(03/29/2020) Divine Acceptance of Homosexuality?

The image is being used to depict the challenges regarding repentance and salvation compared to those regarding homosexual conduct and lifestyles.

Today, a Battleaxe continues the discussion of Adam, Eve, and homosexuality. GOD is impartial, and the same condemnation and provisions for salvation are made on behalf of both heterosexuals and homosexuals. Sinners must change to exist before GOD in spirit, rather than in flesh, for there are many conditions and considerations that change the godliness of otherwise lawful conduct. Ones duty to GOD is to change their affection for others, rather than their affections change their duty to GOD. Belief in social privilege as completely the expression of human process and substance denies the effect and power for human life from fixed mechanical process and natural laws as well as from unchanging aspects of divine truth. Many of the present day demonstrations on behalf of homosexuality are not genuine expressions of divine intent. It is as if a committee of those desiring orange juice at breakfast conducted increasingly disruptive and violent protests demanding that apple trees also produce orange juice. Their marches and placards declare there are clear violations of economic opportunity; practices of bias, discrimination, and prejudice; and a withholding of benefits to various groups in the larger population (e.g., those drinking grape juice, grapefruit juice, and tomato juice at breakfast). Insisting that science and technology actually can meet the challenge, the apple growers offer the o-j-lovers the “emperor’s new clothes” requiring that the agitators be warned that the new juice product may have the aroma, calorie count, color, and flavor of apple juice. The ministry of Jesus Christ is not man-made, and does not center in human desire, or what may be accomplished through finite self-will (willpower); rather, the origin and focus of the salvation being offered to all are divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 3: 16-23, King James Version (KJV): 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your’s; 23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1: 11-13, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Adam, Eve, and Homosexuality (03/27/2020); The Fall of Mankind (05/16/2019); Responses To Clergy Scandals (03/28/2019); Discernment And Godly Love (06/26/2018); Natural and Spiritual Law? (06/30/2016); Gender, Sex and Christian Beliefs? (05/18/2016); The Judgment Against Sodom? (04/10/2015)

THE BATTLE AXE: Adam, Eve, and Homosexuality (03/27/2020)—(5.) 1^st Corinthians 6: 17-20, KJV: 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. Fornication is the defilement of spirit substance through sexual joining. Because our appetites and emotional commitments as living persons on the earth may corrupt and defile our relationships with divinity, the operations of human self-will can condemn mankind to irreversible separation from the Creator. Desire appears in the living as a focusing of consciousness and self-will in response to appetite, emotion (e.g., anger, fear, guilt, shame, sorrow), material objects, operations of mind (e.g., fantasy, recall, carnal reason, thought), experiences of sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and operations of sin. Even so, the authority, dominion, and power of consecrated spirit are not to be despised, ignored, overthrown, or suppressed.

(6.) Ezekiel 18: 20-23, KJV: 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? Just as a community may display a statue in the town square, and does not automatically encourage blasphemy, ungodliness, and the worship of idols, all sexual expression has not been labeled by GOD as “original sin” and the transgression of divine law. Among mankind, the judgment of sexual conduct continues to be liberal and tentative, for there are many points of subtlety (i.e., barely visible differences; sudden shifts in meaning and value). Sexual behavior always occurs on many different levels (emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual) all at the same time. Thus, because of its intent to express love, holding hands and a kiss on the cheek (oral sex) may have enduring power for both partners in a relationship who desire to express continuing innocence and sexual desire. Christian belief, redemption, and salvation acknowledge multiple operations on behalf of mankind that can be carried out only by GOD. Included are atonement, forgiveness, Incarnation, rebirth, redemption, resurrection from the dead, and the second death. Conforming to the standards generated by GOD, who is immortal, incorruptible and invisible, requires that the living receive inseparable aspects from the makeup of divine fullness (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, wrath against sin). While divinity is active presence, and may appear on the earth using human form and flesh, divinity remains spirit, and may indwell the consciousness and self-will of the living.

(7.) Galatians 5: 16-24, KJV: 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and of the divine order that establishes the universe. In the same way authentic human existence now imposes gender, mortality, and other aspects of human makeup that can not be permanently altered or removed by mankind, the presence and process of life essence (breath; spirit; word) imparted from divinity to mankind in Creation does not allow full human control of existence, life, personhood, and purpose. For mankind to exist as a companion of GOD in fruitful relationship also requires that men are to display the image of GOD, and to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ.

(8.) Romans 6: 12-16, KJV: 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Many mistakenly understand the liberty granted by divinity to mankind through grace to be a suspension of all demands for discipline; for restriction; and for rule through divine law, sacred practice, and the observance of consecrated principle. Sinners who become developing Christian believers may continue to desire approval and endorsement of self-assessment, peer review, and their own strivings to obtain vainglory. Human emotions and feelings of love do not consecrate self-expression and operations by the flesh. The focus of men and women to have lawful relationships in society (same sex marriage) is very different from the process of transformation for eternal life that is being advanced by divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). The issues of being born again and becoming mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (we also say, the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming) pertain to the permanent dominion and ownership of Creation, not merely to the privilege for sexual expression within the celestial precincts or among the living on the earth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (9.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyAyVT8asxQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:27 AM, March 29, 2020 @ https://aaacomputer4christ.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/20151116-054010.jpg?w=1000

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/15/2017) Knowing What's In Man

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; (Jeremiah 1:  5, New International Version, NIV)

Today, topics include discernment, judging character, and knowing and reading the hearts of others.  While it may be involuntary, unintended, and unplanned, men eventually expose their private feelings, hidden motives and secret thoughts, for all upon the earth become transparent through their own actions and words.  Jesus knew that many among those drawn to his ministry mistakenly expected the Messiah to overthrow the Romans by miracles and warfare, and to reestablish their former glory through a new Jewish kingdom.  Thus, the Savior realized many were coming to him filled with ambition, covetousness, greed, ignorance of prophecy, selfish interpretations of divine law, and exaggerated pride.  In this sense, Jesus was prepared by the Holy Spirit with “a knowledge of all men.”  Just as sinners are provided with divine law to correctly recognize and resist sin, born-again believers in Jesus Christ are provided with divine standards and tools for recognizing authentic instruction and testimony from GOD, sacred truth, those who are sent, and the fruit of divine plantings.  Believers are not to be ignorant of current affairs, secular history, and ongoing realities, however, they are not to be distracted or drawn away by such things from their primary spiritual concerns.  As with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Christian believers will make no use of “brain washing,” hypnosis, “mind control,” or techniques to overthrow the humanity and wholeness of other persons.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Singapore)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Christians do you believe it is possible to read hearts?

A person who can read hearts could be in the same room with someone and almostly immediately be able to tell if the other person us evil between a few seconds and a few minutes. According to legend some of the saints could read hearts.

Update: Anne Arkey it sounds like you may have the gift of reading hearts. It's kind of like a 6th sense. It is heightened psychological awareness

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.  (1st Corinthians 2:  9-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  “Only GOD Can Judge”? (02/28/2017); Temporal and Eternal Judgment (02/15/2017); Knowing GOD and Sin? (02/03/2017); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017); Judgment Focused On Content? (08/30/2016); About Other People’s Beliefs (06/22/2016); A Fool of the Church? (01/26/2016)

“Anonymous”, the ability to “read hearts” that is provided by GOD to those in the ministry of Jesus Christ is properly called “discernment” that allows correct recognition and response to spirit content from the makeup of GOD that resides within events, in oneself, in others, in the holy writings, etc.  Believers often must become aware of what is unseen.  Even so, focus is not upon emotions, feelings, and sentiment so much as on divine intent, eternal purpose, and the active presence of the holy.  Specific indicators and patterns accompany divine operations in the life such as rebirth through water baptism, love, the fruit of the Spirit, and zeal.  New believers often err thinking that, as the Son of GOD, Jesus could “read” another person’s mind (we say, ESP (extra sensory psychic communication); telepathy), and that he was a “good judge of human character.”  More correctly, the Savior had to “grow up” operating under the same dictates of divine law and finite human nature as we must do today.  Jesus demonstrated receiving and applying divine gifts that further equip believers to avoid the snares and traps used by the Adversary, corrupt officials, deceivers, and false prophets.  Because of the proclamations and promises granted through the prophets, Jesus expected men would be ready to gladly answer the new creation with its opportunities and possibilities for eternal life.  Adjusting to their disappointing response, the Lord acknowledged that all mankind continues in the inheritance of sin from Adam, and that the comfort zone for many is to rely upon animal herding instincts, social customs, and long-held tradition.  Thus, like Jesus, we are to share salvation through Spirit, not through argument, carnal reason, debate, and persuasion.  Consider the following points from the holy writings:

(1.)  Jeremiah 14:  13-15, King James Version (KJV):  13 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.  14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name:  I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them:  they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.  15 Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

(2.)  Jeremiah 17:  9-10, KJV:  9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:  who can know it?  10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

(3.)  Isaiah 8:  20, KJV:  20 To the law and to the testimony:  if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

(4.)  Hebrews 4:  12-13, KJV:  12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:  but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

(5.)  Luke 6:  6-11, KJV:  6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught:  and there was a man whose right hand was withered.  7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.  8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.  9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?  10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so:  and his hand was restored whole as the other.  11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  John 2:  23-25, KJV:  23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.  24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,  25 And needed not that any should testify of man:  for he knew what was in man.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(01/09/2017) The Two-edged Sword

Today, reply is made to a question on conversion and the power of the Bible.  The Bible is a library and collection of holy writings that have been carefully examined and preserved on the basis of their oneness without sameness of spirit content and sacred origin.  In addition to divine law, legal covenants, sacred history, and tested counsel, the Scriptures share sacred knowledge of the operations and processes of GOD along with promises, prophecies, and eternal purpose.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “daniel” (Level 2 with 338 points, a member since February 13, 2007) posted the following:

What is the power of the Bible?

Communist Encounters Christ
Zhao is one of China's foremost experts on Christianity. A former Communist Party member and atheist, Zhao converted after reading the Bible.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.  And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;  Whom Jason hath received:  and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.  And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.  And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea:  who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.  But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.  (Acts 17:  5-13, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016); A Christian Dictatorship? (03/05/2015); The Scriptures and Perfection? (10/27/2014); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); Not Told in Advance? (10/11/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014); Divine Sleep (03/28/2014); About Conversion (09/03/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012)

“daniel”, many mature Christian believers rely upon the Bible as the most legitimate record of utterances (e.g., admonitions, commands, proclamations, promises) provided from GOD using patriarchs, judges, prophets, and kings as well as apostles, trusted spokespersons, and anointed witnesses.  So to speak, the Scriptures make GOD who is spirit, knowable, known, and “visible” to created beings and living creatures by sharing a divine perspective and view of sacred operations, eternal purpose, and sovereign will using thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years.  More than merely authority, sound counsel, sacred law, testimony (i.e., evidence of things unseen), and a standard for weighing truth, the Bible itself should be regarded as an appearance of holy substance that overcomes, replaces, and surpasses the flaws and limits of the flesh seen through academic and secular knowledge, dependence upon military force, politics, traditions, and the influence and operations of sin in the lives of mankind.  Through the Scriptures, born-again believers receive deposits of spirit matter from the makeup of GOD that nourish their “growing up again” to maturity.  Included are certainty, faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, hope, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 4:  2, King James Version (KJV):  2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 9:  9-11, KJV:  9 When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water:  10 And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly.  11 And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Luke 24:  15-27, KJV:  15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.  16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.  17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?  18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?  19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:  20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.  21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel:  and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.  22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;  23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.  24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said:  but him they saw not.  25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?  27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/15/2016) Life Is GOD's Intent

Today, focus is on bereavement, and the opportunities for service that are gifts from GOD and from the deceased.  In Christian belief, the dead may not communicate with the living; and the dead do not praise GOD.  While some, like Jesus, died, were carried through resurrection and are now alive, most of the dead are believed still in the condition of burial and internment where their divine spirit content is separated from their body.  Those having salvation as Christians are not to practice keriah (i.e., shaving to remove body hair; rending or tearing ones garments to display grief, outrage, shock, and dismay) or use scarification and tattoos (i.e., cuttings in their own flesh) to indicate mourning and remembrance of the dead.  Bitterness, complaining, hopelessness, and wrath are not to appear.  Through ignorance, many continue to spread death in the form of feelings and thoughts because, rather than promote hope, life and trust in GOD, their emotional focus fosters despair, sadness and sorrow.  Offering glory, honor, prayer, or exaggerated attention to the dead is a form of idol worship.  Thus, a requiem mass or memorial service is never to worship the dead.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


Why is it a sin for me to pray to my dead mother, my dead sister and my dead father?

The belief that this is a sin seems very cruel and heartless to me


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.  (1st Thessalonians 4:  13-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The GOD Named “Jealous” (09/15/2016); About Judgment By GOD (08/29/2016); The Dimensions of Death? (04/24/2016); No Other gods? (08/14/2015); The Dead in Christ? (11/18/2013); Too Much Holy Spirit? (11/19/2013); Ghosts (09/02/2012); About Conversion  (09/03/2012)


“Anonymous”, the mature expression of love is always challenging and—more than affection, gentleness, or kindness—often requires such elements as “holding back,” self-denial, self-discipline, silence, and restraint.  Because divinity demands exclusive commitment and devotion, focus upon ones spouse, siblings, parents, children, and others can come into view as adultery, betrayal, “cheating”, and “whoring after idols and false gods.”  Because the goal of Creation is life, the death of loved ones are intended to make us stronger, not weaker, and more fit as divine companions.  The responses of GOD to our need when we first lose a loved one seem directed to breaking off bereavement.  It is as if the Holy Spirit comes in and says, Roll up your sleeves; let’s get to work.  Believers are to become active in unselfish ways that maintain their place with Deity and with the living, rather than mope and pine in isolation.  Survivors are to comfort others who mourn and encourage their expressions of hope, joy, love and respect.  The heir is granted a double portion of the estate to complete the “unfinished business” of the deceased.  With the sad occasion of burial and internment there usually also is a small feast to celebrate the departed.  The death of any who are close is always their last, great gift of life to us, for it carries us into new levels of emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth by calling forth maturity and strength.  Nonetheless, consider again the following from the holy writings:

(1.)   Leviticus 10:  1-6, King James Version (KJV):  1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.  2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.  3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.  4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.  5 So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said.  6 And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people:  but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.  7 And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die:  for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.

(2.)  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 to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Psalms 50:  16-23, KJV:  16 But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?  17 Seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behind thee.  18 When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.  19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.  20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother’s son.  21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself:  but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.  22 Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.  23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me:  and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/23/2015) Human Law, Divine Favor?

Today, points are shared that address believers in Christ discerning the letter and the spirit for civil and divine law within the United States.  Citizens are expected to obey the law, yet, few have a complete and precise knowledge of its provisions.  The primary collection for all civil law within the United States and its territories is called The United States Code.  The United States Code presents an organized system for the general and permanent laws of the United States, and is divided by broad subjects into 51 titles (we say, volumes).  New editions of the code are published every six years with annual cumulative supplements to present the most current information.  By comparison, for many who follow Christ, the primary set of sacred laws are published as the Ten Commandments (we say, the Decalogue).  Jesus proclaimed the essential principles of the law for the Kingdom of GOD in Matthew 22: 36-40 King James Version (KJV):  36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  38 This is the first and great commandment.  39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.  Insisting upon self-defined “freedom”, while lacking a detailed and precise knowledge of all the law, many in America have fallen into the error of saying, “Live and let live” properly heard as “sin and let sin.”  Where divine law and judgment are featured, aspects of the actors, their deeds, and events such as spiritual benefit, eternal purpose, and sacred content also must come into view.  Christian believers acknowledge that Deity was revealed to Moses as one who makes covenant, and who executes righteous judgment against sin, even to the third and fourth generations of those who transgress.  The sins of ones forefathers remain as conditions that challenge their offspring for as many as 160 years.  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, divine process also is shown to include both the nonnegotiable completion of mortality (spoken of as death and sleep), and the permanent destruction (we say, second death) avoidable only through provisions for forgiveness, repentance, and the offering of Jesus as a divine incarnation.  The otherwise unanswered demands made for divine order and eternal law are affirmed and fulfilled by grace, through faith, and as righteousness.  The Savior establishes the necessary atonement, mercy, redemption, salvation, and sanctification from GOD.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using “Wayf” as an ID (Level 5 with 8,918 points, a member since June 18, 2013) posted the following:


Would Jesus Christ be in favor of the Sodomite Suppression Act?

A lawyer in California want to put LGBT people to death. What would Jesus do? Would he support this?

http://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiativ...

Update: *wants

Update 2: To help avoid the notion that this is a law, please understand that it's only a "measure". Here's an article about it: http://www.vox.com/2015/3/22/8270411/cal...


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:  the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.  But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him:  in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.  Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God:  and not that he should return from his ways, and live?  But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned:  in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.  (Ezekiel 18:  20-24, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Knowledge of Human Hurt? (03/02/2015); The American Covenant? (03/03/2015); No Mystery in Lawful Judgment (07/28/2014); Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014); Separation of Church and State (07/04/2014); The Point of Wisdom? (07/05/2014); Sin Causes Death? (02/04/2014); Succession (02/05/2014); The Crux of the Matter (10/26/2012); Women Ordained to Minister? (10/27/2012)


“Wayf”, Christian believers may only answer your concerns by sharing sacred doctrine, or their own peculiar expression of faith in words that will be imprecise, and artificially made to appear as brief or shortened.  Nonetheless, please consider the following:

(1.)  Discipline, law and rules that apply within the Kingdom of GOD are only binding upon those who accept and acknowledge their accountability, duty, and exalted place before divinity through Jesus Christ.

(2.)  California, the United States of America, and the geopolitical nations and states upon the earth are not the Kingdom of GOD.

(3.)  Immutable and unchanging aspects of divinity have been displayed to created beings and living creatures throughout the history of this Creation.  Citizenship within the Kingdom is described somewhat by the documentation of covenants between mankind and Deity through such figures as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David.  Believers in Jesus Christ as King of Kings, Lord of Lords are “a new creation” existing to carry out and complete divine provisions for sacred revelation, judgment, salvation and sanctification upon the earth.

There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and to get a proper grip upon.  (For example, (4.)  The focus for believers continues as one of proclaiming the responsiveness of GOD to repentance.  Sin upon the earth can not be eliminated using the finite human tools of computers, emotion, intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, politics, science, and violence.  Through Jesus Christ a door of access to divinity has been established; and mankind is not to despair despite being earth-bound, or the misery and wretchedness from the operations of sin.  Consider again Matthew 9:  12-13 King James Version (KJV):  12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.  13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice:  for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/08/2015) Divine Purpose?

Creation, the existence of Deity, and divine purpose are in view today.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Sonix Effect” (Level 7 with 28,979 points, a member since November 20, 2010) posted the following:


What did God hope to achieve by creating our world exactly?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen:  that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he:  before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.   I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.  I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you:  therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.  Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand:  I will work, and who shall let it?  Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.  I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.  Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;  Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise:  they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.  Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.  The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls:  because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.  This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.  (Isaiah 43:  10-21, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Made in the Image of GOD? (10/09/2014); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); Why Were We Sent Here? (07/21/2014); An Eternity Worshipping? (07/22/2014); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); More Than Salvation (11/27/2012); Son of Man (11/28/2012)


“Sonix Effect”, here are a few points to consider regarding the existence of Deity (you might say, why there is GOD) in line with the sacred knowledge that supports Christian belief:

(1.)  Divine Creation:  Multiple operations of GOD have been completed to establish created beings and living creatures;  the terms for their duration; the spheres of life wherein they are contained (we say, their environment such as earth, heaven, the sea, the universe); and frameworks and mechanisms for their development, growth, interaction, and perfection.  While the living understand their own existence using such terms as self, desires, goals, intent, lack, and needs the operations of divinity are more correctly explained only in terms describing existence as its own goal, outcome, process and purpose.

(2.)  Divine Revelation:  GOD is an active presence (we say, spirit) who appears to the living using personness (e.g., Apostle, Father, High Priest, King, Patriarch, Son) and various objects within the full creation.  In addition to both natural and sacred law, GOD is to be known and recognized through such features as attitudes, behavior, character, conduct, hierarchy, intelligence, quality, and utterance (e.g., commandments, praise, prayer, proclamation, promise, prophecy).

(3.)  Divine Relationship:  At Creation, mankind was to serve as a living companion to divinity.  However, through Adam’s disobedience, lack of faith, and failure to trust GOD, mortality and temporal limits had to be imposed to correct and preserve various aspects of all Creation.  The operations of sin are expressed through transgression of law, and the nonattendance of faith.  Sin was first recognized among the angels, later carried to the earth.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all divine order that emerges from law.  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, the High Priest in heaven, believers upon the earth receive a fresh endowment of the same spirit matter that was deposited within Adam.  As incarnations and vessels of the divine spirit men are established as the offspring of GOD, because inseparable aspects of divinity are shared such as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, love, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/27/2014) The Scriptures and Perfection?

Today, some points are shared to clarify the “quick” and living nature of the holy writings; and how the Scriptures are made perfect as they operate with the imparted Spirit of GOD.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers Canada” using the ID “Peter” (Level 1 with 73 points, a member since March 30, 2014) posted the following:


Christians: Are all the words in the New and Old Testament 100% truth and perfection, that you have zero doubt about?

Update : Skunky ..... BRAINWASHED
Update 2: Aleah ...... BRAINWASHED
Update 3: Gregory .... BRAINWASHED
Update 4: Robot ...... you provided the PERFECT answer.
Update 5: Somebody else ......... 99.99% BRAINWASHED


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (Hebrews 4:  12, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Points on Bible Study (06/28/2014); Finding Peace Through the Bible? (06/02/2014); Disliking Other Christians? (06/03/2014); Bible and Spirit (04/26/2014); Personality? (04/27/2014)


“Peter”, here are a few points to consider that have helped many Christian believers escape the confusion, idolatry, ignorance and superstition often imposed upon the holy writings:

(1.)  The perfection and power of the Scriptures are not a matter of material and visible forms (e.g., alphabet, language, script, symbols, translations), sounds, and words so much as they are aspects of the makeup and spirit matter of divinity.  For this reason, only those applying their own endowment of the imparted Spirit from GOD (we say, using discernment) are able to receive the Scriptures correctly as an expression of the divine mind.  Believers must be grounded by such divine content as faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(2.)  For those lacking the spirit content established through the ministry of Jesus Christ, the Bible is no more than a mundane record of human events.  It is impossible to correctly see that the Scriptures reveal divine order for the entire universe in the forms of covenant and law; that multiple persons and various sacred operations are described whereby the invisible GOD appears, and is to be spoken of and known; or that the fundamental principles are shared for continuing all the exchanges and interactions of life experience that acknowledge and reverence GOD.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Men are to seek perfection and power in the person of a living GOD, not in the abstract and material things that support human existence.  The Bible is a unique standard for measuring and realizing divine process and sacred substance.  Readers properly supplied with the Holy Spirit experience a divine point of view through the Bible, embracing thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years, that make visible the active presence of GOD both in heaven and 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

(07/26/2014) Good Intentions?

Divine judgment, self-justification, and sin are topics, today.  Also, there is more on being asked to carry the cross (i.e., that believers willingly respond to duty, law, and service).  A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Evol” (Level 1 with 11 points, a member since June 12, 2014) posted the following:


If you sin with good intentions doesn't that beat the whole idea of the unholiness of sin?

If you kill with the intention to save more lives. Or just to experience a spiritual special event; or to stop some greater evil to happen. Would that still be unholy? The intention is good so it's all good.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Asked to Carry the Cross? (07/25/2014)—(5.)  Rightly understood, new life for the Christian believer is one of accepting permanent change and transformation that come by sacred operations of GOD.  The same Spirit that worked to establish the heaven and earth as spheres of life, also is active in baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), divine forbearance, forgiveness, repentance, resurrection, and sanctification.  Acknowledging that nothing is impossible for GOD (Luke 1:  37, KJV), the believer gradually acquires the understanding, I can do all things—the things approved and commanded by GOD; the things giving glory, gratitude, honor, humility, love and respect toward GOD; and the things in line with redemption and salvation—through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:  13, KJV).  While there is no “pat on the back,” payday or immediate divine reward to believers for their obedience to the example of Jesus, as they continue in fellowship with seasoned workers, expand their sacred knowledge by regular study of the holy writings, humble themselves sincerely in prayer, or unselfishly share of themselves with those in need, believers are made bold, certain, confident, and sure of their acceptance in judgment through Jesus Christ.  Simply put, the more one gives to the people and purposes of GOD, the more one is given.  See Luke 6:  26-38 and  1st Peter 4:  9-19, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:  but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.  (Hebrews 4:  12-13, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Immortality (02/08/2014); The Male, the Female, and GOD (02/09/2014); Sin in Mind not Deed? (01/06/2014); Resisting Sin (12/21/2013); When People Covet (12/22/2013); We Are Still Sinning? (11/30/2013); Like a Thief? (12/01/2013)


“Evol”, here are a few points to consider:

(1.)  The full process of divine judgment examines attitudes, actions, conduct, lasting effects (we say, consequences), and motives as appearances and indications of the spirit makeup from GOD that resides within created beings and living creatures.  Also, there are requirements and standards for balance as well as for completeness and stability.

(2.)  Sin itself is not a living thing, an emotional/mental process like fear, imagination and thought, an object having measurable dimensions (as do energy, matter and particles), or a spirit put forth by GOD.  Yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine authority, of sacred law as well as of order and the Creation established through law.

(3.)  “Good intentions” are often appealed to within the human process of self-justification.  However, as with other finite tools such as intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, and science, the operation of intent is not enough to correctly detect, eliminate, or resist sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  By simple obedience to divine law, mankind would have escaped the damage that comes by sin.  However, sin always operates as if a legitimate aspect of ones own being.  The law must be internalized for it to reveal that sin is contrary to ones own nature, and opposes ones continued existence as something foreign, strange, and from outside ones true self.  Given that the will of GOD is not subject to sin; by receiving a fresh endowment of Spirit from GOD, mankind is more well equipped to discern and respond to the challenges of sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/08/2014) Immortality

Today, I share some points on mortality and divine intent; and there is more on the life lessons from becoming a driving instructor.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Stewie” (Level 1 with 135 points, a member since September 02, 2012) posted the following:


Aren't we supposed to be immortal?

Don't get me wrong! I'm not against any religion or anything like that, simply I'm just curious, since I haven't read the Bible itself.

So... According to the things I've read and heard: Our first sin was to eat the apple of eden. Before the first sin we (humans) were immortal, right? And since Jesus has died for our sins, shouldn't we be immortal?

Maybe I'm wrong or there are some explanations, or I just misheard/read something, but this is nebulous for me...

Thanks for the answers!


THE BATTLE AXE:  Driving Under the Influence (02/07/2014)—There are many “nuggets” I could have shared from my days with the driving school.  (For example, there was a lesson that every skill used in driving from here to California is used when parking a car.  Also, there was a nun living in the neighborhood of the Catholic University, who was dressed in full habit when I met for her very first lesson.  The sister sweated terribly, and appeared to have a panic attack.  I think she was offended that I spoke so much explaining different details, and would not allow her to just “feel her way” out on the road. Adding insult to injury, I dared to encourage her with a chiding word (perfect love casts out fear).  The next time I saw her, she was behind the wheel with a rival driving school.)  The “mother load” appears to be in the anecdote regarding my certification to teach.  Often believers are reluctant to insist upon righteousness and truth because we do not want to appear to be arrogant, overbearing, and pushy.  However, false notions of anarchy, freedom, the greater good, and mercy in judgment are at work.  Such feelings and thoughts arise from conceit, self-centeredness, and self-promotion.  We account ourselves righteous as we try to silently endure the errors of others generously admitting to ourselves that we also are still imperfect, and prone to making mistakes.  Thus, on surface, the trial I endured in the transformation from classroom and college level teaching to serving as a professional driving instructor behind two steering wheels was merely one of removing deeply ingrained and hidden pride.  However, the entire process was geared to (1) an instructor developing sensitivity; (2) a teacher establishing safety through removal of negative habits, operating by instinct, and relying upon emotion and muscular reflexes instead of knowledge and reason; (3) trainers more correctly recognizing subtle (barely visible) differences; and (4) drivers behaving as examiners (leaders) rather than sheep in traffic cohorts.  It was years later, as I was being trained to trade currencies, options and stocks (equities) through U. S. and foreign exchanges, that the embarrassments from the driving school began to appear as true life lessons:  Traders are cautioned that every loss and every mistake is to be recognized as a benefit, “due diligence,” and a “paid for” lesson that must be used for change and improvement.  Thus, I realized this morning, had I been thinking correctly, I would have accepted that I was no longer one of those (who assume they know their rights and responsibilities, and do not); I was like one “born again,” and I had become one of these (who continually practice the things given as law and wisdom).  I had entered a contract as one who protects the city, not one who presumes upon it, or who seeks to escape detection by hiding as an anonymous person within the various crowds to be found there.  I should have flunked that student, ignored her weeping and her tears, and even taken away her learner’s permit, rather than allow her on the road again to endanger others.  My compassion and authority were not to be that of her chum, her friend, or her defender as she insisted upon error.  In that situation, I was to be a judge on behalf of the community-at-large, deny her the right to put others at risk (by her relying on chance, luck, and false hope), and lawfully disallow her the fantasy (of knowing there is a right way, yet refusing to learn it, and do it) whereby she further endangered herself.  Consider again the accountability and complicity of the watchman (Ezekiel 33:  8-9, KJV).  Also, see Leviticus 19:  15, Proverbs 31:  8-9, John 7:  24, 1st Corinthians 6:  2-3 and Revelation 19:  11, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  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.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:  for sin is the transgression of the law.  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.  Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not:  whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.  Little children, let no man deceive you:  he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  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.  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.  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.  (1st John 3:  1-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014); What Salvation Is (01/25/2014); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013); The Price of Humanity? (12/13/2012); Remembering the Holocaust? (12/14/2012); The Meek Will Inherit (10/16/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012)


“Stewie”, here are a few points many Christian believers have found useful when considering our present human condition, and why it does not accomplish divine intent:

(1.)  Only GOD is immortal.  Mankind has never been immortal, yet, was made to be an eternal companion of divinity.  Through multiple operations of sin, mankind has become unfit.  Aspects of the full divine substance imparted as the breath of life can be blocked, defiled, and its power diminished.  Sin is nonmaterial as well as non-spirit; is no substance emanated from GOD; is no entity that can think and act on its own; and can not influence sovereign will or the inseparable aspects of divine person (such as faith, holiness, righteousness, truth, wisdom).  Nonetheless, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  Sin was first discovered among the angels of heaven (who are neither mortal nor immortal), and fostered opposition to continued existence of divine law, of the Law Giver, and of all Creation.

(2.)  Mankind was designed to gradually grow, learn and unfold as a being over time.  Death and mortality are more to be understood as corrections to extend time and maintain life than punishments to destroy life.  As provisions of the law prior to any transgression, these conditions for existence and life went into effect to favor Creation, and to operate as aspects of the full revelation of GOD through judgment.  Redemption, repentance, salvation, and sanctification also were added for the benefit of all.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (3.)  Adam and Eve did not have a written code of law such as was presented to Moses and those who entered covenant with the tribes of Jacob.  The pair were not required to operate on the basis of their knowledge of sacred law through intellect and logic, so much as to demand from within themselves more of the contact and relationship with GOD that they were already experiencing and receiving.  Thus, the basis for right relationship with GOD, and the divine operations to complete the transformation to establish mankind as immortal, incorruptible, and sinless emphasize “new birth” wherein divinity is imparted to indwell those who willingly accept the provision of GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.  And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.  (1st John 3:  23-24, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC