(05/29/2020) The Ones Called "Sheep"

Today, reply is on the character and properties among sheep that promote their use by divinity to provide atonement for sin, to further communication and covenant relationship for created beings and living creatures on the earth, and to fulfill revelation to mankind. Sheep often are used to depict and represent an ideal pastoral condition within the church of Jesus Christ. As creatures that stay together in small family groups, yet also are communal for their survival, sheep may be gathered in large groups without conflict, competition, defying authority, rebellion, and violence against one another. Christ who is head of the church is also the lamb of GOD who takes away the sin of the world. Mankind has existence and life within both the Creation and the Creator. The kinship of mankind to divinity first appears and is manifest through divine content, sacred law, mystery, prophecy, spirit process, and other sacred elements that can reside within human consciousness and self-will. Those who become born again are to exist on the earth displaying the image of GOD, and demonstrating divine guidance, sacred knowledge, resurrection life, and their own fresh endowment of inseparable spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD. Included are balance, commitment, faith, holiness, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The sacrifice provided by divinity on behalf of mankind includes sacred blood and substance for atonement, propitiation, and reconciliation. It is written: Psalms 100: 3, King James Version (KJV): 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. The fighter who uses the ID “Alex” (Level 3 with 1,120 points) in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality posted the following:

Why are "most" religious people such sheep? And if Jesus talks about peace why do these hypocrites feel the need to bash other people?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17: 29-31, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); TWO Kinds of People? (02/21/2020); Do Animals Have “Souls”? (01/19/2020); Fully Communicating Human Potential? (09/30/2019); Divine Spirit Within Animals? (09/05/2019); To Be Jesus’ Sheep (06/10/2019); My Sheep Hear My Voice (11/16/2016)

“Alex”, the ones you call “sheep” exist as those who are in personal relationship with the Creator through obedience, reverence, and trust. The sheep patiently and quietly respond to such elements as authority, grace, sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Because divinity is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible, the process and substance of GOD first were made known to mankind using finite figures and operations that have meaning and value at the level of human consciousness and self-will. Where there has been spiritual growth and maturity, divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) may be discerned through fresh endowments of the life essence imparted at Creation to mankind from the makeup of GOD and that are now available through the ministries of Jesus Christ. Inseparable aspects of what/who we know as GOD are being bestowed on mankind that include balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Such divine operations must appear as atonement, edification, judgment, prophecy, redemption, revelation, salvation, and unselfish service. The transgression of sacred law committed by the first pair (i.e., the fall of Adam) disrupted divine order and continuing existence on multiple levels throughout the universe. In the same way sleep (death) was used to preserve the male when his rib was removed to create the female, divinity has been using the death, the blood of Jesus Christ, and his resurrection from the dead to further fashion the character, nature and quality of mankind. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Ezekiel 34: 11-17, King James Version (KJV): 11 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment. 17 And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.

(2.) Ezekiel 34: 30-31, KJV: 30 Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD. 31 And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.

(3.) John 10: 7-17, KJV: 7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMd4o8HoH10&list=FLD-fEmPQDdXFIv9qj8rBJVA&index=12&t=0s.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:00 AM, May 29, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/cf/e2/2a/cfe22a0ae04f5542fc5efd212a324691.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/23/2017) Who Deserves Divine Love?

THE SECOND COMING

Today, three Bible passages are shared that address questions on receiving grace and having merit with GOD.  The divine commandment is that we honor both father and mother.  Few mature Christians are likely to express judgment against their own parents, or call for favor from GOD to be granted one of their parents that would generate division, divorce, and their separation.  Criticizing, condemning, and coming between ones own parents are accounted as arrogant, hateful, malicious, presumptuous, unloving, and unrighteous.  Were a son or daughter to make a request of Jesus on behalf of their parents like that made for James and John, the sons of Zebedee, the Risen Lord might well respond in a similar way.  [It is written:  Matthew 20:  20-24, King James Version (KJV):  20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.  21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.  22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.  23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with:  but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.  24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.]  Correctly understood, proper merit and worthiness for the things of divinity exist only among the persons within the GODhead where there is oneness without sameness that appears through mutual acceptance, complementary accomplishments, combined authority, one-of-a-kind commitment and faithfulness, specific eternal purposes, miracles and one-time events, and unified displays of divine worth.  Examples are seen in such sacred operations as atonement, propitiation, revelation, forgiveness, judgment, Incarnation, resurrection, sacrifice, sanctification, and suffering.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:


If you could choose, but only could choose one. Who would you say deserves heaven; your father or your mother?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:  thou delightest not in burnt offering.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:  a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.  (Psalms 51:  16-17, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Forgiveness, Grace and Merit (06/22/2017); Held Accountable by GOD? (03/31/2017); ...Because GOD Loves You (03/05/2017); On Accepting Divine Judgment (02/26/2017); Saying “GOD is Love” (12/18/2016); Choice, Duty, and Obligation? (11/17/2016); Judgment Focused On Content? (08/30/2016); Asking For Answers From GOD? (05/21/2015); Approaching Mothers Day (05/07/2015); A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013)


“Anonymous”, there is a whole group of questions similar to this one of yours that all must be answered pretty much the same way.  Included are:  Who deserves to be created?  Who deserves to be healed?  Who deserves to be forgiven?  Who deserves to be loved by GOD?  Who deserves to be saved from hellfire?  Who deserves a great life and happiness from GOD (i.e., a fine-looking spouse, wealth, a big house, nice car, fun job, etc.)?  In a sense, the choice is easy because it is made by the law and not on the basis of emotion, feelings, and kinship.  Even so, mature Christian believers would all be likely to answer these questions with statements from the holy writings that speak to the awesomeness, grace, ownership, divine prerogative, eternal purposes, righteousness in judgment, sovereign will, and love of GOD.  There is no single, short, sweet answer, yet, there are lessons and points of truth that will nourish.  Consider again the following three passages:

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

(2.)  1st John 4:  7-11, KJV:  7 Beloved, let us love one another:  for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

(3.)  Isaiah 57:  15-21, KJV:  15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.  16 For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth:  for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.  17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him:  I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.  18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him:  I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.  19 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.  20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.  21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

Of course, there is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/27/2015) Cain and Genealogy?

Points are shared, today, on inheritance, spiritual adoption, and the absence of Cain from genealogies of the Bible.  Nji Franclin Azong who participates with me in THE BIBLE STUDY GROUP (a Public Group on Facebook presently having 21,347 members), invited discussion by sharing a presentation that included the following on September 30, 2015:


BRETHREN PLEASE I WIAH TO KNOW WHY CAIN, THE FIRST HUMAN TO BE BORN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE GENERATION OF ADAM AND EVE. PLEASE I NEED SOME CLARIFICATION


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.  But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;  Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.  (Titus 3:  3-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); A Curse Removed (12/26/2013); Intercession (12/27/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Why GOD Does Not Tell All (09/11/2013)


Nji Franclin Azong, as I understand it, the different genealogies that appear in the Bible do not name all the members of any family, and center upon naming those in the line of heirs having sacred inheritance (we say, anointing, covenant, priesthood).  The Bible provides a divine perspective by showing thousands of events using thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.  The proclamations and promises of GOD are continued through intimate, structured, uninterrupted relationship (e.g., the Patriarchs, Noah who found grace, Abraham the Friend of GOD) as are the outworking of prophecy.   The entire Bible may be regarded as a record of divine deeds to reveal and make divinity known to created beings and living creatures.  Divine operations must go forth whereby the living apprehend Deity through the sacred matter they contain that was imparted at Creation, or received as a fresh endowment through baptism/rebirth.  Included are aspects from the character and nature of Divine Person such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  In the same way Jacob adopted the sons of Joseph and established a new basis for reckoning inheritance, adoption through the Holy Spirit is now available by the ministries of Jesus Christ, and the offspring of GOD are no longer identified by birth order, blood lines, records for ownership of property, or the tracing of carnal and material kinship.  Here are a few points from the Scriptures that have been helpful when viewing the genealogies:

(1.)  1st Chronicles 5:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but forasmuch as he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel:  and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.  2 For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph’s:)  3 The sons, I say, of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

(2.)  John 1:  11-13, KJV:  11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  12 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:  13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

(3.)  Romans 8:  13-15, KJV:  13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:  but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st John 3:  1-3, KJV:  1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:  therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.  2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC