(07/10/2017) What Can Canvas Show?

Today, focus is on depictions of Jesus Christ shared by creative artists and painters.  Images can be very graphic and memorable that, in truth, are only intended to fuel the “lusts of the eyes.”  As believers in Jesus Christ, our discipline must become to “walk by faith, not by sight.”  I continue the  conversation begun with PTF, a writer at thoughts.com who commented on the photograph shown with (10/30/2016) Frequency of The Lord's Supper? (see below) by stating: 

The photo by the way is the wrong depiction…he looks colored. There are actual true depictions of Christ Jesus.

My reply was: 

Be encouraged! Many mature Christians believe as I do that no artistic rendering of Christ will be accurate and trustworthy as a tool for the church that is "realistic" and accurate in detail. At best, they "suggest" to a mass audience what the Savior may have looked like; and so eye, hair and skin color do not really matter. In the experience (some would say, prophetic vision) granted me through the Spirit of GOD more than 40 years (a generation) ago, neither his nor my skin color was an issue between us.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.  (John 7:  24, King James Version, KJV)
 


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Law and Divine Process (05/28/2017); Divinity Must Be Proclaimed? (05/09/2017); Convicted By His Humility (09/10/2015); GOD Appearing in Dreams? (05/03/2015); Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012)


In my understanding, where we truly seek the Lord, our vision should be directed upward to recognize and respond to spirit content, rather than appearances, apparel, fantasies, and sentiments aroused (e.g., anxiety about judgment, bereavement, fear, friendliness, intimidation, sorrow).  Images that convey inseparable aspects and qualities from the makeup of divinity should appear projecting such substance as balance, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, peace, person, presence, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

At one time, I avoided using all religious illustrations and photographs, here, because I felt they often foster unwanted conflict, controversy, disagreements, and fleshly errors.  Developing believers, who still lack the maturity provided by the Holy Spirit, tend to receive simple things (that in fact are profound) as final, “literal” and suitable for broader application and use than are fitting.  They even may respond displaying patterns that are little different from idolatry and false worship.  We find this is true whether the images presented are supposed to be of Jesus, his mother Mary, the apostles, or even “ordinary believers” within the church engaged in practicing such customary activity as praise, prayer, and the Lord’s Supper.

Unlike Islamic believers, the followers of Jesus Christ need not hesitate to use drawings, images and photographs feeling that they blaspheme and offend divinity, or insult fellow believers.  There is no exalting of carnal reason, deceit, guile, and senses of the flesh (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) above receiving imparted spirit content from GOD; and there is no unhealthy dependence on products from finite human imagination.  Sinners may approach the living GOD without fear of being rejected or denied on the basis of many features from the ministry of the Risen Lord that appear as his love for the Father, his reconciliation to sinners, his resurrection to serve as High Priest of the heavenly Temple and to preside as Judge over the Eternal Tribunals, his full embrace of the Holy Spirit, and his soon to be revealed ascendance to the Throne of Glory in addition to his rule from the Throne of Grace.  Going further, Christian believers may approach the Most High on the basis of their own faith received from Christ, their own meekness (i.e., willingness to learn and accept correction) received from the Holy Spirit; their own awe, respect, and reverence; their own willingness to be joined to Christ; their own willingness to obey; and their own willingness to trust.

The issues of eternal life and spiritual growth should be a Christian believer’s continual focus.  We must choose what we say and see with a sense of its eternal meaning, quality, and value.  Our goal should be to prophecy, that is, to comfort, edify, exhort and nourish.  Thus, it is not a transgression of divine law, or a violation of genuine faith to carefully consider alternative ways of sharing the oneness without sameness that resides within us and around us as deposits of sacred truth.  Because through Jesus Christ we are called to “see with new eyes”, we even may behold and consume with the artist Salvador Dali, The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper as a spiritual act through visual behavior, not only as oral behavior, and a ceremony of eating and drinking.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 2nd Corinthians 4:  17-18, King James Version (KJV):  17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:  for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/28/2017) Law and Divine Process

Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed - Daniel 2:  28

Today, focus is on divine law that responds to the human error of acknowledging things in the natural world as being “gods”.   For the first pair, the basis for ongoing relationship as companions to the Creator were such gifts as grace, divine love, promise, and respect.  The offense committed by Adam and Eve was their turning away from GOD within their desires, feeling, and thoughts—immaterial aspects of their makeup—and endorsing things as having sovereign authority because they were carnal, material, social, and visible.  The process of GOD to recover mankind and the Creation must address the origins and sources of their error in terms of the divine endowment that was lost, their lack of sacred knowledge, and their need to be replenished with spirit substance from divinity.  Strangely enough, the making and worship of graven images is not the expression of denying GOD and unbelief so much as it is the expression of being in spiritual confusion, being deceived, desiring a right relationship with divinity, and being separated from GOD by differences in spirit content —the absence of oneness without sameness, not just the inequalities of awareness and self-will (will power).  The same drive to know GOD was in Abraham, and is seen through his digging of wells for water, his journeying as a nomad seeking the City of GOD, his building and consecration of altars along with his willingness to sacrifice the son received as a gift from GOD.  At no time did the Patriarch pursue false gods, or man-made objects thought to contain and conceal divine beings.  The response of GOD to mankind through Jesus Christ continues to be through sacred law and immutable promises.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Good As Gold” (Level 6 with 11,082 points, a member since July 12, 2011) posted the following:


Does "Do not put other gods before me" mean there are other Gods?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.  When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth:  he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.  Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image:  for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.  They are vanity, the work of errors:  in the time of their visitation they shall perish.  The portion of Jacob is not like them; for he is the former of all things:  and Israel is the rod of his inheritance:  the LORD of hosts is his name.  Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war:  for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;  (Jeremiah 51:  15-20, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  David, Goliath and GOD (05/26/2017); Divine Law Expresses Love (05/10/2017); Christianity Is Not Mindless (05/02/2017); Holy Fire From GOD? (04/27/2017); The Sin of Witchcraft? (01/24/2017); No Other gods? (08/14/2015); Unto Caesar…? (11/09/2012); Before the Fruit? (11/10/2012)


“Good As Gold”, from the beginning with Adam, Eve, and the serpent, mankind has repeatedly erred by responding to figures and objects in the natural world as if they were divine.  Using such finite tools as “carnal reason,” fantasy, imagination, and “critical thinking,” man has sought to acquire and control sacred knowledge by secular means.  Those who insist that secular knowledge, material objects, and social relationships are acceptable as a foundation for the living sphere that is the universe have shown themselves willing to worship idols (e.g., a tree, a man-made object like the computer, or a cherished, chosen loved one).  Divine law that was provided for encouragement, guidance and nourishment of the first pair included “sanctions” (i.e., statements describing consequences and effects that would result by obedience/disobedience); yet, divine law has not proclaimed simply to bully, coerce , “crack the whip,” and threaten the weak.  The foundation for life was to be divine love, sacred promise, and continuous relationship through spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, word).  Mature Christian believers acknowledge the law of GOD as a peculiar appearance of Deity that allows created beings and living creatures to continue in communication and exchange with their immortal, incorruptible, invisible Creator.  Law as a tool in the process of GOD is provided for revelation (i.e., disclosure, divine self-exposure, sharing otherwise secret knowledge), reshaping the consciousness and self-will of the living, introducing and maintaining permanent changes in receptiveness to GOD as well as preparing the entire universe for the further transformations that will manifest divine fullness.  The GOD we serve as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ is a GOD who reveals himself through law and judgment.  Where men will practice obedience to divine law—even where they lack formal education and a detailed knowledge of the law—they become conformable to standards that express the character, nature, and substance of the persons that make up full divinity (we say, the GODhead, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).   Consider again the following:

(1.)   Exodus 34:  5-8, King James Version (KJV):  5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.  6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,  7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.  8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

(2.)  Galatians 3:  16-23, KJV:  16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.  17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.  18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise:  but God gave it to Abraham by promise.  19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.  20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.  21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid:  for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.  22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.  23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Psalms 115:  1-8, KJV:  1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.  2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?  3 But our God is in the heavens:  he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.  4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.  5 They have mouths, but they speak not:  eyes have they, but they see not:  6 They have ears, but they hear not:  noses have they, but they smell not:  7 They have hands, but they handle not:  feet have they, but they walk not:  neither speak they through their throat.  8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(11/08/2016) Family Likeness and Traits?

Focus, today, is on discerning the image of God, and displaying oneness without sameness.  Christian believers all are encouraged to become disciplined, behave as selfless and unselfish, exercise restraint, and master techniques for achieving accord, agreement and peace, yet, none are required to act, look, speak and be the same as though GOD also does not value excellence, distinctiveness,  independence, and uniqueness.  Those in the church founded by Jesus Christ are called “chosen”, “elect”, and “his body.”  From the time of Moses, believers have been privileged to declare themselves members of the family of GOD, and a household of faith (e.g., see Deuteronomy 14:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God:  ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.  2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.  3 Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.).  The Apostle Paul regarded the stripes on his back as the mark of his being in covenant with Jesus Christ, rather than his circumcision.  Similarly, many Christians now point to their scars and wounds received overcoming obstacles, struggles, and suffering in service to the Lord as evidence of acceptance by GOD, and marks of divine approval.  The time is fast approaching when all who belong to Christ will be recognized immediately because they will not have the mark of the beast in their forehead, or their right hand.  Even so, since the beginning, when mankind first was created as a companion to divinity, it has been the divine essence and inward substance (we say, breath, spirit, word) that are to identify and seal the living as belonging to the Creator, rather than their outward form, or surface scars.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Sugar Skull” (Level 4 with 2,525 points, a member since June 24, 2016) posted the following:

If people say that we are brothers and sisters then why don't we look alike?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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:  13-22, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  His Children Are Sanctified (10/12/2016); An Habitation of GOD (07/24/2016); In The Divine Household? (05/05/2016); In The Image of Man (05/04/2016); Family at The Cross? (04/11/2016); The Image of GOD? (10/10/2013);  Embodied Afterlife? (10/11/2013) 

“Sugar Skull”, among mature Christian believers who understand they are the children of GOD, brothers and sisters with Jesus Christ, and joint heirs of a divine inheritance, all share the image of GOD that must be “seen” using spiritual discernment.  Believers develop their ability to use their own spirit content from the makeup of Deity as a standard to recognize and respond to the spirit matter deposited within doctrines, events, born again believers, other persons, prophetic demonstrations, the holy writings, etc.  Clear awareness of the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD only becomes “visible” to those who continuously put sacred knowledge to use through fellowship (communication, exchange, and interaction with other believers); private and shared praise, prayer and worship; observing sacraments (i.e., sacred practices); regular study of the Scriptures; and unselfish service.  Just as the fullness of divinity is emanated as “oneness without sameness,” perfected and sanctified believers will display the image of GOD through diversity and unity.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  3-5, King James Version (KJV):  3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

(2.)  Ephesians 2:   1-6,  KJV:  1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

(3.)  Romans 8:  16-18, KJV:  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.

(4.)   1st Corinthians 1:  9-10, KJV:  9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended, here.  (For example, (5.)  Romans 8:  5-10, 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(03/22/2016) The Cross and Today

Focus, today, is upon The Passion Live, and similar entertainment programs broadcast to celebrate and remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Be not deceived.  GOD’s message for mankind’s salvation now must compete against amusements, diversions, and pastimes that are often very colorful, filled with exciting images, and rich in detail.  Even so, they serve as poor substitutes for preaching that conveys the power of the cross, and direct instruction from the holy writings that impart the Holy Spirit.  The disciples and followers of Jesus Christ are to experience permanent changes in their character, nature, and spirit content.  The process for this used by divinity is described as rebirth that must be intimate, organic, and personal.  Eternal purposes must be established along with faith, joy, respect and trust.  The impact of Internet, motion pictures, televangelism, and other public media events often are surface, and does not endure.  Viewers should not trust such 5 to 90 minute programs to provide complete and full sacred knowledge.  The work may be tainted because everyone (i.e., the full cast, camera men, sound specialists, writers, etc.) involved may not be anointed and endowed as believers in Christ.  The sacred message may be altered and edited with precious aspects omitted and overlooked.  More than this, just as small children master reciting their ABCs, yet, still can not create the combinations and permutations for reading and writing, casual viewers are encouraged to feel they have finally have been given all the information about Christ that they will ever need, yet, remain lacking in necessary knowledge concerning Advent, judgment, eternal life, and the second death.  Consider again the following Scriptures, and the presentation below:

1st Corinthians 3:  11-15, King James Version (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.

Matthew 16:  21-24, KJV:  21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.  22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord:  this shall not be unto thee.  23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan:  thou art an offence unto me:  for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.  24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

2nd Corinthians 5:  7, KJV:  7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

1st Corinthians 3:  1-3, KJV:  1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.  2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat:  for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.  3 For ye are yet carnal:  for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “BiEn Galas” (Level 1 with 104 points, a member since January 28, 2015) posted the following:

WHY IS THE PASSION LIVE USING A MODERN SETTING?

Shouldn't it be set during the time of Jesus?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  (2nd Peter 1:  2-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross and Eternity (03/21/2016); The Cross and Resurrection Sunday? (03/16/2016); On Wearing Sports Jerseys? (11/20/2015); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013); Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013); Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013); The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013); Double Standard? (10/12/2012); Family and Romance (10/13/2012)

“BiEn Galas”, many mature Christian believers tuned into the broadcast of The Passion Live as a contemporary  entertainment event using modern day language and themes to make the Gospel proclaimed by Jesus Christ recognizable, “relevant”, and “easy” to understand.  Because such productions are directed to our emotions and intellect, they often recreate displays of secular history through the use of costumes, formal language (e.g., dialect, poetry, rhetoric), exotic locations, and lavish sets.  While the intent of their performers, producers, and everyone involved may be to provide a genuine discussion of redemption and salvation through the Lord, viewers may quickly forget and turn away from such productions, because the medium (e.g., animation, DVD, Internet, motion picture) with advertising and commercial interruptions also affect and alter how the viewer decides the importance, and weight of the program’s message.

To the extent a production carefully focuses the viewer upon the meanings, principles, and values of the Gospel, one may have an experience of “baby steps,” acquiring basic information regarding salvation through Christ, and becoming aroused and engaged by sacred truth.  In the same way Moses, on his way home after work, was drawn aside by curiosity to discover the burning bush—and not by his desire to praise GOD or to pray—many viewers initially responded to The Passion as just another TV program, and were challenged to realize a peculiar expression of faith was being publicly shared.

What Christian believers are to experience and receive in their places of prayer, praise, study and worship is spirit content from the makeup of divinity, and, therefore is not centered upon finite human images, thoughts, and feelings.  Even today, 2016, the disciples and followers of Jesus acknowledge that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  Achieving full awareness and a correct understanding of the life, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension, outpourings and sacred gifts we receive through Jesus requires the active presence of Deity.  When alert, committed, and set apart (we say, sanctified), a believer experiences exchange and interactions among the inseparable spirit substances that are the makeup of GOD.  Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, the holy writings remain the most reliable resource shared by believers for sacred knowledge.  It is written:  1st Peter 2:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,  2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.  Also, Acts 20:  32, KJV:  32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/07/2015) Making Sin Appear as Sinful?

Today, focus is upon the sacred work of exposing sin in order to benefit and release others, and how it is different from that of condemning (some say, judging) others.  In a sense, a person’s sins are like the back of their head, their eyebrows, or their chin.  It’s personal:  The features of your head are always a part of you, that you rarely see directly (at best you see depictions, images and reflections).  Others see all the features of your face, even, often including inside you (through your ears, mouth and nose).  Similarly, like your faults and habits, your sins hidden from you will be on view to others.  Those who complain when they are challenged to acknowledge and reject their sins are like those who look in the mirror, then, smash the looking glass because they did not like what they saw in it.  They are satisfied that the mirror is destroyed, rather, than pleased that necessary change has been made, or that the sin is eliminated.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (the required profile info is not shared) posted the following:


Christians?

Why are Christians so quick to call out someones sin when the bible clearly says we all sin and if you break one you are guilty of all? The bible also says you will be judged as you judged others.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain:  and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.  Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;  Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.  (James 5:  16-20, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Judge Thy Neighbor? (02/15/2015); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); Stoning in the OT? (06/07/2014); Suffering Circumcision? (06/08/2014); We Shall Behold Him (10/17/2013); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013)


“Anonymous”, consider the following points:

(1.)  Christian believers are called to participate in a lifestyle as spiritual priests and kings that focuses in demonstrations from the Spirit presence of divinity.  For many, this new life (we say, rebirth) is not embraced and understood always as sacred duty, or obligation to GOD.  However, all must respond to continuing elements of accountability, commandment, commitment, integrity of being, lawful expression, and eternal purpose.

(2.)  Sin is an influence hidden and invisible to created beings and living creatures, for it does not exist as a concrete, material or physical object having measurable dimensions of height, weight, volume, etc.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living, yet, sin has no life essence, spirit content, or value as an appearance of divine will.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the exalted Law Giver, and the universe displaying divine order as a consequence of law.

(3.)  Sin may be disguised as ordinary appearances of appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotional/mental functions (e.g., anger, fantasy, fear, imagination, recall).  As a result, sin is not properly recognized as contrary to ones own spirit makeup, hostile to Deity, and absolutely self-destructive.

(4.)  For all who are born-again believers, identifying, uncovering, and addressing the problems within the household of GOD upon the earth is a sacred benefit and a privilege shared along with atonement, confession, covenant, divine law, promise and prophecy.  The “exceeding sinfulness of sin” revealed through sacred knowledge and godly practices also is to be revealed through the intimate relationship as sons and daughters of GOD and as heirs with Jesus Christ.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (5.)  The sacred process is not one of monitoring everyone’s mistakes, nit-picking, harping on wrongdoing, or repeatedly highlighting depravity and scandal.  Rather, new life in Christ is one of being constant, speaking the truth in love, appearing as transparent, and maintaining vigilance for one another’s salvation.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/03/2015) GOD Appearing in Dreams?

Points are shared, today, on dreams, faith, incarnation, and salvation.  Much of the experience in sleep that occurs within the mind of mankind is the result of busy-ness and conflict among desires, expectations, feelings and thoughts.  Experiences that connect the mind of man to the mind of Deity may be received correctly as divine guidance or prophecy as well as revelation.  Just as faith that establishes divine truth may result in miracles (we say, sacred events), dreams may result in genuine sacred knowledge.  Even so, in the same way miracles do not always result in faith, and instead may foster doubt, fear and spiritual confusion, dreams are only effective as a divine tool where there is faith and other inseparable aspects of divine person (we say, the imparted spirit of Christ).  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Mary vianney” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since May 3, 2015) posted the following thrust:


What if god appear in your dreams?

He prove to you that he can really rise the dead


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?  Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;  But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;  As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter:  and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.  But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.  (Daniel 2:  26-30, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Nightmares From GOD? (03/11/2015); Divinely Sent Dreams? (02/26/2015); Prayer, Dreams and Messages? (01/27/2015); Ghosts (09/02/2012); About Conversion (09/03/2012)


“Mary vianney”, here are a few points often shared among Christian believers about dreams and how GOD appears to mankind:

(1.)  Because they can be very vivid and seem to be real,  dreams that result from operations of a person’s appetite, emotions, senses, and thoughts may have great power and be easily confused with sacred events (e.g., answers to prayer, miracles, relief, rest, trances, visions) that result by operations of spirit matter (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, truth, wrath against sin). 

(2.)  GOD has been continually making known (we say, revealing) the active presence, character, nature, and process of divinity to created beings and living creatures using a broad range of sacred tools.  Included are abundance, birth, death, covenant, family, inheritance, judgment, law, nation, rebirth, and sacrifice.  GOD who is a spirit, and must be worshiped in spirit and truth, is understood as repeatedly using three aspects of being (we say, person); and has even appeared upon the earth using the form of flesh and blood (we say, incarnation) in the person of Jesus Christ.

(3.)  Because dreams sent by GOD often introduce and use images that are strange, symbolic, suggestive and unfamiliar, godly dreams also require godly explanation and interpretation.  Saying this another way:  Divine dreams will be in agreement with fixed sacred standards such as previous commandments and divine proclamations, the promises of GOD, prophecy, and eternal purpose.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Sin influences the living in heaven and upon earth by dominating individual awareness and self-will.  Yet, sin has not been created by GOD, and contains no spirit material.  Sin can not be destroyed or eliminated like intellectual, material or social things; thus, the divine operations for salvation provide divine tools to limit, recognize and resist sin.  More than feelings, logic, mind, reason and science, opposing sin requires a union of flesh and spirit that only may occur through the ministry of GOD in Christ.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/17/2015) Ark of the Covenant?

Today, points are shared on the Ark of the Testimony, Noah’s Ark, and idols.  The Ark provided to Israel was a sacred object that, like the full tabernacle, was fashioned after the pattern of things in heaven.  Even before the death of King Saul, David was forced to depend upon prophets, seers, visions and his own prayer life for guidance from GOD.  Saul killed Ahimelech and decimated the priesthood when he thought David was being  concealed and supported in Nob.  At Ziklag, David had an ephod and the sword of Goliath, yet, not the full regalia of the High Priest.  David was especially distressed following such incidents as the death of Absalom, the death of Uriah the Hittite, and the death of his and Bathsheba’s infant son.  David became determined to erect a permanent place (temple) for both the High Priest and the Ark further hoping he could be made completely reconciled with GOD.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Catherine Tanya Geer” (Level 1 with 114 points, a member since November 14, 2014) posted the following:


The ark of the covenant ensured winning of wars, what was in the ark ofn the covenant?

Also, did it grant ones desires as well


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.  The staves shall be in the rings of the ark:  they shall not be taken from it.  And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.  And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold:  two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.  And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.  And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end:  even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.  And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.  And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.  And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.  (Exodus 25:  14-22, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); The Place of GOD? (06/01/2013); Putting GOD First? (06/02/2013); A Second Adam? (03/25/2013); GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); Translation, Please… (01/11/2013)


“Catherine Tanya Geer”, the way you posed your question demonstrated the error that appeared among many in Israel, and led to the Ark of the Covenant being permanently removed from the Tabernacle at Shiloh.  Consider the following points:

(1.)  An idol, graven image, or molten image (from rocks melted to extract metal) is any man-made object or thing adorned, chosen and worshiped as containing life and divinity.  The object does not see, hear, smell, talk or walk, yet is believed to have power to bestow benefits, and to respond to petitions and prayers.

(2.)  In the holy writings, the ark of Noah is not the same as the Ark of Covenant, yet, both function as a storage chest used to preserve and protect special gifts and memorials from divinity (we might say, sacred relics and souvenirs).  Noah’s ark was not a boat that one could steer or use for commerce and travel upon the sea.  It was to contain the law of GOD incarnate (within flesh) through Noah and his family along with the other living creatures that were to survive the flood.

(3.)  The Ark of Covenant is also called “the ark of the testimony.”  A “testimony” is a statement made under oath during judgment (we say, a sworn statement; the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth), and therefore has equal weight as lawful evidence with such other material as eyewitness accounts, expert witness (by authoritative professionals who are doctors, scholars, etc.) ballistic evidence, fabrics or finger prints.  Here, the testimony is in witness to the revelation of Jehovah to Israel; and false statements register as blasphemy against all divinity.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended.  For example, (4.)  The Ark was only to be moved using poles, and no human hand was to touch it.  Above the ark of the testimony was a platform (we would say, seat or throne).  The active presence of GOD was believed to rest upon this throne (called the Mercy Seat) that was located within a special compartment of the tabernacle called the Holiest of Holies (also called, the Sanctuary).  When Israel was threatened with destruction by the Philistines, and GOD would not respond to the pleadings and prayers of King Saul, on the night before battle, the monarch became desperate to the point of asking a witch to call up the spirit of the dead prophet, Samuel who had always been his guide.  The ark was carried out to the battlefield to foster the confidence of Israel’s fighters.  However, this forced the Philistines to fight as those who were frantic, hopeless, and had nothing to lose.

(5.)  The Ark was captured by the Philistines, and Saul and his son, the friend of David, were both slain.  After enduring diseases sent from GOD, the Philistines returned the Ark to Israel with an offering to Jehovah.  When the people rushed to look into the Ark, thousands were killed, before the Ark could be returned to the tabernacle.  For a long time the Ark remained outside the tabernacle on the land of a local farmer (we say, in his barn or threshing floor).  When David saw the man’s family and farm were blessed he sought to bring the Ark to himself at Jerusalem.  However, a worker sought to steady the Ark by reaching out with his hands, and was slain by Jehovah.  David was awe struck.  Again the Ark was separated from the tabernacle and from Jerusalem, where David intended it should rest within a new temple.  The entire system for communion, exchange and specific guidance from GOD was suspended while the Ark was away including the lot, Urim, Thumim, and the regalia of the High Priest.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/15/2014) Death is a Divine Tool

Death, evil, mortality, and divine purpose are considered, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Complex Maker” (Level 7 with 29,956 points, a member since November 20, 2010) posted the following:


Why did God make it everything has to die someday isn't he the one that's evil?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014)—(5.)  The use of images and physical materials to express belief, and for believers to identify themselves to one another is not idol worship.  While objects may be set apart (we say, consecrated, sanctified) for exclusive use in holy service (e.g., crosses used in sacred procession, prayer chambers, holy ground, fragrant substances and their incense burners), among Christians, no inanimate object or thing is exalted as though it contains, or acts on behalf of a deity.  Christian symbols are not to be confused with occult objects fashioned to permit human alteration and control through magic.  Included are such devises as amulets, candles, lucky charms, gem stones, and talismans.  Like Aaron’s rod that budded, the rod of GOD that was used by Moses was a device to make visible divine authority and sacred election as well as the active presence of GOD. 

(6.)  In the same way Christians are not confused or embarrassed to see film actors who portray biblical characters in movies and TV programs, because they understand the process is not one of making false claims for reverence and worship, believers do not see paintings and other imaginative depictions of Jesus as being counterfeits, idols, or misrepresentations of divinity.  There are ordinary objects that have been used to trigger operations of the faith that resides within believers.  For example, aprons and handkerchiefs were used by the apostles of the early church when healing; icons have been used; blessed beads and cords have been used when reciting psalms and other prayer cycles; and the cup used for the Lord’s Supper was venerated as a holy grail.  Even so, at no time were such objects identified as having value apart from the divine purpose of salvation, or the imparted Spirit that indwells the entire body of believers, the Holy Ghost.  Rather than human institutions and man-made objects, those created of GOD through the process of interaction focused upon Christ are the true repository for divine power and presence.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.  Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses:  but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.  Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death:  but he shall be surely put to death.  And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.  So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are:  for blood it defileth the land:  and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.  Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell:  for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.  (Numbers 35:  29-34, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why Believers Fear (09/09/2014);  Freedom of Foul Speech? (09/10/2014); On Death and Pain (05/08/2014); A “Good” Verse? (05/09/2014); Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); Sin Causes Death? (02/04/2014); Succession (02/05/2014)


“Complex Maker”, where you are able to shift your thinking to see from a different point of view, here are a few ideas that have come from GOD that should be useful:

(1.)  Life is GOD’s intent, however, death is GOD’s tool.  Death is not simply a punishment for sin, or a way to condemn those who make mistakes.  Death is used to cleanse and continue the earth as a sphere of life; and death furthers the dynamic of life that is change and movement generated by diversity and imbalance.  Death as a consequence in divine judgment permits mankind a portion of the consciousness and experience had by divinity; and reveals the otherwise unseen compassion, integrity, reliability, and righteousness of GOD.

(2.)  As understood among Christian believers, the word “evil” does not mean “bad”, “sinful” or “wicked”.  In the holy writings GOD proclaims:  I form the light, and create darkness:  I make peace, and create evil:  I the Lord do all these things (Isaiah 45:  7, KJV).  We speak of divine evil as calamity; catastrophe; sudden, sweeping change; upheaval.  Human evil, then, is destruction; arbitrary, uncalled for, and unnecessary change; change that provides no balance or benefit.

(3.)  The childish complaint that “GOD won’t let us have our way” is false.  GOD does allow mankind to challenge his environment, to alter and question the boundaries for human existence.  Even so, many of the boundaries must remain in place for the sake of divine order, and to allow mankind to have clarity, focus, stability, and value.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Death is only one observable fact of the full divine plan for our universe.  In addition to death, through Jesus Christ, there are ongoing sacred operations for correction, healing, divine love, redemption, resurrection, salvation, sanctification, and eternal life.  Following final judgment, mortality will no longer exist.  Mankind will be transformed, and become both immortal and incorruptible to live with Christ upon the earth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/14/2014) Not Images Used in Worship?

Idols, idol worship and familiar objects among believers are topics, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Not Banana!” (Level 1 with 16 points, a member since June 04, 2014) posted the following:


When God said not to make any graven images in the 10 Commandments, didn't he mean "except statues of Jesus and nativity scenes"?

"And crosses and fish. Those are ok too".

Did God forget to include that part?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?  Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed:  and the workmen, they are of men:  let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.  The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms:  yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth:  he drinketh no water, and is faint.  The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.  He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest:  he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.  Then shall it be for a man to burn:  for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.  He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied:  yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:  And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image:  he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.  They have not known nor understood:  for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.  And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it:  and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?  He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?.  (Isaiah 44:  10-20, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014); Divine Law Speaks of Spirit? (07/30/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Covenants and Relationships (01/29/2014); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012)


“Not Banana!”, here are a few points on idols and idol worship that should help you avoid spiritual confusion:

(1.)  The worship of idols center in the belief that a man-made and material object may contain spirit substance.  While the object itself may not be regarded as a god, goddess or divine person, the idol may be thought to allow humans to approach and access divine authority, essence and power; carry out or perform natural and sacred events (e.g., healing, control of storms, miracles); display and make visible the genuine appearance and features of a divine person (e.g., awesomeness, immortality, perfection, purity, radiance, strength); or itself possess power and will separate from any divine person.

(2.)  There are many familiar objects used in human communication and exchange that display a great deal of careful investment of craftsmanship, design, detail, money, talent, skill, and other resources.  Many require attention, obedience, and specific responses from human beings, yet should not be regarded as idols.  One example would be the octagonal Stop signs posted at traffic intersections alerting both drivers and pedestrians. 

(3.)  Among Christian believers, items for decoration and ornamentation may be used to continue awareness, or express and further encourage humility, piety, and respect.  Even so, material things are not held to contain the Spirit of GOD, and are not used as objects of worship.  Included are gold and silver chalices, the monstrance, and other communion ware.  Only created beings and living creatures (we could say, GOD-made vessels) are fit to receive divine content from the makeup of GOD, who is immortal and incorruptible. 

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The emblems of bread and wine are used in sacred operations whereby the spirit content of believers is nourished, reinforced, and further sanctified.  Believers must have godly discernment (i.e., ability to apply and use ones own endowment of spirit substance as a standard to recognize spirit content among such things as events, messages, holy writings, other persons, and eternal purposes).  Material objects are used continually to communicate with mankind, and many are consecrated (set apart) and devoted for holy service.  Yet, this does not mean they should be served and worshiped in place of GOD.  When Moses and all those who left Egypt arrived at Sinai, and a covenant through the Ten Commandments was proclaimed, there was an audible voice and several displays (lightening, thunder, winds).  Neither the mountain, the natural elements, or the man, Moses, was to be worshiped, for the focus was to be GOD through acceptance of sacred law.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC