(04/12/2016) More Than Food and Drink?

Today, points are shared on the importance and meaning of the blood and water that flowed from the side of Jesus upon the cross.  Divinity is being made knowable and known through the Creation.  The death of Jesus must be understood as more than simply a sacrifice to atone for the sin of mankind.  The Savior’s death and resurrection pertain to all that endures and exists, the living with their future generations, and all that may contain spirit content from GOD (e.g., events, practices, proclamations, promises, prophecy).  The ministry and work of Jesus has been one of continuing in agreement and unity with GOD, establishing testament in his blood, proclaiming the law of divine love, and producing a new creation.  In the first putting forth of the universe, divine life essence with the consciousness and self-will of mankind was to reside in a material body that has organs and tissues to carry out specific functions.  To maintain energy and health within this body, man must regularly have cleansing, nourishment, refreshment, and rest.  Going beyond meeting ones needs for survival, sharing food and water also can be the expression of compassion and love.  Development and growth for mankind as a carnal being progresses from birth, to aging, maturation, and completing mortality.  Through the spiritual provisions of divinity, mankind as a spirit being may know divine inheritance, perfection, rebirth, renewal, resurrection, sanctification, and eternal life as well.  Readers are encouraged to consider the following Scriptures and the presentation below:

John 6:  53-56, King James Version (KJV):  53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.  54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.  55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.  56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

James 2:  14-20, KJV:  14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?  15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,  16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?  17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works:  shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:  the devils also believe, and tremble.  20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Matthew 25:  42-46, KJV:  42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat:  I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:  43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in:  naked, and ye clothed me not:  sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.  44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.  46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment:  but the righteous into life eternal.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Rachael” (Level 4 with 3,540 points, a member since December 08, 2015) posted the following:

 

Christians, is water really necessary?

Why can't we rely on Gods spirit for drink and food?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.  And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.  And God said, Let there be light:  and there was light.  And God saw the light, that it was good:  and God divided the light from the darkness.  And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.  And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.  And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament:  and it was so.  And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.  And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear:  and it was so.  And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas:  and God saw that it was good.  (Genesis 1:  1-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross and Creation (03/24/2016); The Bread of GOD (03/01/2014); Belief, Faith, and Proof (03/02/2014); According to the Eternal Purpose (11/20/2012); Henceforth, Of This Fruit (11/21/2012); Unexceptional Beginnings (11/22/2012)

 

“Rachael”, answering your question with an eye to the cross where Jesus Christ was crucified, essential elements for life and existence are identified in the blood and water that gushed from the Savior’s side when he was thrust with a spear by one of the Roman guards.  Trust that, despite separation by time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are reaching to here and now.  For many mature Christian believers, blood is crucial to atonement and sacrifice for our sin, because it is the vehicle that distributes and transports life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word).  However, all things that exist do not contain life, and the entire Creation must be purchased and recovered by GOD.  Conceptual (ideas) and material being, form, and presence allow created beings and living creatures to focus their consciousness and self-will in such a way that they may become attached to, exchange, and interact with their sphere of life (we also say, environment) and all it may contain.  The living engage objects through such features as appetite, sensation, emotions, and mind (we say, the flesh).  The origin or preexistence for our physical reality is described from GOD as being “waters”; and we take this to mean, chaos or flux (i.e., continually changing, multiple streams of unidentifiable and undifferentiated substances that are not aspects of divinity).  The makeup of Deity was inseparable spirit matter that included faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, personness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Even with the continuing appearance of Jesus incarnate (i.e., in human form), GOD continues to be the fullness of all spirit substance.  In accordance with the eternal purposes of the Creator, mankind is now in an ongoing process to enable humanity to continue as an immortal, incorruptible companion to divinity.  Consider how this is stated using language from the Bible in the following verses:

(1.)  Romans 14:  16-18, King James Version (KJV):  16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:  17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

(2.)  Matthew 6:  24-26, KJV:  24 No man can serve two masters:  for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?  26 Behold the fowls of the air:  for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

(3.)  2nd Peter 3:  3-7, KJV:  3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,  4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.  5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:  6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:  7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st John 5:  4-9, KJV:  4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:  and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.  7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:  and these three are one.  8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood:  and these three agree in one.  9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater:  for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/08/2014) My Soul Shall Be Satisfied

A Scripture study is shared today showing that the recurring need of created beings and living creatures for spirit content from the makeup of divinity is as great as the need for bread, water, physical activity, and social acceptance.

SOME THOUGHTS ON

1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee:  my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

4 Thus will I bless thee while I live:  I will lift up my hands in thy name.

5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

8 My soul followeth hard after thee:  thy right hand upholdeth me.

9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

10 They shall fall by the sword:  they shall be a portion for foxes.

11 But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory:  but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.  (Psalms 63:  1-11, KJV)



Genesis 24:  14 (KJV)  14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also:  let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

1st Chronicles 11:  16-18 (KJV)  16 And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines’ garrison was then at Bethlehem.  17 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!  18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David:  but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD.

Psalms 80:  4-7 (KJV)  4 O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?  5 Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure.  6 Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours:  and our enemies laugh among themselves.  7 Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

Joel 2:  12-19 (KJV)  12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:  13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God:  for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.  14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?  15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:  16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts:  let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.  17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?  18 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.  19 Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

Psalms 109:  23-25 (KJV)  23 I am gone like the shadow when it declineth:  I am tossed up and down as the locust.  24 My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.  25 I became also a reproach unto them:  when they looked upon me they shaked their heads.

Isaiah 58:  1-11 (KJV)  1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.  2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God:  they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.  3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.  4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness:  ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.  5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?  6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?  7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?  8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily:  and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.  9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;  10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:  11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones:  and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

Matthew 6:  16-18 (KJV)  16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;  18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret:  and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Ecclesiastes 5:  18-19 (KJV)  18 Behold that which I have seen:  it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him:  for it is his portion.  19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

John 4:  7-15 (KJV)  7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water:  Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.  8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)  9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.  10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.  11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?  12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?  13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:  14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.  15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

John 6:  27-35 (KJV)  27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you:  for him hath God the Father sealed.  28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.  30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?  31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.  32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.  33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.  34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.  35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life:  he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Deuteronomy 8:  3 (KJV)  3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.


There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  For example, a believers appetite and desire to be in the active presence of divinity are to be amplified and sated through the word of GOD.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/02/2013) Divine Love Revealed?

Love, prophecy, divine revelation, and the Scriptures are topics, today, with more on lawful authority over death.  A writer at “Yahoo!7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Lord Giuseppi” (Level 1 with 223 points, a member since 29 September 2013) posted the following that was originally asked at “Yahoo! Answers Canada.”  (The question was deleted before I could share a response; and I sent the writer a partial reply, points 1 & 2, by email):


Do Christians who claim god is all loving ever read the book of revelation?


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Power of Death? (10/01/2013)—Following the deliverance of mankind through Noah and his family (and not after the slaying of Abel by Cain), GOD allowed the killing of animals for food, and employed mankind as an instrument of judgment that would be used to kill other men (see Genesis 9:  1-16, KJV).  Through the ordinances and statutes granted to Israel, the customs and traditions of offering and sacrificing blood that had been practiced since Adam became strictly regimented as an act of faith by, for and within community, rather than a matter of personal or private appeals to GOD (see Leviticus 17:  3-5, KJV).  Killing and murder as a high crime and a violation of divine commandment emerges only where self-will is dominated by sin (see 2nd Kings 21:  1-17 , KJV).  Blood is an aspect of flesh and material being, however, blood conveys life that is a spirit essence from Divine Person.  The death of Jesus ordained by GOD uses blood (instead of a flood) as a tool to recover mankind from sin, and is by no means an act by Satan, or display of majesty in a created being.  See Mark 14:  21-25, 1st Corinthians 11:  23-26 and 1st Corinthians 15:  20-26, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:   For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.  Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.  (Revelation 22:  18-21, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Only One GOD (09/14/2013); Weed and Godly Wisdom (09/15/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013); Faith, Language and “Mystery” (04/11/2013); What to Take Literally (03/11/2013); A GOD of War? 03/12/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); More Than Salvation (11/27/2012); Son of Man (11/28/2012)


Lord Giuseppi, here are a few points endorsed by many who rejoice in the love of GOD as expressed through the ministry of Jesus Christ:

(1.)  The entire Bible is a collection of holy writings that provide a record of sacred events among mankind revealing the operation, person, and eternal purposes of GOD.  In addition to covenants, accounts of judgments against sin (e.g., the plagues of Egypt), descriptions of the consecrated priesthood upon the earth as well as in the celestial presence (we say, heaven), there are details explaining sacred inheritance, the elimination of sin, and the establishment of eternal life.

(2.)  GOD is a being who may not be completely known and understood using the aspects of carnal, emotional, material, and social process relied upon by mankind.  GOD is spirit, not a cloud, fog, mist or smoke made up of fine particles.  The inseparable substance of GOD includes faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  GOD employs multiple divine operations and sacred processes to make divinity known and visible to created beings and living creatures.  Included are birth, death, healing, forgiveness, incarnation, judgment, resurrection, sanctification, and utterance.

(3.)  Prophecy is a peculiar tool used throughout the holy writings that focus the understanding of believers upon otherwise unseen aspects of divine person, rather than human events (we say, the mind of GOD, the word of GOD (we also say, from GOD).  The work of prophecy is not so much to predict the future as to clarify divine intent and purpose.  Prophecy establishes divine presence, like the very breath breathed into Adam.  Many have been chosen and specially prepared to serve as spokespersons from GOD, and have served in roles such as patriarchs, judges, prophets, kings, and apostles.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Seeing with the eyes of those reborn and renewed in right relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ, the Book of Revelation conveys a rich prophetic vision.  While accounts of Creation declare the beauty and fertility of Divine Person, and the Gospel of redemption and salvation proclaim divine compassion and grace, it is the judgment of GOD that allows all to grasp the absolute righteousness and wisdom of GOD as Sovereign over eternity.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/07/2012) Holiday Displays?

     Religious holiday displays on public property is the topic, today; and there is more on reading the Scriptures as “soul” food. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Maria” (Level 2 with 255 points, a member since March 27, 2010) posted the following:

Facts about why you think religious holiday displays should be allowed on public property.?
Thank you very very very very much..... :) :) :)

THE BATTLE AXE: “Soul” Food? (12/06/2012)—The prayer that petitions, “give us this day our daily bread,” speaks to more than food and drink for the flesh. The thoughtful believer acknowledges various needs for nourishment of their emotions, their mental life, and the life of their own spirit. Additionally, believers make requests on behalf of their companion from GOD, the imparted, indwelling Spirit. Rightly understood, for life to be balanced, healthy and productive one needs laughter every day or they become disheartened, gloomy, and grief-stricken. One needs tears of disappointment, loss and sorrow every day as well or they become haughty, incautious, overconfident, and swollen with pride. The holy writings supply believers with examples from the lives of others like themselves, and statements of divine law and wisdom that further establish the heart and mind in mankind as being in the image of GOD, and grounded in truth from the inner depths of divine being.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1st Corinthians 12: 25-27, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012); Girdle 43: Of The Common Salvation (12/30/2011); Girdle 41: A Living Sacrifice (12/28/2011); Annual Feasts (12/29/2010); Jesus Our “Advocate” (08/16/2012); A Healing Word (01/13/2011); “Secret Santa” (11/25/2010); Holy Comfort? (11/26/2010)

     The right spirit for giving and receiving public displays during a holiday season (e.g., Mother’s Day, Thanksgivings Day, Veterans Day, etc.) remains one of learning, respect and sharing. In forward-looking areas, it is neither inappropriate, nor a disregard of diverse beliefs and practices within the full community to have peculiar displays on public property. Such materials signal the harmony, intelligence, quality of life, and security within a municipality while encouraging others to become residents, and bring their own unique contributions for development and growth.

     The attitude that all public displays serve as propaganda intended to “brainwash”, indoctrinate, and oppress has come out of war-torn regions and nations where conflict, and insurrection have been a constant aspect of their existence, and cultural history. Condemnation, fear, paranoia, and schizophrenic exaggerations discourage every effort to encourage exploration of other lifestyles, or share explanations of what and why peculiar ideas or symbols have meaning. For example, those who celebrate the birth of Jesus could share the truth that a Christmas wreath is hung upon ones door to acknowledge that a loved one is missing from the family circle. Despite the death of that loved one, joy continues to be in the home, for the family within is comforted by the “good news” of salvation.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, acknowledgment and confirmation of differences, rather than forced conformity, is vital to a community having color, integrity, hope, opportunity and richness. A principle shared among believers in Jesus is that ownership is not an obstacle to joy: Where a gift is given to one member in the body, it is available and will benefit all the members of the body. Thus, as those who are making a mature investment to a commonwealth, everyone celebrates the harvest where the hard work of a single neighbor has permitted his family to have a new car, and this is experienced as a blessing for everyone in the community. Similarly, all the homeowners may not be able to afford light displays in their windows, on their front lawn, or upon the housetop. Nonetheless, all who see the two or three displays that are provided can feel encouraged, and lifted from darkness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/06/2012) “Soul” Food?

      The value of reading Scripture to nourish ones soul is a focus, today, along with more on the various names given Lucifer. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Faiz” (Level 1 with 99 points, a member since December 5, 2012) posted the following:


How the reading is the food of soul?


THE BATTLE AXE: The Adversary? (12/05/2012)—In the same way sin was first identified through Lucifer, complaints by created beings and living creatures of being bullied, denied “free-will,” and victimized by law and judgment also originated through the angelic being and his followers. The Scriptures document a principle that, upon profound change in ones sacred function, spirit content, or worship relationship they are to be known by a new name. Examples are Elohim, El Shaddai, and Jehovah; Abram and Abraham; Jacob and Israel; Lucifer and Satan; and the promise for those who overcome of a new name within a white stone (Revelation 2: 17, KJV). In Scripture, Abaddon is a different being from Lucifer; and is identified as king of the angels who were imprisoned in the “bottomless pit” after their transgression (Revelation 2: 9 and 11: 7, KJV). It is this abyss that men mistakenly describe as the place of torment (hell) beneath the surface of the earth. It is Sheol, the grave, that is more correctly understood as the bottomless pit for mankind; and the actual place of burning where unclean spirits are destroyed is called the lake of fire. Lucifer and the others lost their first estate; yet, their arguments, challenges, grievances and protests against GOD may be heard and recognized daily among men. While Lucifer has no authority to impart spirit matter to the living (or to the dead), he nevertheless has allure and influence that are mistakenly taken to be divine power. The revelation of GOD through covering cherubim has been superseded by the revelation of GOD incarnate, and the seating of Jesus in human flesh as risen Lord.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. (Deuteronomy 8: 1-3, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); A Text for Lives Today (11/25/2012); Pornography from the Bible (11/26/2012); Bibles in Hotel Rooms? (03/30/2012); Some To Rule? (03/31/2012); Support For The Bible (03/11/2012); Binder 6: The Plan Of This Work (10/03/2011); Binder 4: Getting To Know The Scriptures (10/01/2011); Binder 3: A Commitment To The Scriptures (09/30/2011)


      It is the faith (i.e., confidence, conviction, trust) of many mature believers that the holy writings are directed to ones inner spirit, and operate through spiritual dimensions as well as the mental, physical and social realities of life. As such, the Scriptures convey spirit matter that resides within divine person. Included are such features as forgiveness, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

      Because some insist the Scriptures are merely products of human creativity and imagination that should only be regarded as history, literature, mythology or poetry, there continues to be a longstanding tradition of confusion, disbelief, opposition and skepticism. However, those who carefully read, assume the attitudes expressed, and practice the instruction from the Scriptures always achieve godliness and spiritual maturity.

      While we use language that speaks of “the soul” being “nourished” as if eating and drinking (operations of flesh) are intended, a sacred process whereby spirit matter is concentrated, directed, and displayed is really the true focus. Man became a “living soul” when GOD breathed into a figure made from dust of the ground (Genesis 2: 7, KJV). The breath of life from GOD that makes humankind possible is also called speech, utterance, and the Word.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, growth and learning by experience are unique features of humankind. Angels, the sacred beasts of heaven, and many other created beings and living creatures are complete and “finished” in their knowledge. That is, at their creation, they were endowed with all the information and understanding to function correctly in the course of their service and worship. They were not granted knowledge of events and issues pertaining to sin, repentance, and salvation; yet, sin first appeared among them, before being detected in the earth. Those of the heavenly host are not understood as having souls. Nonetheless, their make-up and substance is also being transformed by the ministry of Jesus to mankind. More than simply reading and academic study, the process of GOD is shown to be one of hearing, praise, seeing, service, testimony and witness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC