(10/17/2020) Why So Many Churches?

 

Today, reply is on the operations of divinity as omnipresent, and why there are countless churches and houses of worship on the earth. Correctly understood, the church founded by Jesus Christ is not so much a material location within the frameworks of time and space as it is an ongoing spiritual relationship between the Creator and the created. Through finite, human church assemblies there is access for mankind to otherwise hidden and unseen sacred resources that must be received through discovery, gradual growth, ministry to others, sacred practice, mutual respect, study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and suffering. In the same way the New Jerusalem that now is being constructed in heaven will serve as a habitation for mankind upon the earth made new, the flesh of mankind is to exist as the new creation and a habitation of GOD through the Spirit. It is written: Ephesians 2: 11-22, King James Version (KJV): 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Lol” (Level 2 with 638 point) posted the following:

If God is everywhere the why do people go to church ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. 4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. 5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. (Isaiah 66: 1-5, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Place Of Meeting (04/08/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); Leadership By The Church (03/18/2020); Everywhere In The Universe? (10/14/2019); Justified By Church Attendance? (06/21/2019); Divine Presence and Spirit (01/18/2017); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014)

“Lol”, properly understood, church buildings exist as areas for regular assemblies and gatherings of developing and mature followers of Jesus Christ that are consecrated and set apart (we say, sanctified through prayer, unselfish service, and suffering). Christian beliefs pertain to the Creation of heaven and earth, the duration of existence and life as well as the possibilities for mankind to continue in an eternal relationship as a living companion to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity. The process and substance of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is spirit in its character, makeup, process and substance. Divinity has used human form and life-process to exist on the earth (as seen through their Incarnation as Jesus Christ). Even so, GOD only appears to created beings and living creatures as life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; utterance; word) that is diffuse, measureless, and without physical dimensions. GOD may not be influenced and manipulated by the living through finite human social behavior such as begging, deceit, and weeping, for divinity holds to immutable principles and sacred law that proclaim the integrity of GOD through attributes of faithfulness, holiness, oneness without sameness, and righteousness. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry demonstrating the cleansing and restoration to purity provided for the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain:

(1.) Acts 17: 24-31, King James Version (KJV): 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 3: 16-17, KJV: 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

(3.) 1^st Corinthians 6: 19-20, KJV: 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Treble Lluis Travesett, Consecration of Sagrada Familia – Psalm 83 @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqBDE9HTz_E.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:52 AM, October 16, 2020 @ http://delivertheword.com/lordprepareme/files/2016/01/02-WillOfGod_LordPrepareMe_X7_8x10L_v1_03-1280.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Christian Beliefs, Church Attendance, Incarnation, Judgment, Salvation, Sanctification, The Flesh, The Godhead, Value of the Church, covid-19, existence, gatherings, habitations, integrity, omnipresence, purity,

(04/05/2020) A Habitation of Spirit

Today—Palm Sunday 2020 when the usual distribution of palm branches will not occur as part of our regular memorials to Jesus Christ—the reply is on the church founded by Jesus Christ continuing to be essential for spiritual cleansing, healing, and nourishment at a time when the world system is demanding practices that include social distancing to endure a global health crisis. Because the blessings for those within the body of Christ (the church) are spirit in their process and substance, they are not for everyone who is in the world. It is important for committed believers to attend public gatherings in locations that have been consecrated and set apart by praise, prayer, sacrifice, and suffering. Divinity is not restricted by the frameworks of time and space, and may be invited and welcomed to appear in the midst of sacred gatherings. GOD, who is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible must be received through spiritual operations (e.g., confession of sin; healing; hearing the word of GOD; rebirth following the death and burial of ones inborn spirit; the embodiment and expression of divinity within the clergy and other believers). Mature Christians maintain membership within focused and stable congregations that provide the body with multiple sacred gifts and tools that otherwise are unavailable within their own households, within their local communities, and within the world as a man-made system for survival. It is written: 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. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appeared) posted the following:

Since most Christians are ok with churches being non-essential, are they admitting that there is nothing supernatural about their faith?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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: 14-17, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Endure Trials Through Faith (03/31/2020); On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); The Challenge of Covid-19 (03/22/2020); Leadership By The Church (03/18/2020); “Because You Are Believers” (03/17/2020); Justified By Church Attendance? (06/21/2019); Commitment To Jesus Christ (03/07/2019)

“Anonymous”, among those who understand that the church provided by Jesus Christ is more than another social setting, and exists as more than another man-made institution or organization, the church itself continues to be essential, yet, its form and operations are in transition. Church attendance may be understood as a work of the flesh. The process of the church must be spiritual, rather than interpersonal. Divinity appeared on the earth using human flesh and life process to accomplish expressions of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. In addition to addressing the elimination of sin, and establishing mankind in redemption, Christ ministered atonement, forgiveness, reconciliation, rebirth, and fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity to renew mankind’s relationship as offspring and heirs of GOD. The savior’s focus was not the creation of community centers to provide academic instruction, amusements, family counseling, secular knowledge, political activism, or works of community service and social welfare. The living are to acknowledge that GOD is to exist within the consciousness and self-will (willpower) of all created beings and living creatures. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness are imparted to those who become “born again” that include balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. There is great diversity among believers; and the divine process to “grow up again” requires accepting accountability, commitment, communication, discovery, exchange, interdependence, interaction, practice of sacraments, study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and suffering. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 2^nd Corinthians 4: 17-18, King James Version (KJV): 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

(2.) Matthew 18: 19-20, KJV: 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

(3.) Ephesians 2: 18-22, KJV: 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

(4.) Luke 17: 20-21, KJV: 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6kp9893Pjg.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:55 AM, April 05, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/b9/1b/7b/b91b7bcaf65a2b700ad78486fcd671f7.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/12/2019) A Commitment To Life

Today, reply is on the commitment to his own existence and life that mankind is to make in response to Jesus Christ who appears as Creator, Redeemer, Savior, and Judge. While the process of life features continuing conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, the living are to acknowledge their own body as a temple home for life essence imparted from GOD, and respect gatherings of those sharing faith as a divinely provided habitation for the spirit. It is written: Ephesians 2: 18-22, King James Version (KJV): 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Stop-and-frisk this, Bloomberg!” (Level 4 with 1,530 points) posted the following:

Why do religious people live their lives so cautiously? ?

By that I mean, if you believe in God and afterlife wouldn't you live as ethically reckless as possible to facilitate your early demise? I'm an atheist and since I know this is the only life I get I tend to want to prevent my death. If I believed in a god and heaven I would not wear my seat belt for example since I would prefer eternal life in heaven. Do I make any sense? 😂

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. (Romans 14: 7-9, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Disciples and “Little Christs” (11/05/2019); One Body, Many Members (10/17/2019); Present With The Lord (08/05/2019); The Gift Of GOD (10/15/2018); A Question On Suicide (11/30/2017); Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present? (03/31/2013); A Family Affair? (04/01/2013)

“Stop-and-frisk this, Bloomberg!”, you make sense just as the Apostle Paul, who expressed being in conflict about continuing to serve on the earth, or going to be with the Lord. It remains that, Christian belief is focused on commitment and living as a companion to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity, rather than death; and is focused on performing duty and unselfish service, rather than pleasure and self-promotion. Sinners who become part of the new creation of GOD through Jesus Christ must become permanently changed and transformed through operations of the Holy Spirit (we say, they must become “born again” and “grow up again”). As developing believers, all are to become mature/ripe while on the earth, and will be harvested by the Lord at his coming. Christian believers are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the image of GOD, and the likeness of Jesus Christ through their lifestyles and daily routines. All are granted benefits, opportunities, possibilities, and privileges on a divine scale for they receive within their consciousness and self-will (willpower) inseparable aspects of the divine makeup. Included are balance, completeness, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. As vessels of divine spirit content (sacred DNA, so to speak), Christians are the offspring of GOD and those in fellowship with divinity. Believers will be held accountable for the grace and freely given gifts bestowed on them, and are to operate acknowledging sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) 2^nd Corinthians 5: 1-10, King James Version (KJV): 1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

(2.) 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.

(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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGbb1ry1Hoo.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 6:00 PM, December 11, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/dc/7d/09/dc7d09e739afd2c1fed4a893741d9827.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/18/2019) A Form of Godliness?

Today, the reply is on the righteousness of gospel music intended for ministry among the followers of Jesus Christ when presented by non-Christians, and to secular audiences. Properly provided, gospel music is shared as another form of prophecy to comfort, edify and exhort the church provided by those who have been anointed, ordained, and set apart (sanctified) within the body of believers. Christ-likeness, the image of GOD, praise, and spirit substance imparted from divinity are to be communicated, offered, and returned to the Creator from the full assembled body. The conductor, choir, singers and musicians are more to direct and lead worship than to amuse or entertain. There are many skilled and talented performers who are able to arouse and deeply impress listeners, however, without sacred commitment, divine guidance and preparation, eternal purpose, and the unction from GOD, they are as tares sown among wheat, and their otherwise brilliant and extraordinary works are only self-promotion and vanity that lack divine content. For the fruit of redemption and salvation to appear, there must be a planting of Christ. It is written: Matthew 13: 24-30, King James Version (KJV): 24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. The writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “patty” (Level 5 with 6,361 points, a member since May 20, 2019) posted the following:

How can non Christians sing gospel?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 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; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5: 6-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How Can Christians Preach? (09/25/2019); About Our Public Displays (08/06/2019); Those Apt To Teach? (06/20/2018); Prophesying By Music Ministers (11/06/2017); Too Much Holy Spirit? (11/19/2013); Understanding Peace? (11/20/2013); GOD Speaking Through Song? (11/01/2013); Why Not One Bible? (11/02/2013)

“patty”, mature Christian believers who avoid judging and condemning the Spirit that may be within others, also are vigilant to escape the spiritual confusion caused by false prophets and hypocrites. Through the operations of sin, finite human appetite, emotions, and sensations can overpower ones awareness and willpower. The immutable, unchanging provisions of GOD must become the anchor within ones lifestyle and daily routine. Discernment is the practice of acknowledging the spirit essence within events and teaching within oneself as well as in the attitudes, behaviors, offerings, and presentations of others. As a standard for meaning, quality and value, believers learn to rely on the fresh endowment from Jesus Christ of the same life essence (breath; spirit; word) imparted to Adam at Creation. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness should appear that include faith, forbearance, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the accapella music ministry of The N Crew:

(1.) 2^nd Timothy 3: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

(2.) Romans 6: 16-18, KJV: 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

(3.) Mark 9: 37-40, KJV: 37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. 38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is on our part.

(4.) Malachi 3: 13-18, KJV: 13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? 14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? 15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. 16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjiiF83q7G0.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 7:30 AM, October 18, 2019 @ https://www.dailyholybiblereading.com/malachi-3-18/

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/17/2019) One Body, Many Members

Today, reply is on describing the church of Jesus Christ as a single body having one Spirit, yet, displaying diversity and plurality. After being cast forth from the Garden of Eden, mankind has existed as a nomad and a wanderer on the earth, seeking his own and the habitation of GOD. While looking for a holy city, and a kingdom whose builder and maker is GOD, men have acknowledged divinity by building both a tabernacle and a temple on the earth, made after the pattern of things in heaven. Through the Incarnation and ministry of Jesus Christ, human flesh was used as a vessel to embody divine law, sacred purpose, and eternal life; and now mankind is in a process of transformation wherein flesh becomes a holy temple through operations of GOD. Men are to exist as did the Son of the Highest being a living sacrifice, and a habitation of GOD. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 10: 15-17, King James Version (KJV): 15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

When Bill is filled with God the Holy Spirit and then Ed is filled with God the Holy Spirit at the same time, how many God the Holy spirits?

exist?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17: 18-23, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Understanding Oneness Without Sameness (08/27/2019); To Be Jesus’ Sheep (06/10/2019); Christ Is The Head (07/12/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); Flesh As Divine Vessels? (01/14/2018); A Matter of Conscience (04/07/2017); Frequency of The Lord’s Supper? (10/30/2016)

“Anonymous”, divine fullness (Christians also say, the sum of all spirit essence; divinity; the Godhead) puts forth and uses finite and material things that are tangible and visible, yet, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit now exist in heaven as immortal, incorruptible, and invisible. Because GOD is spirit that does not exist using one fixed and permanent form, men ought not describe divinity using such measures s amount, how many, how much, and quantity. Spirit does not display measurable dimensions (e.g., density, height, length, thickness/thinness, weight). The church that has been created by divinity appearing on the earth using human form as Jesus Christ should be acknowledged as a collection and gathering of created beings and living creatures who are joined through their content of life essence that has been imparted from the makeup of GOD. Inseparable aspects of divinity should appear in those who repent of their sins to become children of GOD and vessels of sacred spirit. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, hope, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The church is to exist and function as a single body having many members who display the image of GOD and Christ-likeness through their lifestyles and daily routines. Developing believers within the church must carry out and perform various sacred and secular works while enduring “growing pains,” meeting life challenges, and rendering unselfish service to GOD. All are to become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (we also say, the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). The church being those who are prepared will become complete and perfected only within the divine presence. Through operations of GOD all believers now are in the ongoing process of transformation to exist as immortal life companions with divinity. Believers are being built up and edified through atonement, commitment, discovery, gradual growth, sacred practice, and suffering. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 12: 3-11, King James Version (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. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 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. 14 For the body is not one member, but many.

(2.) Ephesians 4: 4-7, 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.

(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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, 4.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xox5ZKz2haM.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:54 AM, October 17, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b0/bb/d4/b0bbd44ee4a19b141508293d0ecb3a32.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC