(01/13/2020) The Meat That Perishes

Today, reply is on why Christians no longer observe dietary and other prohibitions that are recorded in the Old Testament. The covenant of Moses (we also say, the law) was provided as a “perpetual” covenant. Even so, GOD promised Israel that a new covenant would be made extending to the Gentiles, and to all mankind. While the demands of divine law and eternal purpose remain unchanged, how the living acknowledge, express and fulfill the law is now different. Mature Christian believers acknowledge the fulfillment of the divine promise for new covenant by the life, ministry, death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension into heaven of Jesus Christ along with men on the earth receiving the Holy Spirit. Where Jesus taught that man lives not by bread alone, rather, by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD, he also was declaring that life as a spirit process must come into view, not a carnal, material process such as eating and drinking. The word from divinity is to be understood as an appearance of the person and substance of GOD. By his word, GOD is active and present in the form of breath, life essence, speech and spirit. It is written: John 6: 47-54, King James Version (KJV): 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. Acts 15: 28-29, KJV: 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

Why do Christians drink alcohol and eat pork when it's prohibited in the old testament?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (John 6: 26-29, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Place to Start (12/23/2019); Not By Bread Only (02/22/2019); Fed From The Altar? (06/19/2017); GOD’s Peculiar People (12/11/2016); Rebuked, And Not Baptized? (10/22/2015); Pork, A Stumblingblock? (03/06/2015); Salvation is Conditional? (01/30/2014); Lower-case or Capital? (01/31/2014)

“Anonymous”, there are those who argue that Jesus was a vegetarian, yet, mature Christian believers trust that Jesus regularly ate the lamb of Passover, and would have shared portions from such family sacrifices as calves and bullocks offered in thanksgiving. Many Christian believers, today, trust that the ancient dietary laws and Judaic ordinances (e.g., circumcision; observance of feasts and festivals; performing ritual washings to remove uncleanness; prohibitions against entering the home of a Gentile) that challenged the early church have been satisfied through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, and outpourings of the Holy Spirit. In addition to the multiple streams of truth that release the followers of Jesus from pursuing justification by obeying the “letter” of the law, the doctrine of Jesus is that men are to manifest and make visible righteousness, and the spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD that resides within all sacred law. A gathering of the apostles was held in Jerusalem to resolve the rifts and quarrels that began to appear over Gentile believers being required to behave as Jews, and over believers sharing food with their family and close friends that had been offered to idols. The outcome was four principles to be observed among both Gentile and Jewish believers. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible along with a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Ecclesiastes 3: 9-13, King James Version (KJV): 9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? 10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. 11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. 13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 10: 31, KJV: 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

(3.) Acts 15: 18-20, KJV: 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

(4.) Colossians 2: 16-23, KJV: 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

(5.) Romans 8: 1-9, KJV: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG9T8UmN6VY.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/11/2016) GOD's Peculiar People

 

Today, topics include access to divinity, acceptable animals for food and worship, and prohibitions against eating pork.   What began as the specific provisions to nourish life upon the earth would be reconfigured to serve as a mechanism to repair the relationship of oneness without sameness between the Creator and the created.  Inseparable aspects of the spirit content within the full GODhead would be imparted to indwell and transform mankind such as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, love, purity, and truth.  Confirmed believers are to maintain themselves as fit and ready to receive, now, the emblems of bread and wine that transmit the sacred blood and body of Jesus Christ, and, later, to receive the Savior at his appearing (we say, the Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  The writer at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia) using the ID “William” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since November 08, 2016) posted the following:

 

Can gentiles eat pork? but its only forbidden for Jews and musslims?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.  But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself:  the LORD will hear when I call unto him.  Stand in awe, and sin not:  commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.  Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.  (Psalms 4:  2-5, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Material Things in Heaven? (11/10/2016); Become Like Jesus Christ? (10/27/2016); More Than Food and Drink? (04/12/2016); Pork, A Stumblingblock? (03/06/2015); To Drink Holy Blood? (02/16/2015); Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013); The Dead in Christ? (11/18/2013)

 

“William”, it has been found that worms may be transmitted through pork as food, through the bare feet, through the eyes, and in other ways that are epidemic.  Even so, mature Christian believers generally hold that the Bible disciplines, laws, and teachings on diets and food have all been established in new light through the ministry of Jesus Christ:  The spirit content of a person must become recognizable as an appearance of inseparable substance from GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, wrath against sin).  At Creation, all living were to be nourished through the soil by grains, herbs, plants, seeds, and the fruit from trees.  Following the sin of the first pair, Adam, a divine curse was placed upon the ground in order to benefit mankind.  Later, when Noah entered the ark, he did so as a priest (one anointed to make offerings to GOD, such as praise, prayer, atoning blood), a prophet or spokesperson of GOD, and a vessel to preserve divine law, not merely as a fugitive from the flood.  Two classes of animals were identified, those that could be brought to the altar as offerings and sacrifices (the clean, fit) and those that should never be used in sacred service (the unclean, unfit).  After the flood, the eating of animals was permitted, as was the lawful killing of those who would murder.  Men would also be separated for service on the basis of their fitness and purity; and through the covenant of Moses, a detailed tradition of Levitical law would emerge on maintaining ones fitness and readiness for sacred service.  Even such things were addressed as correctly recognizing leprosy infections, the menstrual cycle of women, nocturnal emissions (wet dreams) among men, differences for restoring women to the congregation following the birth of female and male children, and quarantine for those displaying discharge, mucus, and pus from sexually transmitted diseases.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 14:  1-7, King James Version (KJV):  1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God:  ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.  2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.  3 Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.  4 These are the beasts which ye shall eat:  the ox, the sheep, and the goat,  5 The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois.  6 And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that ye shall eat.  7 Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney:  for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you.

(2.)  1st Peter 2:  6-10, KJV:  6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:  and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious:  but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient:  whereunto also they were appointed.  9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;  10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:  which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, 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

(05/28/2015) Death, Forgiveness, Sin and Spirit?

Today, points are shared fitting together the ideas of death, divinity, forgiveness, sin, and spirit.  Meat, rather than the “sincere milk of the word,” is presented to provide a more developed perspective on now familiar ideas.  Benefit, duration, and quality are added to life through intimate relationship that supplies such elements as acceptance, hope, humility, forgiveness, gratitude, joy, resilience, unselfish giving, sacrifice, truth, and wisdom.  Divine law does not destroy sin, yet, through sacred law sin is exposed and made an object in consciousness that may be overcome through operations of the imparted, indwelling Spirit received in baptism.  Where life may be depicted as movement that results from unwanted change and inconsistency (directing all that exists toward recovery of balance, completeness, order, peace, perfection, stability, and unity); sin must be depicted as chaotic and random motion directed to confusion, emptiness, non-existence, perpetual ruin, and the unfruitful stillness that is death.  Divinity continues to value the Creation of heaven and earth that has been put forth as an expression of exalted being, eminence, grace, and sovereignty.  Therefore, provisions have been established that see death undone through resurrection; and sin may be “undone” through salvation, rebirth, and renewed godliness.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Hashim” (Level 2 with 560 points, a member since May 12, 2015) posted the following:

Why do Christians believe God needs to die to Forgive our Sins...?
Is sin more powerful than a God's life,?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  (For until the law sin was in the world:  but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift:  for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.  For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 5:  13-21, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Saved by His Death? (05/13/2015); Getting It Right About Angels (05/10/2015); How Can One Man Die? (02/09/2015); When Is A Law The LAW? (03/25/2014); Saul of Tarsus (03/26/2014); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013)

“Hashim”, to correctly understand the character, nature, and processes of divinity, a person must carefully assign value to (we say, judge) many profound themes and transcendent truths that describe multiple subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning and value) of life experience.  In general, our finite tools for managing emotion and intellect (e.g., logic, mathematics, philosophy, science) are not sufficient to immediately apprehend the full range of ideas that clarify the meaning of “spirit”, and that maintain the peculiar awareness, consciousness and knowledge generated by spirit as an active power.  There are more points to consider than I may list here, however, the following should be useful for your further study:

(1.)  GOD is a spirit—not a mere abstract idea—who displays recognizable attributes (e.g., active presence, authority, glory, holiness, immortality, immutability, person, purpose, purity, wisdom, wrath against sin) that allow divinity to interact within relationships among created beings and living creatures.

(2.)  The framework of time and space present life as temporal—experienced as disconnected, discreet episodes, events and occurrences.  For the living, lasting significance and eternal value must be established using a different framework.  Therefore, life experience also includes birth, death, loss, maturation, rebirth, sacrifice, sharing, and suffering.

(3.)  Sin is no material thing having measurable dimensions (e.g., depth, height, length, weight); is no living thing; does not express love or show preference; and contains no spirit substance from divinity.  Even so, sin has direction, effect, and presence; and may dominate awareness and self-will (we say, will power) within created beings and living creatures.  The operations of sin appear as natural and normal aspects of ones inner being, therefore, they are not recognized as contrary to ones nature, foreign, and strange until damage and loss become undeniable.  While sin opposes the continued existence of divine law and does not obey the divine will, sin can not control, influence or manipulate divine will.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (4.)  Sin may not be simply eliminated or removed from the earth without catastrophe, devastation, and upheaval throughout the entire universe.  Sin threatens the destruction of things unknown and unshared among men, and angels that can never be replaced.  Through the ministry of GOD appearing in the flesh as Jesus Christ (we say, the Incarnation), the sacred essence conveyed through the mechanism of blood is applied for atonement, redemption, and salvation.  Included are such aspects of spirit as breath, comfort, promise, prophecy, the spark of life, truth, will and word.  The living may receive fresh deposits from the makeup of Deity that allow them to recognize, reject and resist sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/06/2015) What Is Life?

Today, some points are shared on what it means to have life, and what it means to have the Son of GOD.  Life for the human body is maintained through mechanical activity, movement, and processes of material consumption and growth such as circulation, elimination and respiration.  Life for the mind requires continuous cycles of activity and rest that include formulating expression for such elements as emotion, imagination, fantasy, intuition, recall, reflection, and thought. In a similar way, life for ones spirit requires uninterrupted sacred process such as confession, forgiveness, praise, repentance, speaking truth, study of the holy writings, and unselfish service to GOD. Through the ministry of Jesus Christ as Son of the Highest, believers receive new relationship to the Creator, and enter into the process of life for divinity and those receiving the Savior’s eternal spirit.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Ruth” (Level 7 with 92,575 points, a member since December 04, 2010) posted the following:


He who as the Son as life, the bible says this, so they have life now, right?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned:  but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.  (John 3:  16-21, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Purpose? (01/08/2015); An Eternal and Permanent Solution? (12/15/2014); Joined To Christ Through Faith (12/05/2014); Eternal Life By Means of Carnal Death? (11/28/2014); Eternal Life By Means of Carnal Death? (11/27/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); A Sleep and a Second Death (09/16/2014); So We Could Have Life? (12/09/2013); Can Someone Be Happy? (12/10/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013)


“Ruth”, the Gospel According to John, Chapter 20, closes with the following words:  And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:  But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.  Here are a few points—that are meat, not milk—intended for those who believe that may clarify the word from GOD made Incarnate:

(1.)  Because those who are saved are being embraced by GOD, who is spirit and who is using a process that is eternal, every aspect of how believers are to experience and understand existence is being changed and transformed.  Believers are still upon the earth, and must deal with features of others and themselves that are carnal, material, physical and social.  However, their awareness and inner spirit content, that determine and govern operations of self-will within created beings and living creatures, have been permanently altered.

(2.)  Understood as spirit substance from the makeup of divinity, life is the exchange, interaction and movement among inseparable spirit matter such as faith, forgiveness, holiness, love, person, possibility, presence, purpose, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Only those having a fresh endowment of the spirit essence imparted from GOD to Adam (we say, breath of life; the Holy Spirit; the Word), will appear as the offspring and vessels of divinity.

(3.)  In the same way cadavers (dead bodies) and rocks exist, yet are lifeless, created beings and living creatures may continue and endure, yet, contain and display no aspect of divinely begun change.  Holy angels, who are not mortal, are not immortal, and may continue only by divine grace and sovereign prerogative.  Similarly, the aspects of life revealed through the person of Jesus as an intimate relationship with Deity, are now available to mankind only by divine grace and sovereign will.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  As a spiritual condition and relationship to Deity, eternal life has already begun for those who are born again through baptism, and may be spoken of as “growing again,” and coming to maturity.  Through continuing sacred operations such as atonement, forbearance, judgment, rebirth, resurrection, and sanctification believers are to become perfect, made immortal and incorruptible.  These have eternal life now through unbreakable covenant, promise, and prophecy; and are those who will be received by Jesus at his coming to share as eternal life companions.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/16/2014) The Covenant of Noah?

The change to eating flesh and other conditions for mankind upon the earth following the fall and the flood are considered today.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers Canada” using the ID “Gisher John” (Level 3 with 1,548 points a member since September 02, 2008) posted the following:


In The Bible, when did people start eating meat? In the time of Adam and Eve, it was only fruits and veggies correct?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.  And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.  Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.  But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.  And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.  Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed:  for in the image of God made he man.  And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.  And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying,  And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;  And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth.  (Genesis 9:  1-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sin and the Great Flood (11/03/2014); Remembering Lot’s Wife? (11/04/2014); Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013); The Dead in Christ? (11/18/2013); Animals Do Not Sin? (09/29/2013); GOD is Acknowledging (09/30/2013); Destroyed in Noah’s Flood? (04/28/2013); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Why Blood? (04/13/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013)


“Gisher John”, here are a few points based upon the Scriptures that have been helpful for many Christian believers:

(1.)  Before the disobedience of Adam (we say, the fall), the makeup and substance of all created beings and living creatures upon the earth was to be maintained through the eating of “every green herb for meat” (we say, vegetables for food).  Eating fruit from certain of the trees had been forbidden, and death was introduced as a consequence for behavior contrary to the law (i.e., the expressed will of GOD).  The Lord came to the Garden, seeking fallen man.

(2.)  Through their error, the Garden of Eden was no longer an acceptable setting for the pair; and life experience and process for the entire earth would have to be changed, not so much as punishment as “for man’s sake” (instruction, preparation, survival, transformation).  Priesthood was established upon the earth to maintain atonement for sin.

(3.)  Longevity for the patriarchs (hereditary and spiritual heads of families) was not merely based upon their diet.  The earth was not yet defiled and polluted as we find in the present-day.  Adam (930 years), Seth (912 years), Enosh (905 years) and others served as an unbroken line of oral historians, priests (those authorized to offer blood sacrifice) living witnesses and spokespersons (we say, prophets) continuing relationship with divinity.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Following the flood that was to purge (we say, clean both inside and out) the earth that was in ruin through sin, GOD established a new covenant for Creation with Noah and his family.  The conditions and terms for mankind would continue divine law and eternal purpose, and establish penalties against those who kill.  The use of animals for food would be allowed; and men would be required to shed blood to execute divine judgment.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/16/2014) Son of Adam and of GOD?

GOD incarnate within Adam and Jesus Christ are topic, today.  Also, there is more on the aspects of divinity.  The “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using ID “fred” (Level 2 with 759 points, a member since December 06, 2013) posted the following:



If Adam was the Son of God - being wholly from God. But Jesus, by contrast, had God only as his father...? 

and, Mary, a mortal woman as his mother.

Question: How can Adam be regarded as the Son of God, but not God himself; whereas Jesus, also regarded as the Son of God, becomes God?

And Jesus is is only the offspring of God and a moral woman - surely a demigod at best?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Aspects of Divinity? (06/15/2014)—(5.)  There are many “common sense” ways of expressing the appropriateness of divinity being spoken of as GOD, as Jesus Christ, and as the Holy Spirit (the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Included is the idea that a toolbox belonging to a skilled and experienced worker will have more than a pair of pliers or a single screwdriver to address the many different tasks he is challenged to undertake.  Similarly, his closet should contain more than simply overalls and work clothes.  There should be something for casual occasions as well as Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes, and a tuxedo for “glory” and putting on the Ritz.  GOD is immutable and unchanging, yet uses finite frameworks such as time and space.  Unseen functions and operations demanded for continued divine existence and revelation determine the aspects and processes of GOD necessary as awareness and knowledge in created beings and living creatures.  Divine works such as creation, atonement, forgiveness, intimate relationship through prayer, longsuffering, rebirth, reconciliation, repentance, judgment, sanctification, and resurrection all may require elements described through diversity, form, substance and utility.  Even so, the existence of GOD is not dependent upon the completion or performance of these divine actions.  Saying this another way:  It is not that the continued existence of divinity is dependent upon sacred events and divine works; it is that the existence of created beings and living creatures is dependent upon the continued works of divinity.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  (For until the law sin was in the world:  but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift.  For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift:  for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.  For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 5:  12-21, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Immortality (02/08/2014); The Male, the Female, and GOD (02/09/2014); Destroying the Resurrected Body? (02/10/2014); Son of Man (11/28/2012); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013); Given the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); Begotten not Made (09/08/2012); About False Witness (09/09/2012)


“fred”, I can’t give you the “benefit of the doubt” (since I have no doubt), I can only give you the benefit of my belief.  Trusting you already have learned much from the answers you are being given to the many good questions you have posed (you are no longer a “baby” and are ready for meat instead of milk; and you are capable of understanding what I am about to share), I ask you to consider a few strong points that challenge Christian believers:

(1.)  Just as the GODhead is a distinct existence made up of multiple person appearing by spirit and flesh, Adam is a single being in flesh made up of multiple person displayed as male and female.  Adam may be spoken of as an incarnation, or vessel containing spirit content from GOD, yet, is not an aspect of divinity.  Like angels, animals, and “sacred beasts” in heaven (or chickens, ducks and horses), other living creatures have deposits of divinity also.  However, intended as a unique companion to the Almighty, Adam (i.e., mankind), is to continue with GOD eternally.  Corruption and death first introduced by sin among the holy angels later disqualified Adam for enduring directly within the divine presence without permanent changes and transformation.

(2.)  Through Christ (some say, Messiah), eternal purposes interrupted in Adam are addressed, continued and completed.  Included are such features of sacred relationship as forgiveness, governance, guidance, inheritance, intimacy, reconciliation, sanctification, and trust.  Adam is spoken of as an offspring of GOD, yet it is incorrect to apply the framework of family as it exists today upon the first pair.  This includes the discussion of marriage, parenting, reproduction, and sexuality, that were all divine and not yet human purposes.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  For example, (3.)  Jesus Christ is acknowledged as GOD using flesh to appear in the earth among mankind, and has been sent to further prepare humanity for participation in eternal life.  This speaks to the extreme measures required to eliminate sin from both heaven and earth without the complete destruction of divine order throughout the universe of GOD.  Christ must be an heir to Adam, and, while in the earth realm, must operate within the boundaries established for mankind.  Returning to heaven, Christ must continue as an advocate and mediator for mankind; and so continues incarnate.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/01/2014) The Bread of GOD

Today, expressions used in the Scriptures, and the “content” of GOD are topics.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Inside The Machine” (Level 1 with 121 points, a member since February 27, 2014) posted the following:


What does the "bread of God" really mean?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you:  for him hath God the Father sealed.  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.  They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?  Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.  Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life:  he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.  But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.  All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.  For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.  (John 6:  27-38, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  All Flesh is Grass? (10/29/2013); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21/2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); “Soul” Food? (12/06/2012); Holiday Displays? (12/07/2012)


“Inside The Machine”, here are a few points to also consider that help to clarify the expression “bread of God” for those sharing Christian beliefs:

(1.)  Often, where the word “of” appears in English presentations of the holy writings, readers may substitute the word “from”.  Examples are seen with “word of God” being “word from God”, “spirit of God” being “spirit from God”, “truth of God” being “truth from God,” as well as “son of God” being “son from God.”

(2.)  Angels, prophets, and witnesses (we say, apostles) of GOD are understood as “sent of God.”  They are agents and spokespersons commissioned by, sanctified (i.e., cleansed and set apart for service), and sent “from” GOD.

(3.)  The “bread from God” is provided to nourish life in created beings and living creatures, where “life” is the same spirit content within the makeup of divinity.  Through the ministries of Jesus Christ upon the earth and from the place of divine presence (we say, heaven) mankind is now able to receive a fresh endowment of life essence (we say, an imparted Spirit from GOD that is to abide, indwell and permanently remain within the believer).

(4.)  The “content” or makeup of GOD can be spoken of as various inseparable aspects (where you find one, you find them all) that we tend to think of separately as divine substance.  Included are faith, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, love, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (5.)  We speak of bread and wine as emblems (badges of authority, and instruments) of life process for those undergoing change within their own nature that is carried out through the divine nature.  A believer’s awareness and self-will are further focused, purified, reinforced and enabled to respond to divine will, eternal purpose, and sacred revelation.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and for ever.  Amen.  (2nd Peter 3:  17-18, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC