(12/25/2020) Being Equal With GOD?

 

Christmas proclaims a profound gospel from GOD sharing points of truth, surprise, and good news from the Creator. It is the gift of GOD that mankind is neither to be inferior to one another nor to divinity; and Christians will be equal as to what they hunger for, and what will nourish them. Even so, few Christians account themselves the equal of Jesus Christ, and many mature Christian believers will shrink from acknowledging that they themselves are to become peers with divinity through operations of GOD. Christians celebrate the nativity of Jesus Christ as the one sent by GOD to deliver mankind from the operations of sin; however, the divine use of human flesh and life essence that we see in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ is a prelude to all mankind being made to exist as an immortal, incorruptible life-companion with GOD. Apostleship, witness, and revelation of the character and nature of divinity will be continued. There are to be mutual sacred commitments, eternal purpose, and shared vision. Where the restoration of paradise lost through the transgression of divine law once may have been strictly anchored in knowing and obeying sacred law, the present transactions of divinity with mankind focus on the provision of opportunities, possibilities, privileges, promises, and prophecies that are being fulfilled through operations of divine grace. Included are the imparting of deposits and endowments from the makeup and substance of GOD whereby men become known as children and offspring of the Creator. The living become perfected and transformed through sacred gifts, eternal life, everlasting inheritance, and divine rewards for godly service. 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 “David” (Level 1 with 102 points) posted the following:

Philippians 2:5-6 says to think like Jesus. Did he believe he was equal with God while he was in his form? Should we?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9: 6-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Both Existence and Life (12/11/2020); Why Are Sinners “saved?” (10/11/2020); Divine Process and Substance (06/24/2020); The Return of Yeshua (05/21/2020); The Place to Start (12/23/2019); The Persons Within Godhead (12/20/2019); Customs of the People (12/06/2019); On Diversity and Equality (05/22/2018)

Merry Christmas, “David”; I hope you find this to be Good News. Equality with GOD is not so much a matter of having the same celestial authority, dominion, glory, and power as it is a matter of having the same duty to manifest truth as well as the same accountability, benefits, opportunities, possibilities, and privileges. In addition to inseparable aspects of divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) such as faith, holiness, immortality, incorruptibility, personhood, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, sovereign will, wisdom, and wrath against sin, divinity has revealed that through the operations of GOD, there may be oneness of substance without the sameness of sacred form and process. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Ephesians 2: 8-9, King James Version (KJV): 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

(2.) Hebrews 2: 3-5, KJV: 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? 5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

(3.) 1^st Peter 4: 9-11, KJV: 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 14: 8-18, KJV: 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:05 PM, December 24, 2020 @ https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-fa795283ad477622ec1c6e3c0159d682

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/19/2020) The Power We Receive

 The image depicts the appearing of Jesus Christ in glory (we say also say, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming).

Today, reply is on the character, makeup, and nature of the sacred power Christian believers receive through baptism that establishes their new condition as the offspring of GOD having resurrection-life and existence as the new creation of Jesus Christ. The gifts men are to receive from GOD will transform them so they display authentic humanity, rather than behave as bosses, bullies, or supermen supplied with magic, strength, and unnatural abilities. Correctly understood, there must be the death, burial, and resurrection from the dead of ones inborn spirit; and there will be growth and ongoing works by divinity. In addition to divine law the holy writings provide a record of sacred judgments against sin along with divine proclamations, promises, and prophecies. While the focus and process of sacred law in the Scriptures opposes finite human self-will, imposes death and mortality, and concludes that all mankind is to exist under sin, there also are multiple promises and provisions for humanity so that the living have presence from the makeup of GOD as new life. It is written: 1^st John 3: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “God Hates You ATM; Prov 6:16-19” (Level 1 with 21 points) posted the following:

Re: John 1:12 Where is today's Christians' POWER received after Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 1:5;8) to become the sons of GOD?

Updated 8 mins ago:

@SIN

WHY AREN'T YOU OUT THERE THEN?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3: 22-28, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Appeals Directed to Spirit (11/08/2020); The Spirits Are Subject (10/28/2020); GOD Can Forgive Us (09/13/2020); Divine Character Must Appear (08/13/2020); Divine Process and Substance (06/24/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020)

“God Hates You ATM; Prov 6:16-19”, Christians do not receive power from GOD that may be used independently and self-managed as though one is apart and separated from divinity. Sinners and those continuing to express the inborn spirit that resides within the flesh and mind of mankind often approach divinity only because they covet (i.e., want to possess; make empty and void; use up) the authority, dominion, and power that belongs to GOD as the Creator, origin, and source for all that has existence and life. Such “believers” pursue selfish goals and vain hopes that cannot be realized by those on the earth for they rely on finite self-will; moreover, they lack the willpower required to carry out sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. The character, process and substance of power must be acknowledged as alive, incorruptible, unchanging, and invisible. Spirit continues as life essence (breath; spirit; word) in its form and function. Believers are to be vessels of inseparable aspects of consecrated fullness imparted from the makeup of GOD that include balance, commitment, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, restraint, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The elements of divine power are not to be thought of as coercion, force, and violence so much as they are to be understood as compassion, discovery, forgiveness, gradual growth, grace, mercy for those found guilty in judgment, reconciliation, and sobriety. Those who become “born again” while existing on the earth must undergo permanent change through operations of the Holy Spirit whereby they “grow up again” to become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing. The transformation to become complete and perfected as life companions to divinity will occur at the Advent (Second Coming) as believers behold the redeemer and savior in glory. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry of the virtual youth choir at Villa Alegre Bible Baptist Church (Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City (Manila), Philippines):

(1.) John 3: 6-8, King James Version (KJV): 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

(2.) 2^nd Timothy 1: 7, KJV: 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

(3.) Romans 8: 1-10, KJV: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 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. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Trust His Heart by Babbie Mason and Eddie Carswell @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSd-Wmd9Adc. ) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:15 AM, November 19, 2020 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8J26FS9_0hY/maxresdefault.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/13/2020) Divine Character Must Appear

A depiction of Creation

Today, reply is made that, for condemned persons to escape hell, there must be the appearance and operation of divinity to anoint and transform their relationships with GOD, rather than merely the operations of forgiveness, peer pressure, or human self-will. The behavior sciences, emotional appeals, beatings, cruelty, punishments, threats, and warnings can not bring about a lasting change in someone’s character and spiritual makeup. Being expressions and workings of the flesh, such influences and manipulations all are temporal in their nature and process. It is written: Revelation 3: 14-22, King James Version (KJV): 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

If sins can be forgiven, then what sends a person to hell?

Updated 1 hour ago:

If a serial killer believes in God and that Jesus died on the cross for their sins, why is that person able to go to heaven while a person doesn't believe in God but has done good in their lifetime get sent to hell? God should be more forgiving to his disbelievers.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ; were baptized into his death? 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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (Romans 6: 1-5, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Forgiveness is not DIY (07/22/2020); Divine Forgiveness Ministers Grace (07/20/2020); The Outcomes Of Judgment (06/28/2020); Forgiveness A Sacred Practice (05/28/2020); Believers Are To Forgive (05/17/2020); Biblical Replies On Forgiveness? (01/11/2019); Divine Forgiveness and Justice (01/01/2019)

“Anonymous”, here are some points to consider that at first may seem to be difficult. Forgiveness alone does not correct or eliminate the operations of sin among the living. More than this, it is not enough that there be an invisible, passive, unseen “god” whose character and nature are “good.” From birth, the process of life is additive, and there is a continuing need for judgment. Divinity must become known, approachable, and accessible to all created beings and living creatures. Sin is correctly understood as opposition to the existence of all order put forth by divinity (we also say, divine fullness; the Godhead; the Word; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Included are the existence of sacred law; divine self-expression, personhood and prerogative; proclamation, prophecy, revelation; and the sovereign will of GOD. By opposing both existence and life, sin that is no “thing” created or put forth by GOD promotes a return to the conditions of chaos, confusion, and flux that we now speak of as preexistence before heaven and earth where no matter that now appears had presence, and all things were in continual motion without direction. Fixed, immutable, unchanging elements must appear that serve as a reliable foundation for duration, knowledge, meaning, process, substance, and value. The issue of existence goes beyond merely pleasing divinity, obeying authority, becoming mature (i.e., balanced, committed, complete, consistent, stable), human opportunities, or the diverse possibilities among the living. While sin includes blasphemy and contradiction, corruption, defilement, and self-destruction, repentance, rebirth, and resurrection from the dead overturn sin and its effects. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Carol Dennis and the 1^st AME Church (Los Angeles, CA):

(1.) John 1: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 3: 11-17, KJV: 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 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. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 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.) Isaiah 28: 9-20, KJV: 9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. 14 Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. 15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: 16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. 17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. 18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. 19 From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report. 20 For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.)  THE ANOINTING IS HERE,   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ-0vei7pxk.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/22/2020) Forgiveness is not DIY

Today, reply is on confession and forgiveness as sacred operations within the church performed by members of the body who are anointed, ordained, and sanctified. Believers are to accept accountability, perform specific duties, and continue as proactive on their own behalf as the people of Christ, however, believers also must agree that salvation, forgiveness, and other sacred practices in the church are not the basis of do-it-yourself (DIY) and man-made methods. Authentic and divinely lawful aspects of the full spirit process and substance of the church can only appear through the performance of covenant duty and unselfish service performed for one another by those who embody Jesus Christ. Correctly understood, all Christians are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Many Christian believers challenge and resist clergy, hierarchy, and divine priesthood by insisting that their own conscience, integrity, and merit in Christ must be acknowledged as primary when their own salvation becomes a focus. Many err because they covet authority, control, independence, and separation; others encourage combativeness, comparison, competition, and condemnation. Even so, a priesthood on the earth modeled after that in heaven was provided as a divine blessing and gift to Adam that would manifest the cooperation of divine fullness with mankind. In addition to sacrifice, expiation, and remission of sin, confession and forgiveness are among the works of priesthood, rather than the works of prophecy and revelation. It is written: Philippians 2: 2-8, King James Version (KJV): 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Do you confess your sins to a priest? Did you know that is necessary for salvation?

God can forgive anything if you truly repent through confession.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (Philippians 2: 12-15, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Forgiveness Ministers Grace (07/20/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); Baptism Is Not DIY (05/28/2019); Let Us Reason Together (08/07/2019); Applying The Divine Standards (10/02/2018); Confessing Your Own Salvation? (03/02/2018); Prayer in Public? (02/24/2015)

“Anonymous”, within the church of Jesus Christ, many account the works of personal expression (e.g., confession, forgiveness, prayer, repentance) as pertaining to love, prophecy and revelation, rather than to universal order, sacred law, and priesthood. Confession and forgiveness are the outcome and result of grace, rather than ceremonies that declare condemnation and judgment. In the same way justification and salvation are not matters of personal freedom or self-promotion, and must be completed by the workings of divinity, forgiveness for sin is not a matter of human affection, fellowship, kindness, and self-will (willpower). Christians are to receive Jesus Christ as a divine High Priest who makes atonement for sin. Many mature Christian believers therefore agree that confession and forgiveness are most correctly acknowledged and practiced within the household of faith using an anointed priesthood, for there must be a transaction at the point where heaven and earth connect (i.e., a sacred altar; a consecrated table). In addition to an openhearted, private conversation with divinity about ones own errors and transgressions, there must be an offering and application of spirit substance that include the atoning blood, character, and personhood of Jesus Christ as it resides within the priest. Often, the concern for benefits and privileges from GOD (e.g., authority, blessing, freedom, power and rank) obscures the demands for celestial operations, divine order, sacred law, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. As a practice that makes present what we hope, those who are dedicated, disciplined, and mature through unselfish service, study of the holy writings, personal sufferings, and prayer should be entrusted as ministers to the body on behalf of those yet being built up and edified as developing believers. Consider the following that use language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot & Terry Talbot:

(1.) Psalms 32: 1-2, King James Version (KJV): 1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

(2.) Matthew 9: 2-8, KJV: 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

(3.) Luke 7: 36-50, KJV: 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7j10za_3gQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:17 PM, July 22, 2020 @ https://internationalforgiveness.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/1176903925-there_is_no_love_without_forgiveness.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/20/2020) Divine Forgiveness Ministers Grace

Today, forgiveness is described as an expression of divine grace and sacred revelation, rather than human kindness or a celestial response to sinners who seek favor and restoration by their declarations of apology, embarrassment, regret, and remorse. What many call “confession” is little more than boasting and proclaiming their errors and transgressions without also expressing sorrow for sin. Rightly understood, divine forgiveness only pertains to those who are in covenant and intimate relationships with divinity that are maintained through praise, prayer, repentance, unselfish service, suffering, and thanksgiving. Those who receive forgiveness are to grant forgiveness, for those who receive grace are to minister grace. It is written: Colossians 1: 16-22, King James Version (KJV): 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Floyd” (Level 1 with 156 points) posted the following:

Forgiveness ?

Can god forgive someone who lives in guilt and regret about their past? The wrong they have done and the one sin they can't get rid of?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O LORD, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. (Psalms 130: 3-5, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Living Your Best Life? (07/05/2020); The Outcomes Of Judgment (06/28/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); Forgiveness A Sacred Practice (05/28/2020); Believers Are To Forgive (05/17/2020); TWO Kinds of People? (02/21/2020); The Character of GOD (06/27/2019)

“Floyd”, when speaking of forgiveness by divinity, the spotlight must be on GOD, not on the sinner, and not on the sin. Forgiveness is not bestowed in response to begging, complaining, crying, displaying misery and wretchedness, importuning, and pleading. There must be confession, contrition, meekness, and resolve. Thus, it is correct to use such words as “gifts” and “grace” to acknowledge GOD as the origin and source of sacred forgiveness. Properly understood, the divine practice of forgiveness that appears among mankind is an expression of the character and makeup of divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), and is not the outcome or result of lawful tribunal and sacred judgment against sin. Forgiveness is a sacred operation where divine process and substance make visible the inseparable aspects of the divine makeup that include balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Forgiveness does not take on its focus and form on the basis of human attitudes, behavior, emotions, frameworks of time (past, present, etc.), or motives and intent. The active and unseen presence whom we acknowledge as our Creator and Maker are to exist within the awareness and self-will of the living. Intimate fellowship and on-going relationship with GOD are possible where mankind will take on a fresh endowment of the life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) imparted from divinity. Sinners are to turn away from such elements as guilt, self-condemnation, self-importance, self-pity, and shame. Through discovery, gradual growth, practice, repentance, study, suffering, and good works all are to display the image of GOD, and as developing believers, they increasingly are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Matthew 6: 9-15, King James Version (KJV): 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

(2.) Psalms 25: 5-11, KJV: 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. 6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. 8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. 9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. 11 For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

(3.) Ephesians 4: 29-32, KJV: 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G8dZTWwvmU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:00 PM, July 20, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/72/23/ce/7223ce3c13a394523230800ed5565d20.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/19/2020) The Sons Of GOD?

Today, reply is on Jesus Christ as the “only begotten” son of GOD, and the operations of GOD that transform the offspring of Adam to appear as sons and daughters of GOD in the earth. Intimate relationship with divinity is only by judgment, by the continuing presence of divine substance, by the unfolding of prophecy, and by undergoing transformation through divine operations that are lawful yet unseen. Sinners who become born again are to receive a fresh endowment of spirit substance imparted from the divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Inseparable aspects of divinity are provided such as balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The living are joined to GOD the Father and to the Holy Spirit through the baptism, crucifixion, and resurrection life of Jesus Christ. It is written: Hosea 1: 5-11, King James Version (KJV): 5 And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel, in the valley of Jezreel. 6 And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And God said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away. 7 But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the Lord their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen. 8 Now when she had weaned Loruhamah, she conceived, and bare a son. 9 Then said God, Call his name Loammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God. 10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God. 11 Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:

Why does God only have ONE Son? Why does God need a Son? Why does NT say God gave His only Son? Are they two gods? ?

All of us are God's children?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. (John 11: 47-52, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); The Persons Within Godhead (12/20/2019); Sin Depicted Using Flesh (11/22/2019); Pharisees and The Father (02/01/2019); We Are His Children (10/16/2017); No Less GOD’s Creation (12/01/2016); The Relationships With GOD? (11/30/2016); A Different Spirit Content? (11/29/2016)

“Anonymous”, you have posted five different questions here, and to avoid confusion in your answer you must be careful to use the language and order that comes by sacred knowledge, rather than the language of academic studies, politics, science, and secular knowledge. Mankind may only engage divinity through covenants and ongoing relationships that acknowledge sacred law and divine order. The earth was populated through Adam who used mechanical and natural elements we call sexual reproduction. Jesus Christ appears among mankind on the earth through a single, one-time immutable divine operation (we say, Incarnation) that provides a manifestation of divinity having authentic humanity, and using multiple primary life processes for created beings and living creatures (e.g., birth, aging, discovery, gradual growth, learning, death) that also would respond to mechanical patterns and natural law within the earth as a material sphere. Acknowledging the Incarnation, we say, Jesus is the “only begotten” son of GOD who is set apart (sanctified to be used by GOD) through his divine makeup and substance received (1) during his conception within a virgin that occurred by workings of the Holy Spirit, (2) through his anointing in her blood that occurred by his breaking her hymen at his birth, and (3) by his fulfillment of multiple divine proclamations, promises, and prophecies. To become the offspring of GOD, and to exist as lawful heirs to a divine inheritance with Jesus Christ, those alive on the earth through Adamic reproduction must be transformed to exist as the sons and daughters of GOD through death of their inborn spirit, rebirth having inseparable spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD, and operations of the Holy Spirit. (We say, you must be born again, grow up again, and become mature/ripe for harvest from the earth when Jesus comes again.) Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and He Must Be Love, a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Romans 8: 13-19, King James Version (KJV): 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

(2.) 1^st John 3: 1-10, KJV: 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

(3.) Galatians 4: 4-7, KJV: 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVM8eD-4pag.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:08 AM, July 19, 2020 @ http://thumbs.imagekind.com/5902720_650/John-_art.jpg?v=1464180700

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/17/2020) Uniting In The Struggle

A photograph showing George Floyd in an arrest confrontation with a police officer, May 25, 2020, Minneapolis, MN.

Today, I share the comment I wanted to post at FACEBOOK responding to Bishop Elect Marvin L. Winans Statement Against Racism from Perfecting Church (Detroit, MI) posted June 10, 2020, 3:18 PM. Daily, Jesus Christ taught the law and the prophets; and Jesus did not present himself as an heroic military or political figure seeking to expand his territory through conquest and guile. Even so, the Zealots and many among the multitude who had been fed and healed by Christ were preparing to force Jesus to accept a crown ripped from Herod through insurrection and overthrow. These supporters became specially dismayed by the Lord’s lack of outrage at recent tragedies forced by Rome upon the Galileans comparing it to what befell others in Jerusalem by chance (except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish). Those who yearned for Jesus as a prince and an earthly ruler misunderstood the character and nature of the peace and prosperity then being offered by divinity. Believers now must exercise discernment and vigilance to avoid making the same mistakes seen at the Savior’s first appearing. The concluding paragraph of the Bishop’s post (following below) struck me with great power. The many broadcast news and other presentations of recent arrest confrontation deaths across the Nation repeatedly show a single, isolated, victim having no one to turn to, and nowhere to run. Surely, good counsel to black teens, young adults, and even those who are seniors at this time is GET YOU SOMEBODY! Where you see the pattern developing (ABCDEFG, xyz IS COMING). Hit the pause button; freeze the action. Call for immediate assistance before any further action takes place. The crisis is not later at the police station, or in the action that will occur within the courtroom. While yet on the street, there is a need for clear information on options and possibilities for a suspect that police repeatedly have shown they are unable to provide; there is a need for simple agreements (handshakes) and assurances to resolve conflict that police are not authorized to provide. There is a need for impartial decision-making; there is a need for respect; there is a need for trust; and there is a need for unbiased witness. It is written: Romans 13: 1-10, King James Version (KJV): 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

I believe we should unite in this struggle for racial equity and justice. One such step is to become involved in the political process. Not just voting for a President, but your local government as well. The judges, prosecutors, mayor, city council. These positions have a more direct bearing on reigning in the injustices we see at the local level and work on improving your schools and communities.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail. Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4: 8-12, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Law And The Prophets (06/10/2020); Elephant In The Room? (06/05/2020); The Nearness Of Kingdom (06/02/2020); Knowing The True Messiah (05/31/2020); Will There Be Diversity? (10/22/2017); Fulfillment of His Dream? (04/05/2017); Struggling? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013)

“Bishop Winans”, responding to your statement on racism recently published in the FACEBOOK public forum, sound counsel within the black community these days is don’t try to face challenges by the police alone, and when there are problems on the street, do not put yourself in the role of a fugitive. An important aspect of the arrest confrontation scenario has been the willingness of victims to operate while outnumbered, and as though they are unaware of the great danger they are being challenged to meet unassisted. For some, this is a matter of exaggerated pride; for some it is that they are guiltless; and for others, it is a misapplication and inaccurate understanding of the promises for civil freedom, free speech, etc. According to what has been displayed in multiple incidents, the police are not trained to “think on their feet.” Properly understood, guilt and innocence are not the primary focus of the police. (Unasked-for explanations are called “excuses” and “too much information.”) Also, the police are representations of the law, and the law will not be changed or altered during their actions on the street. (This is not the time, this is not the place.) The law embodied as the police lawfully can not be argued with, challenged, or quarreled against. (Tell it to the judge, to the legislatures, and to your elected officials.) In their confusion and humanity (that may express an animal, human or divine nature all at the same time), even after striking a victim multiple times with hands, fists or weapons, the police will operate with the idea that their victim does not feel pain until all movement and resistance are crushed. Unknowingly, they demand no complaint, moaning, groaning, cursing and swearing, or other sounds of distress; and their immediate goals for their victim become deny all escape or flight, paralysis, unconsciousness, or death.

With the goal that no one becomes injured through a police action, policies can be established that will allow both a suspect and an officer at the scene to avoid becoming a victim or an assailant by immediately notifying someone of their choice regarding their need for an intervention agent, be it family, friend, co-worker, police supervisor (e.g., desk sergeant, chief, sheriff), or an elected official (city counsel member, county executive, mayor). After exchanging information, a confrontation may be ended with a verbal pledge by the suspect to appear at the police station the next day, in night court, or some other venue. Terms of the pledge may include agreeing to be accountable as a full resident, and having to acknowledge that unwillingness to cooperate with the police implies a rejection of all privileges as a good neighbor granted by the community at large (e.g., driving, parking, trash collection). An attorney could be appointed as a one-time, emergency legal assistant to resolve the developing arrest confrontation. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Hezekiah Walker:

(1.) Proverbs 11: 14, King James Version (KJV): 14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

(2.) Proverbs 12: 15, KJV: 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

(3.) Proverbs 20: 18, KJV: 18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

(4.) James 1: 5-8, KJV: 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

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

Image downloaded 12:23 AM, June 17, 2020 @ https://reason.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/George-Floyd-arrest-5-25-20-cellphone-video-1200x630.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/06/2020) Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity

Today, reply is on whether the Bible promotes slavery. GOD does not extend redemption and salvation to men on the basis of human accomplishments, economic and social status, ethnic origin or race. The Scriptures teach that mankind was created to exist as a companion to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity. Authentic humanity as put forth by the Creator is to display godliness, obedience, and the many inseparable aspects of divine fullness that were imparted as life essence. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The holy writings have been provided to mankind on the earth even within cultures and nations where the enslavement of others were practiced as acceptable, commonplace, and necessary to maintain institutions for government, prosperity, geopolitical stability, and warfare along with management of ones own business, family, and household. Scripture provides a detailed picture of the human condition that has resulted through the operations of sin. GOD has not yet eliminated sin, and mankind is presently in a divine process of redemption and salvation wherein the living become the new creation. Through rebirth, repentance, and renewal, sinners are endowed to become mature and ripe for harvest by Jesus Christ at his appearing (i.e., the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). All are to endure life challenges on the earth generated by mechanical process, natural law, the Flesh, the World, and other belief systems. The broad range of living experience includes affliction, bereavement, chance occurrences, disappointments, discovery, duty, gradual growth, hardship, imprisonment, inequality, forms of servitude, poverty, sexuality, social injustice, suffering, and the unexpected. Sacred knowledge and divine tools have been given mankind that allow men more correctly to recognize, reject, resist, and recover from the operations of sin. It is written: 2^nd Timothy 1: 7-10, King James Version (KJV): 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Does the Bible promote slavery?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 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. (Romans 8: 5-9, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Visibility of GOD (01/20/2020); I Am So Satisfied (12/18/2019); Worshiping A Man-made Object (11/04/2019); Christ Displayed Authentic Humanity (10/09/2019); Was Creation A Failure? (05/13/2019); (08/22/2019) Comfort Through New Life; Continuing and Refreshing Creation (04/01/2019); Salvation Through Jesus Christ (03/25/2019)

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers will agree that the holy writings describe the perfected human condition, the life process for the offspring of Adam that is acceptable to GOD, and the elements of mature, authentic humanity. These have been demonstrated through the appearance of divinity on the earth using flesh and the physical form of mankind (i.e., by the Incarnation as Jesus Christ.) The living descendants of the first pair are to display the image of GOD; and as believers and followers of Jesus, they are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Christ. The errors of ethnic arrogance, covetousness, dehumanization, exaggerated pride, racism, slavery, human trafficking, and violence against one another appear through the operations of sin that oppose the continued existence of sacred law, the Lawgiver, and the universe that is an expression of divine dominion, inarguable prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of divine fullness (i.e., the Creator; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).

While divinity created the heaven and the earth, and has established mortality as a condition for human existence, a World system of belief has been created by mankind that is intended to ensure human communication, exchange, longevity, movement for populations, and survival. The World system operates relying on such finite tools as intellect, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, science, and technology. The Bible provides a record of divinity appearing on the earth through thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. The system of Christian belief provided by the Scriptures detail guidance, meanings, standards and values for the continued existence of mankind; promote the acknowledgment of divinity as an active presence; and continues the sacred transformation of mankind to become immortal and incorruptible through spiritual process and endowments of divine substance imparted from the makeup of GOD.

While mankind now must face life conditions on the earth that include aging, chance occurrences, disease, death, and uncertainty, divinity has provided mechanisms for godly living that alter, suppress, and in many instances reverse the operations of sin that appear as affliction, crisis, hardship, suffering, and tragedy. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the music selection from the music ministry of the The Heralds:

(1.) Romans 8: 13-17, King James Version (KJV): 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 7: 18-24, KJV: 18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

(3.) Colossians 3: 8-14, KJV: 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

(4.) Colossians 3: 22-25, KJV: 22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_UuIoxuLT8.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC