chosen people to keep it, but..."?

"...One day I will send my son to die so that the gentiles don't have to do any of it"

Does this sound like something Our God would say?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Can One Escape? (09/18/2013)— (4.)  The living absolutely cannot escape the full range of challenges, disappointments, duties, losses, and triumphs that together are called “the ups and downs of life.”  Because many now rely upon complaining (to get attention; dispel fear; make connection to others, even strangers; or manipulate and have advantage), what many call “sufferings” are merely the normal tasks for life in the earth.  For example, many complain daily against attending school; decease (i.e., completing ones mortality); having to correct their own mistakes; hearing, responding to, and speaking truth; and paying those who provide service, or share their resources.  Believers in Christ accept suffering as a sacred mechanism whereby those in carnal, material and social reality are used to accomplish divine purpose, demonstrate the operations of divine substance, and make visible the active presence of GOD.  (5.)  At Creation, the experience of human life was to be a balanced blend of learning, fellowship, work, and rest.  Acknowledgment of GOD through voluntary praise and worship that would express such inner states as gratitude, joy, love, respect, and trust became mandatory when division and separation increased through sin.  Formative judgment (i.e., assessment and measurement when building, creating and planning) then took on a new character as investigation and scrutiny to detect the presence of divinity, or any hidden material that is not from GOD.  (6.)  Many of the tests and trials mankind now faces are for purposes of edification, instruction, and revelation.  Each person must discover and come to know their own capacity for action, commitment, integrity, strength, and truth for these are the aspects of humanity that must be present for interaction and relationship with the Creator.  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, believers receive a fresh endowment from the divine person that includes such spirit content as faith, holiness, righteousness, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Together, these make it that none appear “empty” before GOD.  See 1st Corinthians 10:  13, Hebrews 2:  1-4 and 1st Peter 4:  12-19, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:   For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident:  for, The just shall live by faith.  And the law is not of faith:  but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.  Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.  Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made.  He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.  And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.  For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.  Wherefore then serveth the law?  It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.  (Galatians 3:  10-19, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Law and Christian Belief (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); The Children, not the Dogs (03/17/2013); Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); On the Messiah (02/19/2012); The First Jews (02/20/2012)


“Following Torah And Messiah”, here are a few points to consider that should be useful to avoid spiritual confusion:

(1.)  The holy writings often use the word “law” speaking strictly about the covenant of Moses.  Similarly, modern speakers say “the “law” referring to the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments.  At other points, the Scriptures speak to the divine law that was in place before Creation, and that may be spoken of as eternal.  There are many uses of “law” regarding the ordinances, outcomes of judgment (we might say, precedents), and statutes instituted for the Jews.

(2.)  Careful study of the Scriptures demand that each appearance of the word “law” be examined for its peculiar application and meaning for the passage wherein it appears.  In New Testament writings, the word “law” may appear within the same paragraph multiple times, and its meaning may be changed from use to use.  For example, see Romans 3:  19-23, King James Version.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  For example, (3.)  Those who left Egypt with Moses, and stood with him and Aaron at the foot of Mount Sinai hearing the voice of GOD proclaim the covenant and the law, were a “mixed multitude.”  At no time was the law only intended exclusively for the tribes of Jacob.  Repeatedly, the Jews did not fully uphold the law (e.g., failure to expel the seven nations occupying the Promised Land; idolatry through the wives of Solomon; schism and the golden calf of Jeroboam, son of Nebat).  Therefore, many believed the promised administration of the Messiah would end what now is being called “the curse of the law.”  The Gentiles embracing the righteousness of the law in the person of Jesus Christ are being used as a divine device to recover and restore the remnant of Israel.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Love has spoken.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/18/2013) Can One Escape?

Avoiding and escaping the harshness of life are considered today, along with more on the things possible with GOD.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Malinda” (Level 1 with 114 points, a member since August 17, 2013) posted the following:


Can one escape, ones negativity and suffering in life? Is escape possible or are you suppose to just accept it?

Is escape possible, or is that the wrong move? Is ut better to just accept it?

Thank you for all replies


THE BATTLE AXE:  (09/17/2013) All Things Possible?—  (5.)  Things otherwise impossible for the spirit implanted within created beings and living creatures at Creation are now made possible through the living ministry of GOD as Jesus Christ.  In baptism, every believer receives a fresh endowment of the active presence of GOD established as a new inner spirit (we say, divine DNA, and re-birth).  However, despite being born again and accounted as “new creatures,” believers in Christ must continue and face the same carnal, material and social limits challenging others who do not believe.  Believers must provide for their own food, clothing and shelter through employment; must maintain various relationships through truth speaking and unselfishness; and must face the continuing threats of bereavement, loss and the completion of their own mortality.  The things that become possible with GOD include multiple divine operations:  eternal life, faithfulness, forgiveness, holy boldness, hope, longsuffering, judgment, obedience, repentance, rest, sanctification, and service.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:  As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.  I have glorified thee on the earth:  I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.  And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.  I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world:  thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.  Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.  For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.  I pray for them:  I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.  And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.  And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.  While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.  And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.  I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.  (John 17:  1-17, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Guilt Trip? (07/11/2013); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013); Words Spoken by GOD? (06/05/2013); Struggling? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013)


Malinda, here are a few points I can share as an act of my respect to GOD; be encouraged:

(1.)  A major aspect of the victory Christian believers achieve through Jesus Christ is a more accurate and complete awareness of the unseen aspects of existence that are life.  All things that exist are not alive; and all things alive are not eternal.  Presently, only the full person of GOD (we may say, the GODhead) is immortal and alive forever.  Almighty GOD, the Father, is to be understood as entirely a spirit; while the Son is the appearance of GOD in flesh (we say, incarnate), and the Holy Spirit is purely spirit in form.  Life for the divine persons continues through content, process and purposes that are directed through spirit.  The inseparable aspects of spirit that are the make-up of divine person include being, faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(2.)  There are aspects and conditions of human existence that cannot be permanently altered using human abilities, knowledge, and skill without also destroying human capacity for survival.  Included are appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual craving), emotions (e.g., fear, mirth, sorrow), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching, pain), and mental functions (e.g., desire, fantasy, imagination, projection, recall).

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  For example, (3.)  Self-will in all created beings and living creatures may be dominated by sin; however, sin is not spirit.  As a result, mankind is both corruptible (subject to decay, and the spread of internal rottenness) as well as mortal (we say, subject to death).  Through the operations of GOD as a priesthood upon the earth and from the heavens, mankind is to become immortal and incorruptible.  Until this transformation is fully complete, believers are equipped to endure, overcome and transcend many of the limits to human happiness, spirit power, and understanding.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Love has spoken.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC