(11/11/2019) To Learn From GOD

From James Tissot, a depiction of Mary learning at the feet of Jesus.

Today, reply is on learning about the Greek philosopher Plato, and learning about what GOD has revealed and spoken concerning divinity. Secular knowledge and wisdom are expressions by created beings and living creatures that focus on such features as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual contact), sensation, (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mind (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall). Human philosophy and science attempt to describe material objects, life experience, and the physical world using finite, man-made tools for measurement and sharing information. Intellect, logic, and carnal reason are not sufficient to completely and correctly explain such elements as the origin, process, and substance for existence, life, and divine fullness that include faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: Isaiah 55: 7-11, King James Version (KJV): 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) in the public forum on Religion and Spirituality posted the following:

Does God think that he is a mathematician?

                   Biologists think they are biochemists,
                   Biochemists think they are Physical Chemists,
                   Physical Chemists think they are Physicists,
                   Physicists think they are Gods,
                   And God thinks he is a Mathematician.
                                          -Plato

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3: 13-18, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Focus On Things Revealed (09/12/2019); The Existence of “Goodness”? (12/06/2018); Divine Knowledge And Wisdom (06/24/2018); Idolatry -- Exalting Human Devices? (09/21/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); Abstractions, Atheism and I.Q. (08/18/2016); Was Jesus Literate? (10/04/2013); Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013)

“Anonymous”, to learn of Plato, one may consult brittanica.com that reports, “Plato, (born 428/427 bce, Athens, Greece—died 348/347, Athens), ancient Greek philosopher, student of Socrates (c. 470–399 bce), teacher of Aristotle (384–322 bce), and founder of the Academy,”. At stanford.edu, the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy one reads, “Plato (429?–347 B.C.E.) is, by any reckoning, one of the most dazzling writers in the Western literary tradition and one of the most penetrating,”; and .en.wikepedia.org states that “Plato was an Athenian philosopher during the Classical period in Ancient Greece...the Academy founded by Plato was the first institution of higher learning in the Western world.” To learn of divine fullness (Christian believers also may say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) look into the things shared by the ministry of Jesus, be alert to hear GOD himself as he has been recorded in the holy writings. The sacred operations of divinity on behalf of mankind include Creation, judgment, Incarnation, revelation, and salvation. Divinity has appeared on the earth using thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. Men are to learn by sharing with one another their own discoveries, edification, praise, and testimonies that make GOD knowable, approachable, present and visible. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Bishop Walter Hawkins:

1. Exodus 3: 13-15, King James Version (KJV): 13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

2. Exodus 34: 6-8, KJV: 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.

3. Job 38: 1-11, KJV: 1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. 4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? 9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, 10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, 11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

4. Matthew 11: 28-30, KJV: 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

5. John 6: 41-48, KJV: 41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. 42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? 43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH2KvYrzZgA&list=RDUH2KvYrzZgA&start_radio=1&t=130.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded at 6:20 PM, November 10, 2019 @ https://4000jesuspictures.com/706-jesus-ministry/martha-mary/j-james-tissot-91.jpg.html

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/20/2017) An Act of GOD?

The Crucifixion by Tintoretto, 1565

Today, reply is on discernment and recognizing events on the earth as actions performed by divinity.  Existence and the life essence (breath, spirit, Word) imparted to the living permit their consciousness and response to actions by unseen divinity.  Thus, created beings and living creatures “know” the active presence who is GOD by his distinctive deeds and ongoing sacred works.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Alan” (Level 1 with 106 points, a member since November 09, 2017) posted the following:


If the chance of an event happening was one in a million, would that convince you it was an act of God?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation:  and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.  Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty:  for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.  Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.  Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.  But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.  For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.  (1st Chronicles 29:  10-15, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Coincidence or Answered Prayer? (11/15/2017); Divine Wrath Against Sin? (10/17/2017); Knowing the Invisible GOD (09/17/2017); Storms to Punish America? (09/08/2017); Growth Is Through Edification (06/20/2017); Putting GOD First? (06/02/2013); Need for A New Holy Spirit? (06/03/2013); Magick and Prayer? (10/29/2012); The Fear of GOD (10/30/2012)


“Alan”, many become spiritually confused because men on the earth as well as angels and devils are being used as instruments to accomplish divine intent.  For Christians, the basis for regarding an occurrence as the “act of GOD” is not how many lives and persons are involved, how often or regularly it appears, the mathematical and statistical probability for the event repeating, or how global and widespread the event may be.  Christian believers are commanded and encouraged to acknowledge that the death of Jesus on the cross is an example of “an act of GOD” as was the Creation of heaven and earth, the forgiveness of the sins and offenses against GOD they have committed as well as sinners becoming “born again” and being received as a new creation (we say, sons and daughters of GOD, and joint heirs with Christ).

Once sinners are reborn through water baptism (death, burial, and resurrection of their inborn spirit) they are to “grow up again” as offspring from divine DNA, so to speak.  Developing believers receive fresh endowments of inseparable sprit content from the makeup of divinity that includes faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  All are to meet the challenges of life and “growing pains” on the earth, and become ripe (mature) for harvest by the Lord at his return (some say, Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).

Developing believers are to be edified (built up) through discovery, gradual growth, fellowship with believers more mature than themselves (e.g., clergy, co-workers, their own parents), through sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge, through observing sacred practices (sacraments) through study of the holy writings as well as by unselfish service through their lifestyle and daily routines (e.g., praise, prayer, worship).

Believers are to become skilled using discernment (i.e., use of ones own spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD as a standard to recognize and respond to the spirit substance within events, other persons, prophetic demonstrations, purposes, etc.)  Acts of GOD are distinct, for they express the heart, mind and sovereign will of GOD, and do not exalt or express the will of mankind, or any other created being and living creature.  Acts of GOD, therefore, will all appear as in accord with divine law and sacred judgment; with eternal purpose; with the proclamations, promises, and prophesies from GOD; with the terms of covenant relationship; and with the revelation of GOD whereby divinity is made knowable, known, accessible and approachable.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  John 1:  11-14, King James Version (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.  14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

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

(3.)  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 examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Colossians 1:  12-22, KJV:  12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: )  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/21/2017) Idolatry -- Exalting Human Devices?

Today, focus is on mathematics as a tool for describing and knowing divinity that can introduce spiritual confusion, and its use be a form of idolatry.  Properly understood, spirit substance is immeasurable.  Because of the many subtleties involved (barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning, quality, and value) human attainments are often thought to be manifestations of divine power.  Included are astronomy, history, medicine, science and technology.  Arithmetic and mathematics are closed number systems that only permit the assignment, quantification, and manipulation of discrete values in accordance with fixed patterns and regularities.  While divinity appears as immortal, immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging, Deity also manifests the highest authority, dominion, divine prerogative, and sovereign will that establish autonomy, independence, and sanctification.  GOD is only predictable on the basis of his own acts of revelation, proclamation, promise, and prophecy; and will always remain mystery in multiple aspects of sacred being.  The  fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (Malaysia)” using the ID “ιℓσνєιѕℓαм يا رب العالمين” (Level 2 with 888 points, a member since July 04, 2017) posted the following:


How is the trinity explained via math?

This is Monotheism: 1 God + 0 others = 1 God.

This is the trinity:
1 Father + 1 Son + 1 Spirit = 1 God.
ie, 1+1+1=1.
Simplified 3 =1

Some people say it's 1x1x1=1.
But that is incorrect because the father/son/holy spirit are not equal.
The son has less power and knowledge than the father, etc. Not equal.
So it would be more like 1.5x1x0.5 =1 which is mathematically not sound.

Your thoughts, Christians?


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.  (1st Corinthians 2:  9-14, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Law and Divine Process (05/28/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); Time Is Not A Deity (11/30/2015); The Correct Prescription? (11/19/2015); No Other gods? (08/14/2015); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013)


“ιℓσνєιѕℓαм يا رب العالمين”, using the finite human measuring tools of arithmetic and mathematics to describe divinity is inappropriate, and borders upon idolatry (attributing celestial authority and power to a man-made object or process).  GOD must be understood as the active presence who has put forth all that exists.  Included are created beings and living creatures as well as their spheres of life and the settings for their activity, duration, and conclusion as a life form.

The full sum of divine substance (i.e., the total makeup of GOD) must be understood as spirit in its character, nature, and substance.  Thus, it is irrelevant and foolish to describe divinity in terms of the measurable dimensions observed for things carnal, material, secular, and social.  We can no more accurately describe GOD using the ideas of amount, size, and weight than we may by using physical senses such as seeing, tasting, and touching with our hands to know roughness, sharpness, and smoothness.

Even so, GOD makes Deity knowable, known, and “approachable” (we say, reveals divinity) using material forms, divine operations, sacred processes, and eternal purposes.  Increasingly, Christian believers are encouraged to apprehend that GOD is a spirit who may appear and exist within events, natural and sacred law, life essence (we also say, breath, word), prophecy, promises, themselves, and throughout the holy writings.  Inseparable aspects of spirit content from the makeup of GOD may be imparted to those who are “born again” such as faith, gratitude, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Such persons also must “grow up again” and become mature as vessels of divine spirit living on the earth.

That there can be oneness without sameness among the persons of the GODhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is properly regarded by mature believers as a “sacred mystery” to be acknowledged, yet, not challenged or questioned; for such a truth is grounded on divine prerogative, imperatives of eternal purpose, sacred law, and sovereign will.  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 29:  29, King James Version (KJV):  29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:  but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 12:  3, KJV:  3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed:  and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/12/2017) Tools For Knowing Divinity

Today, the value of logic and other finite tools for knowing are considered.  The appropriate human tools required to process assumptions, recorded data, observations, propositions, and secular knowledge include intelligence, carnal reason, critical thinking, and recall.  When asked to share sacred knowledge and to impart spirit content to others the appropriate tools to be used by Christian believers include divine law, doctrine, parables, enduring principles, promises, prophecy, proverbs, personal testimony, warnings, and texts from the holy writings.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


Why don't christians use their own logic instead of parroting what their pastors tell them?

I've never met a Christian that can use their own logic to prove that God exists.


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, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Being Too Smart (04/30/2017); How To Know GOD? (12/12/2016); The Best Starting Point? (09/13/2016); Possible For Intelligent People? (02/07/2016); The Correct Prescription? (11/19/2015); Knowing? (05/24/2015); Believers and Evolution? (02/02/2015); GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012)


“Anonymous”, your statement is illogical; do not be surprised that non-Christians and sinners can not think and perform like Christians.  In effect you have shared a flawed syllogism like saying, “All cats are felines.  Lions and tigers are felines.  I’ve never seen a kitten that roars like a tiger.”  In the same way we are to accept ABCDEFG “by definition” and as a fixed pattern in existence that also includes XYZ, sinners and those outside the system of Christian belief first must accept that GOD is an “active presence” who displays person and eternal purpose, and has put forth everything described as being in existence.  Saying this another way, GOD is a breath (life essence, spirit, word), who is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible and must be known on the basis of ones own spirit substance.  The process from mathematics that uses theorems, corollaries, and precise calculations for demonstrating what we call “proofs” can not be transferred to the Social Science of Theology.  Similarly, Aristotelian logic and discursive thought are not the primary tools in the operations for knowing GOD, or for acquiring sacred knowledge. 

To eventually function as mature Christians, the living must experience growth and permanent changes in their awareness and self-will by receiving inseparable spirit content from the makeup of divinity.  Included are faith, holiness, hope, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Faith is made up only of faith, holiness only of holiness, wisdom only of wisdom, etc.  Where one appears all are present, however, not always in the same distribution, measure and proportion (so to speak, “you can’t separate the wet from the water”).  Thus, there is a dynamic of balance, exchange, interaction, movement, and reconfiguration among these aspects of divinity.

Correctly understood, self-promotion is never the objective of a Christian whether sharing in the public forum or in private.  The believer is to display the heart, mind, and spirit of Jesus Christ.  The most correct responses for those sharing Christian belief will center in admonition, doctrine, instruction, ministry, and personal testimony (i.e., eye-witness accounts and verbal statements shared under oath that have weight as evidence in judgment as a full manifesting of the speakers integrity).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Timothy 3:  16-17, King James Version (KJV):  16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

(2.)  2nd Timothy 2:  14-16, KJV:  14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.  15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  16 But shun profane and vain babblings:  for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

(3.)  Psalms 119:  98-101, KJV:  98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies:  for they are ever with me.  99 I have more understanding than all my teachers:  for thy testimonies are my meditation.  100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.  101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

(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.  (For example, (5.)  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/19/2015) The Correct Prescription?

Today, focus is upon the evidence that GOD exists:  baptism, faith, rebirth, trust, and new life.  Many are not healed in their understanding of the things from GOD in Christ because they have not responded to the correct prescription and “medication” provided to them by divinity.  Those who accept the claims of mathematics and science that propose the existence of unseen things (e.g., a point, a line, an atom), do so accepting fixed boundaries, limits and rules for application and understanding.  Meaning and value are assigned and determined within a closed system.  The experience of those who are drawn to GOD through Jesus Christ must be observed and responded to in the same way.  Certainty and conviction as consciousness of divine existence are established only as ongoing aspects of awareness that come by revelation and continuing operations of Deity.  (Similarly, disobedience to sacred law and transgression come by operations of sin upon awareness and self-will within the living.)  Only perceptions and substance generated within the revealed system of sacred knowledge and process can be evidence for the truth of GOD.  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the discussion appearing below:  Hebrews 11:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.  3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.  Also, 2nd Corinthians 4:  17-18, 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.  Luke 10:  23-24, KJV:  23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:  24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.  Romans 5:  1-2, KJV:  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “outonalimb” (Level 4 with 3,818 points, a member since November 12, 2012) posted the following:


Exactly what kind of evidence would convince unbelievers that God exists?

I think I've asked this question before, but it's time to ask it again....


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:  as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.  (Romans 1:  16-23, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Beyond Anything We Imagine? (11/13/2015); The Choice of Knowledge? (10/28/2015); The Evidence GOD Exists? (09/29/2015); Experience Is Not Evidence? (05/05/2013); Church Mandatory? (05/06/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013)


“outonalimb”, how and that we exist is the proof of existence; and there is no “evidence” that can persuade or manipulate the thinking of others enough to make them mature followers of Jesus Christ.  Correctly understood, commitment to Christ is not the result of argument, debate, indoctrination, intellect, logic, philosophy, politics, secular history, or science.  Ones standing as being in right relationship with divinity only comes through divine operations that reformulate a person’s spirit content.  There must be baptism (i.e., death and burial of ones inborn spirit with rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak).

In the same way, we must have the correct prescription before we go to a pharmacy for medication, we must follow the necessary procedures to arrive at godliness and spiritual maturity.  All Christian believers begin in ignorance and holding to multiple errors that must be corrected, yet, only those who actually submit themselves to be permanently changed by GOD become grounded in the sacred knowledge, lifestyle, and practices that demonstrate the condition of having eternal life.  Believers become immersed within a gospel, sacred processes, and divine purposes intended for those who believe and follow the Lord; and, rightly understood, there is nothing for the unbeliever.

The evidence for spiritual things itself must be spiritual.  GOD is a spirit with whom created beings and living creatures communicate, exchange and interact as they apply and contain divine spirit substance within their own makeup.  Those who choose to follow Christ receive a fresh deposit of spirit matter from the makeup of divinity.  Included are inseparable aspects of the Savior’s character such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Those who are “born again” must “grow up again” meeting the same carnal, material, and social life challenges (we say, growing pains) as all others upon the earth.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, Moses was on his way home from work when he saw something that aroused his curiosity.  There was a bush that was burning without giving off smoke, or turning into ashes.  Moses had some ideas about the GOD of his fathers; however, Moses did not stop and go closer because he wanted to pray, or have a religious experience.  He was being drawn by GOD to divinity; and when he heard the voice and word from GOD, Moses first went about to acknowledge the divine presence by prostrating himself.  In effect, it is the same experience for us, today.  Conviction and trust may be ignited during a one-time event, however, new life in Christ is a divine process that continues, and is not interrupted by death.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC