(10/29/2019) By Death and Resurrection

Today, reply is on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as a divine process to establish the new creation that must appear through divine judgment, death, and resurrection, rather than through human love, marriage, and sexual reproduction. Eternal life entails more than the lifestyles and daily routines of mankind on the earth; a “birth” must occur through his resurrection, not through the operations of faith, or the works a sinner may complete. Marriage, childbearing, managing ones own household, and raising ones own children often are understood as behavior and conduct that are only carnal, material, and social. Correctly understood these also are divine operations carried out and performed on the earth through ones consciousness and self-will (willpower) that should be directed and influenced by the sovereign will of GOD. It is written: Matthew 22: 23-33, King James Version (KJV): 23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, 24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. 27 And last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. 31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. 33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

Why didn't Jesus choose to get married and have children, if that is really the best way?

There's an old phrase, "What Would Jesus Do?". Well it appears the answer is to live a celibate, non-sex existence. Jesus could have chosen to say look, I'm going to get married to show the humans this is best, have a bunch of kids. No, Jesus apparently shows there is very much value in celibacy, in controlling your passions

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. (Philippians 3: 8-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Christ Displayed Authentic Humanity (10/09/2019); New Birth By Resurrection (09/27/2019); Divine Purposes Are Unchanging (04/22/2019); The Fall of Mankind (05/16/2019); Appetite and Human Sexuality? (10/19/2018); The Flesh An Obstacle? (07/29/2016); The Great Commission Obeyed? (01/12/2016); Gender and Salvation? (10/01/2015)

“Anonymous”, divinity appears using human flesh and visible form (we say, the Incarnation) to restore the aspects of full life essence (breath; spirit substance; word) imparted to Adam from the makeup of GOD that were lost by mankind through transgression of divine law. The eunuch comes into view as one who is human and an offspring of man, yet, is neither male nor female. Within created beings and living creatures, life essence can be communicated and directed to every aspect of a carnal form (e.g., limbs, organs, tissues) using blood. Christ as High Priest performs atonement using the content of divine blood that includes awareness, existence, and active presence. Thus, the eternal purpose for the ministry and priesthood of Jesus Christ on the earth also is to be seen as (1) the demonstration of authentic humanity; (2) showing the correct expression of human commitment, personhood, and love when in covenant relationship with divinity; (3) enduring suffering and death to fulfill mortality and remove the limiting conditions imposed on the duration of human life through sin; (4) performing a once-and-for-all atonement for remission of sin; and (5) manifesting the righteousness within the covenant law, not responding only to the letter of the law. The appearing of Christ reveals the divine fullness (i.e., the totality of all spirit substance; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) whose character, makeup, and process are spirit. Newness of life is not by having babies; human consciousness and self-will (willpower) are to conform to Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

1. Isaiah 56: 1-7, King James Version (KJV): 1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. 3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

2. Matthew 19: 8-12, KJV: 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. 10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. 11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. 12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

3. Romans 6: 3-5, KJV: 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpsnlZ5BhWg.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:05 AM, October 29, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/4f/16/e2/4f16e22fd8b22a8310df01fb4ffc7371.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/05/2016) In The Divine Household?

Today, points are shared on adoption by, and of Mary the Mother of Jesus for Christian believers, and the full pattern of divine relationships.  Completing rebirth through baptism, sinners become members of the household of faith.  The lives of Christian believers become interlaced with that of Jesus Christ through deposits of spirit substance from the makeup of Deity.  Sharing mind, heart and spirit content from the person of Jesus, we have oneness with the Son of GOD.  To fully acknowledge Mary, there must be the same operations of the Holy Spirit within a believer that established in the Son both consciousness of communion with Mary as well as the everlasting bond with GOD the Father.  Only the Spirit (we also say, Comforter, Spirit of Prophecy, Spirit of Truth) may initiate and nourish the genuine sense of relatedness to Mary as her protectors, her siblings, and her children.  Mary and John were eyewitnesses to the death of Jesus upon the cross while most of his apostles and disciples were in hiding to avoid arrest.  Eventually, they came together in an upper room as a household that numbered some 120 members, and would tarry together fasting and praying until the falling of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost.  A household in Bible times included family members, trusted servants, workers and their families.  Thus, though Abram (later Abraham) was a nomad dwelling in tents, the Patriarch’s household was like a small town or city.  Its men, women and children may have numbered in the thousands, and included more than 300 men of an age who would serve as an army to recover Lot, his sizeable household, and their possessions.  Every male in the household of Abraham also voluntarily entered themselves and the families under their authority into covenant with GOD through circumcision.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “SUPERSTAR” (Level 6 with 12,842 points, a member since November 28, 2009) posted the following:

 

Do Christians believe that Jesus is our brother and his Father is our Father and Mary is our mother?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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;  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:  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;  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;  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.  (Ephesians 2:  11-22, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Family at The Cross? (04/11/2016); Heirs of The Cross? (04/01/2016); Offspring of GOD? (12/23/2015); Why Was Lot Spared? (12/20/2015); Is Mary A Goddess? (08/25/2015); Judgment Begins at Believers? (08/16/2015); Mary (06/13/2014); The Estate of His Handmaiden (06/14/2014); A Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); When GOD Controls? (04/22/2013)

 

“SUPERSTAR”, mature Christian believers trust that, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood, correction, and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  Through Jesus Christ dying upon the cross, the relationship of created beings and living creatures with their Creator has been revealed to be more than one of authority, hierarchy, and finite participation within a formal structure describing ceremonial interactions among the living.  The GODhead as the source for existence and life is being made knowable and known through continuous exchange and ongoing operations that are intimate, organic and personal.  

Within every congregation of believers, the mysteries, sacred knowledge, and sacraments regularly practiced are spoken of using language and terms we associate with families and kinship.  Included are adoption, brotherhood, care, duty, holy matrimony, household, inheritance, love, obedience, respect, separation, trust, and truth.  The term “household” may include devoted servants (once called, living sacrifices and slaves) as well as those who depend upon and support the family by sharing and willing participation.

Jesus is the Son of Adam (we say, Son of Man), thus, all acknowledging Adam as father also embrace Jesus as brother.  Jesus is the Son of GOD, and those acknowledging rebirth through the Holy Spirit, answer an anointing and endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity that installs believers as offspring (sons and daughters) of GOD, and  joint-heirs with Christ.  Inseparable aspects of Deity are imparted to those who are born again such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

There is far more that should be said, understood, and spiritually taken in.  (For example, as an offspring of Adam, Mary, the mother of Jesus is a sister to all the other children of Man.  More than this, among those answering in faith, many accept the charge given to John from the cross as also commanded of themselves.  Thus, Mary is to be cared for and embraced as our mother, also; and we are to acknowledge that, by operations of divinity, her present exalted place before the GODhead within heaven is as one resurrected, Incarnate, favored, immortal, incorruptible, and a perpetual virgin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/20/2015) Why Was Lot Spared?

Points are shared, today, on Abraham, Lot, redemption, and salvation.  In the same way GOD revealed himself to Moses as a deity who pursues judgment against sin, GOD made himself known to Abraham as a “god of judgment.”  More than this, however, GOD demonstrated that deliverance, mercy, and salvation are also aspects of sacred process on behalf of created beings and living creatures.  Consider again the following verses from the Bible, and the presentation below:  Isaiah 1:  18, King James Version (KJV):  18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:  though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  Also, Genesis 18:  24-26, KJV:  24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city:  wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?  25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked:  and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee:  Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?  26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.  Hosea 6:  5-7, KJV:  5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth:  and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.  6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.  7 But they like men have transgressed the covenant:  there have they dealt treacherously against me.  Hebrews 2:  1-4, KJV:  1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.  2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;  3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;  4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Phil A” (Level 6 with 20,487 points, a member since April 16, 2008) posted the following:


Why were Lot and his family * spared by God or the Angels before the destruction of Sodom ?

Just wondering ?

ps, * Well his wife would have been spared if she had not have looked around , and turned into a pillar of salt.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.  And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together:  for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.  And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle:  and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.  And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.  Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me:  if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.  And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.  Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east:  and they separated themselves the one from the other.  Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.  But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.  (Genesis 13:  5-13, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Judgment Against Sodom? (04/10/2015); Remembering Lot’s Wife? (11/04/2014); Sinless Until Advent? (11/05/2014); Lot and the Angels (05/04/2014); Expulsion from Eden (05/05/2014)


“Phil A”, here are some points that further explain the lessons on salvation provided through the account of Lot visited by angels:

(1.)  The Covenant of Circumcision.  Lot had been a member of Abraham’s household; and worshiped with the one who is called “the Friend of GOD.”  The household for nomads included spouse, children, relatives, and servants; and could number in the hundreds or thousands.  They would travel together like a compete village, and even a city.  When lot and his household of perhaps 2-3000 separated from that of Abraham, a longstanding relationship with divinity was already in place.

(2.)  The Intercession of Abraham.  When GOD revealed the divine intent to investigate, and bring judgment against the sins of Sodom and other cities in that same region, Abraham made an appeal that exception be made for the righteous who might be there.  GOD agreed that, for the sake of ten righteous persons, all the cities would be shown divine mercy

(3.)  Redemption.  When Lot welcomed the angelic ambassadors, his character and nature became manifest as being from GOD through hospitality.  His authority as head of his family and household allowed Lot to declare a  commitment to lay down his life—even also the lives and virginity of his daughters—to protect at all cost those who had come into his home.  Therein, Lot is to be seen as offering himself as a sacrifice that would otherwise be destroyed in fire upon an holy altar.  A redemption price is paid that allows the offering to be spared, and to serve  instead as a living sacrifice.

There are many other ideas that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a part of ones own spiritual development, here.  (For example, (4.)  The Sin of Sodom.  Many mistakenly think the sins were homosexuality and rape.  Lot showed himself contrary to the people of Sodom.  See more at 2nd Peter 2:  6-9, King James Version (KJV):  6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;  7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:  8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)  9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:  Also, Ezekiel 16:  48-50, KJV:  48 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.  49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.  50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me:  therefore I took them away as I saw good.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/16/2015) Judgment Begins at Believers?

Accountability, judgment and sacred privilege are themes, today.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 12,037 points a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:


Why does the bible say that judgment begins with the house of believers?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.  But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;  The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.  And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.  But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:  and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.  (Luke 12:  42-48, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:   The Imminent Return of Christ? (07/19/2015); Few Are Chosen (07/06/2015); Holiness (07/01/2015); Relationship With Our Creator? (03/16/2015); A Pillar and Ground? (04/13/2014); Palm Sunday (04/14/214); About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014); Unprofitable Servants? (01/19/2014)


“Breakthrough”, every Christian believer has been “recruited” to serve in covenant relationship with a Deity who practices judgment.  Some are spoken of as fishers of men and laborers, others as apostles, prophets and stewards.  Despite differences in their duties and preparation, all have been endowed with divine gifts that include atonement, sacred knowledge, law, prayer, promises, prophecy, eternal purpose, and revelation.  In the process from GOD mankind is to discover their own humanity as well as the divinity of GOD.  Many Christian believers have posed your question and similar ones on why bereavement, hardship, persecution, and suffering seem to characterize being part of the church.  Here are some points from the holy writings that you may find helpful:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 8:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 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.  2 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.  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.  4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.  5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.

(2.)  Hebrews 12:  6-9, KJV:  6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:  shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

(3.)  Job  35:  8-14, KJV:  8 Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.  9 By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry:  they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.  10 But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;  11 Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?  12 There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.  13 Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.  14 Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.

(4.)  1st Peter 4:  14-16, KJV:  14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

(5.)  John 10:  9-16, KJV:  9 I am the door:  by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  11 I am the good shepherd:  the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.  12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth:  and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.  13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.  14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:  and I lay down my life for the sheep.  16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

(6.)  2nd Corinthians 7:  9-12, KJV:  9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:  for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:  but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.  12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

There are many other Scriptures that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a permanent part of ones own sacred knowledge.  (For example, (7.)  Revelation 21:  5-8, KJV:  5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write:  for these words are true and faithful.  6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.  7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is the second death.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/23/2014) Why Prophets Were Sent to Israel

Covenant, prophecy, and the permanent place of Israel in the workings of GOD for mankind are topics, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Suleman Gill” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since November 23, 2014) posted the following:


Why god send his prophet in israel?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;  And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:  Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.  For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods:  so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.  But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.  For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God:  the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.  The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:  But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.  Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;  And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them:  he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.  (Deuteronomy 7:  1-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); Circumcision and Promise? (07/16/2013); The Bible and Stupid People (07/17/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); Vows and Covenants? (12/17/2012); The Firstborn, Higher than Kings? (12/18/2012)


“Suleman Gill”, here are a few points of sacred knowledge shared among Christian believers that clarify the place of Israel in the workings of GOD for all mankind:

(1.)  The revelation of divinity to mankind has required the device of incarnation (appearing in flesh) and the operation of GOD through forms knowable by finite human beings whose awareness can be dominated by appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sense (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), emotional/mental functions (e.g., anger, fear, fantasy, imagination, recall), and sin (a non-material, non-spirit influence that opposes the continued existence of divinity).

(2.)  The relationship with divinity begun with Adam and Eve was defiled and profaned, however, not completely destroyed or terminated.  Through such devices as family, inheritance, and priesthood, the divine intent and sacred purposes of GOD for the creation of the pair would be continued and fulfilled within the lives of their offspring.

(3.)  Abraham was called the Friend of God, having operated in a personal relationship with divinity that framed sacred law in the terms of covenant, promise, and prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, exhortation).  Only selected men upon the earth received sacred knowledge, and were instructed in the things of GOD serving as heads of families (we say, patriarchs) and priests to their households that sometimes numbered thousands (their own spouse and children, the workers, their families).  The institution of covenant relationship embracing nations upon the earth was instituted first through Noah, then, following Babel.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The Hebrews and mixed-multitude (we say, Gentiles) who left Egypt together with Moses were chosen by GOD to remove and replace the seven nations that occupied the land that was promised by GOD.  Moses was not the first prophet (we say, spokesperson) sent from GOD; and Israel was not the first covenant nation.  However, GOD proclaimed the covenant with Israel would be eternal.  After their terrifying experience of hearing GOD speak to declare divine law, Israel requested that GOD only use human prophets to communicate his will.  Therefore, since that time many prophets were sent, including the Son of the Highest.  As surely as only GOD can establish divinity in eternal covenant, only GOD may break it off or terminate it.   While the Jews can violate covenant, they may not dissolve covenant.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/13/2014) A Pillar and Ground?

Language describing aspects of the church founded by Jesus Christ is our focus, today.  The “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “The Holy Shroud of Turin” (Level 4 with 4,484 points, a member since June 19, 2010) posted the following:


Why does Paul say the Church is the "pillar and foundation of truth"? 

St. Paul, in 1 Tim 3:15

1 Timothy, Chapter 3

St. Paul Writes:

I am writing you about these matters, although I hope to visit you soon.

"But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, Who was manifested in the flesh,vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles,
believed in throughout the world and taken up in glory!"


Paul seems to reference a church as the pillar and foundation of truth before the Bible was written


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For we are labourers together with God:  ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.  According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.  But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  Every man’s work shall be made manifest:  for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss:  but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.  (1st Corinthians 3:  9-17, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Storm-battered City? (03/29/2014); Holy Ground (03/30/2014); The Temple Mount (03/31/2014); Going It Alone? (12/16/2013); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); When GOD Controls? (04/22/2013); Faith, Language and Mystery” (04/11/2013); GOD Knows Tomorrow? (04/12/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Without The Noise of Battle (12/25/2012)



“The Holy Shroud of Turin”, while intellect and knowledge will never take the place of being born again from GOD, here are some points on Christian belief to consider that have helped many avoid blasphemy, irreverence, and spiritual confusion:

(1.)  Pillars are columns or posts that stand straight up from the flooring, and may be seated upon the foundation within massive buildings that are designed to show a nation or people have importance, permanence, and power.  As such, pillars are found only in palaces, judgment halls, and temples.

(2.)  The foundation of any building is the platform and surface whereupon the entire upper structure must rest.  As a result, following the many shifts through pressure and distributions of the soil that lower the building’s height over time (we say, settling), the ground is the final, and unchanging level a building will continue to be upon so long as it may stand.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  The church founded through Jesus Christ serves as an embodiment of divinity, and a vessel containing sacred matter.  More than simply data, doctrines, teachings, and information, the church provides mystery (i.e., knowledge through life experience that is only for those initiated), and truth as the active presence of divinity within ones own awareness and self-will.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.


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?  For ye are bought with a price:  therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.  (1st Corinthians 6:  19-20, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC