(08/09/2020) He Commanded Our Fathers

Today, reply is on how Jesus Christ has accomplished a saving relationship with those who were not yet conceived, born, or even imagined during his lifetime on the earth. Divinity communicates, exchanges, and interacts with mankind using the broad range of human social associations including family, inheritance, tribe, dynasty, and nation. It is written: John 17: 13-21, King James Version (KJV): 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “sdadsad” (Level 1 with 156 points) posted the following:

How did Jesus die for my sins if I wasn't even born or existed when he was alive?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt? For thy people Israel didst thou make thine own people for ever; and thou, LORD, becamest their God. Therefore now, LORD, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as thou hast said. Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee. For thou, O my God, hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house: therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before thee. And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever. (1^st Chronicles 17: 20-27, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Sons Of GOD? (07/19/2020); They Which Are Called (04/09/2020); Acknowledging Christ as Son (03/08/2020); Aspects Defining Human Life? (03/02/2020); Spirit Process and Substance (02/27/2020); Not Impossible With GOD (01/06/2020); From Purpose and Substance (12/27/2019)

“sdadsad”, here, we have to think and speak in terms of sacred proclamations, promises, prophecy, and the revelation from GOD. While the process of divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) to establish existence and life for mankind has included multiple levels of natural and secular operations that display mechanical patterns and sequences, natural laws, carnal reason, and material substance, the universe is a product of divine self-expression through sacred law, divine order, supreme prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. The frameworks of time and space do not interfere with or limit divine fullness who may appear using human form and life process (we say the Incarnation as Jesus Christ), yet also appears and is manifest as Spirit without fixed form having the capacity of both measureless contraction and expansion. Long before their birth, a fetus becomes a child and a newborn within the understanding of a mother. The child becomes an object of her affection, a focus for her feelings, thoughts and possibilities, an aspect of continuity for her heritage and inheritance, and may even foster her prayers, sanctification, and thanksgivings to GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Psalms 78: 5-8, King James Version (KJV): 5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: 6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: 7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: 8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

(2.) 1^st Chronicles 17: 16-18, KJV: 16 And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? 17 And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant’s house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God. 18 What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant.

(3.) Romans 9: 8-16, KJV: 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. 9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. 10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The Mind of Christ, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5nRwGMFo2s.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:21 PM, August 08, 2020 @ https://dailyverses.net/images/en/niv/xl/john-14-23-2.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/23/2019) Life Exists Before Birth

'Foetuses exposed to garlic in the womb are more likely to prefer garlic in later life.' Photograph: Steve Allen Travel Photography/Alamy (see reference below)

Today, topics include conception, prophecy, the stages of human development, and the divine new creation. For the collection of embryonic cells that will exist as the foundation for a living child, there are many spirit elements and unseen features that are put in place long before the moments of birth. The child becomes a focus for concern, desire, relationship, and self-expression for both parents long before emerging as a new life. Other features and patterns consistent with human life appear including appetite; awareness and self-will; the affection, permanent bond, love, and mutual consciousness of one another between mother and child; inheritance; instinct; personhood; life possibilities such as future accomplishments, hopes (expectations); ability to recognize and respond to signals from the mother for entering the birth canal and leaving the womb as well as participation in patterns of ethnic and cultural expression. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile was shared) posted the following:

Is a fetus alive? Is a fetus a life?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (Luke 2: 21, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacred Ministry or Parenting? (05/10/2018); We Begin Within GOD (02/06/2018); Circumcision of Infant Boys (12/11/2017); Baptism and “the just” (10/05/2017); Choice, Duty, and Obligation? (11/17/2016); Of Such Is The Kingdom (09/01/2015); Babies Given A Second Life? (01/25/2015); About “The Just” (10/29/2014); Antidotes to the Poisons (10/30/2014); Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014)

Anonymous, new babies are joined to continuing streams of life and truth that have preexistence; thus, you may be willing to agree to the following: Developing Christian believers are challenged to acknowledge that life exists within a child and its mother long before the event of the child’s birth. The child is first conceived and appears as tissue being multiplied and reproduced that later presents as a separate organism attached by the umbilical cord to the walls of the mother’s womb. Because stages of growth for a child are described using academic, medical, and scientific language to preserve an attitude of objectivity, new babies tend to be spoken of first as though they are no more than the content of a test tube, a bacterium, a parasite, a specimen or a virus. Despite the detection of a regular heartbeat for the new child, many continue to hold that so long as the child receives food and oxygen from the maternal host through the cord, the child may not be accounted as having been born, as having human integrity, or as having life as an individual.

For mature Christians, divinity is the origin for all existence and life. Included are the character, makeup and traits the living display; potential for animal, human, and divine expression; eternal purpose; and the array of possibilities that exist for created beings and living creatures. In the same way divinity has responded to and made use of the carnal traits and patterns of social inheritance that exist among men, GOD also uses the living as instruments and vessels having fresh endowments of inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, lovingkindness, personhood, oneness without sameness, wisdom, wrath against sin). Rather than rely on finite tools of intelligence, logic, carnal reason and secular knowledge, all believers are encouraged to consider such unchanging truth and instruction as the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Genesis 25: 21-26, King James Version (KJV): 21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. 23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. 24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. 26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

2. Hebrews 11: 8-16, KJV: 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

3. Jeremiah 1: 4-10, KJV: 4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7 But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9 Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. 10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

4. Psalms 131: 1-3, KJV: 1 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. 2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. 3 Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, 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.

Fleming, Amy. How a child’s food preferences begin in the womb. The Guardian (US Edition) Tue 8 Apr 2014 06.20 EDT @https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2014/apr/08/child-food-preferences-womb-pregnancy-foetus-taste-flavours. Image downloaded January 22, 2019, 11:54 AM; Photograph: Steve Allen Travel Photography/Alamy @ https://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/4/8/1396950889603/Human-foetus-014.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/21/2018) Ye Are The Branches

Today, reply is on birth and “the fruit of the womb” along with Christ as the true vine, and his followers as his branches.  An important description of divine order among Christian believers says, first, that which is of the earth and natural, then, that which is of heaven and the spirit.  The holy writings use human events and things in the material and natural world along with familiar and plain language to communicate regarding the spirit character, makeup, process and eternal purpose of GOD.  Among the many analogies, figures, object lessons (parables), and types that appear, the created beings and living creatures of Creation are spoken of as plants fixed upon and joined to the earth in the same ways as corn, trees, and wheat.  Life and mankind are depicted as a divine crop growing in the soil of the earth whose fruit is to ripen (become mature), and be harvested at the Advent of Jesus Christ (we also say, his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming).  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “GRANNY NORINE” (Level 1 with 235 points, a member since May 16, 2014) posted the following:


What does John 15:1; 4 mean?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap:  for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.  And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.  (Revelation 14:  14-16, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  I Am The Vine (03/20/2018); Childbearing Pertains to Judgment? (02/23/2018); GOD Appearing As Christ (12/03/2017); Acorns Become Oak Trees? (02/09/2017); Plantings of the Lord (02/10/2017); His Birth Signals Rebirth (01/03/2017); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013); A Tree Falls To The South (07/13/2013)


“GRANNY NORINE”, here are some points you may find useful for a more complete understanding of the language used in these holy writings:

John 15:  1, King James Version (KJV):  1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

John 15:  4, KJV:  4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

1.  Christian believers are to acknowledge that their condition is the same as that for the “fruit of the womb.”  Unborn babies must develop and begin to operate as having life while still within their mother’s womb cushioned, protected, and surrounded by birth fluid (many say, the water).

2.  The fruit in a pumpkin or watermelon patch are connected to the life-giving soil through the tendrils of a soft, thin vine that can not bear or lift its own fruit because of their great size and weight. 

3.  Until its birth, the unborn child (doctors say, the embryo; the fetus) remains in the “patch”.  Their limbs, organs, and tissues must appear; they must begin to process food within their own body, eliminate waste, age, and grow.  They will not take their first breath of air until they are outside the body of the mother. 

4.  Until the child is built up, the major works of carrying blood and air throughout the young body (we say, breathing, respiration) and pumping by the heart (we say, circulation) are done for the child by their host, the mother.  This is possible because they are attached to the mother through a soft, thin “vine” (doctors say, an umbilical cord).

5.  The communication between mother and child also is carried out somewhat through the cord.  Speech and thought by the mother may not be processed within the brain of the fetus, yet, nerve tissue data sets, impressions, and processing patterns within the mother can be transferred to the child.

6.  By the signals they exchange, the process of the birth will begin wherein the child moves through the birth canal to leave the mother’s womb.  Birth is accomplished by movements of both the child and the mother that should be in agreement (we say, rhythm).  The one pair are to exist as joined, yet, two independent life forms.  Thus, there is the cutting of the cord, and the separation we call “birth”.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, a “husbandman” is a farmer and the owner of a property; one who is joined (married?) as a caretaker and worker to land that may produce crops and fruits.  “To abide” is to indwell; to be at home; use as ones place of residence.  Where repentant sinners become joined to the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), through Jesus Christ they are accounted as the new creation by having become joined to his death, burial, and resurrection from the dead.  Christ is called the early harvest and “firstfruit” from the dead.  He is the “true vine,” for his fruit is salvation and eternal life.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/27/2016) The Birth of Jesus

A RUSSIAN BLACK MADONNA

Today, the divine process in a mother’s acceptance of her unborn child is considered along with that for expecting Christ to return.  Commitment, exclusive devotion, natural affection, and fruitful fellowship with divinity are always by the living presence and process of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD.  Included are comfort, edification, instruction, praise, proclamation, and promise.  The Incarnation of Christ upon the earth was not simply a discrete act to accomplish the appearance of divinity in the flesh.  Rather, the Savior’s nativity was to complete and continue multiple divine works that include Creation, judgment, rebirth, revelation, sanctification, and salvation.  Similarly, the Advent (we also say, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming, his appearing) also will advance and accomplish diverse eternal purposes.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Christians is it getting harder to stay devoted to Christianity when the scriptures bring Christ's birth into question?

Like if this important event in the bible is extremely questionable, how can you even think of entertaining the possibility that Christianity is veracious?

Update: @No Chance Without Jesus, we both know Christ was not born in winter during a Roman census.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains:  for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.  But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my LORD hath forgotten me.  Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.  Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.  (Isaiah 49:  13-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Divine Christmas Gifts? (12/26/2016); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); Built Upon the Rock (12/23/2016); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); The Mother of GOD? (12/09/2016); Birth, Self-will and Sin? (11/13/2016); Approaching Mothers Day (05/07/2015)

“Anonymous”, for mature Christian believers, the Scriptures answer the questions among believers, and only the faith imparted as sprit content from the makeup of GOD is justifiable as a standard for examining and acknowledging the holy writings.  The birth of Jesus is to be understood as an aspect of divine revelation and sacred knowledge, rather than simply secular history.  The beginnings of what you want to call “belief” should be thought of as “organic” like the process that results in a mother’s love for her newborn child.  Instead of being from argument, cultural traditions, debate, logic, carnal reason, exhaustive studies, persuasion by family and friends, her acceptance of the coming birth develops from changes that begin to occur within her own flesh, her own consciousness, and her own spirit.  An expectant mother experiences transformations that include all the patterns she relies upon for her emotional, psychological, and social expression.  The child will exist first as herself, then, as a part of herself, then, as a separate being.  Her love gradually becomes inclusive, unconditional, unquestionable, and unshakeable for her own survival and for that of her offspring.  No born-again believers question the reality and truth that Jesus was born in fulfillment of divine prophecy, for, so to speak,  through rebirth and embracing the proclamation of the Second Coming of Christ, believers all experience growth and transformation like that of an expectant mother.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Matthew 22:  29, King James Version (KJV):  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

(2.)  Job 39:  13-17, KJV:  13 Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?  14 Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,  15 And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.  16 She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not her’s:  her labour is in vain without fear;  17 Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.

(3.)  Matthew 1:  17-18, KJV:  17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.  18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:  When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

(4.)  John 1:  11-14, 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.

(5.)  John 5:  24-29, KJV:  24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.  25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God:  and they that hear shall live.  26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;  27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.  28 Marvel not at this:  for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,  29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  2nd Timothy 4:  8, KJV:  8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:  and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/11/2016) Family at The Cross?

Today, the character and nature of family as shown at the cross is in view.  Divine authority, compassion, eternal purpose, and consecrated transactions to repurchase the earth make family an aspect of the new creation and testament in his blood brought into being by Jesus Christ.  The covenants through Abraham and Moses permanently altered continuity, inheritance, and social relationships for those as heads of families, heirs, parents, siblings, spouses, and those having legal authority with privilege to resolve financial and other disputes (we say, kinship redeemers).  The law of Levirate marriage was intended to preserve the economy of Israel whereby ownership of the Promised Land would continue by the eternal word of promise made by GOD to the fathers.  Similarly, the new covenant in Christ establishes family as a body of those united through divine blood, faith, humility, obedience, the righteousness of the law, and imparted spirit content from the makeup of divinity.  There may be oneness without sameness; and equality of accountability and condition does not always mean having the same duty, perfection, and privilege.  Consider again the following Scriptures, and the presentation below:

2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, King James Version (KJV):  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
 
Hebrews 12:  6-10, KJV:  6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:  shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?  10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Ephesians 2:  18-22, KJV:  18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. 

1st Peter 4:  14-17, KJV:  14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:  and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who regularly uses the ID “Anonymous” (no required profile information shared) posted the following.  I would rather not reply to this person, because I don’t believe they will truly respect and value the response I carefully create (O foolish Galatians!).  However, my process is to ask GOD to choose the question before looking to see the profile of its writer.  “Anonymous” repeatedly poses some of the most challenging and important questions within the “Yahoo! Answers” International outreach that impress me as suitable for a sacred writings blog.  While my answers are intended for my readers, here, my responses at Yahoo! still must be as brief, complete, and correct as I can make them:

 

How can we be equal to Jesus? How can we be his mother?

http://bible.com/111/mat.12.48-50.niv He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Atheists please do us a favor and go away. Thanks

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,  Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.  Now there were with us seven brethren:  and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:  Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.  And last of all the woman died also.  Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.  Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.  For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.  But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,  I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.  And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.  (Matthew 22:  23-33, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  By Law and Relationships (04/05/2016); Heirs of The Cross? (04/01/2016); Divine Meanings and Values? (03/31/2016); Strong Families? (11/10/2015); Sin As Our Inheritance? (06/08/2015); Babies Given A Second Life? (01/25/2015); Family and Beliefs of Children? (08/29/2014); Stories Repeated in the Bible? (08/30/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, you seem to have been chosen to pose some of the hard questions that many are puzzled by as they consider Christian belief.  Trusting that answers are continuing to flow to us across time and space through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are reaching to here and now.  There are multiple sacred operations wherein created beings and living creatures are brought into intimate and personal relationship with Deity.  In addition to baptism (i.e., death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), believers become joined to the body of Christ through adoption of the Holy Spirit, anointing, childbearing, commitment (some say, dedication or devotion), holy matrimony, inheritance, ordination, praise, prayer, repentance, sanctification, and worship.  The meaning and process of “family” as used by divinity has altered over the course of time since the first pair, Adam.  Family was a divine (not human) tool for populating the earth, and the finite social values we now emphasize regarding incest were not in place.  Covenant law granted to Moses and those who left Egypt (Gentiles included) was as much to establish correction, guidance, and standards for birthrights, family, and sexual relations as to establish a full functioning geopolitical state (nation).  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, the new and eternal basis for ones standing within the framework of family and divine heritage is the Savior’s blood and Spirit, and is no longer to be ones own birth order, blood, kinship, and sanguinity.  The foundations for family are such grounding as faithfulness, righteousness, spirit content from the makeup of divinity, shared suffering, trust, truth, and unselfishness.  Jesus demonstrated this at the cross when he surrendered his place as the son of Mary to John, and charged him to be dutiful as her son in his place.  Consider how this is stated using language from the Bible in the following verses:

(1.)  Romans 8:  14-17, King James Version (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.

(2.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

(3.)  John 17:  18-23, KJV:  18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.  20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:  23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  John 19:  25-27, KJV:  25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.  26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!  27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/07/2015) Approaching Mothers Day

Points on maternal authority, incarnation, adult independence, and spiritual growth are shared, today.  As we approach the observance of Mothers Day 2015, many mothers and their children are seeking to maintain a peculiar balance in awkward situations where they live having one foot in the Kingdom of GOD, and the other in the world (i.e., the man-made system for human exchange, interaction, and survival).  While a mother’s sacred commitment may be full and wholehearted, her progress to perfection may be marked by contradictions, lapses, omissions, and reversals.  Instead of being seen as caretakers, many are forced by the character and continuing needs of their child to being seen as bullies, fault-finders, hypocrites, megalomaniacs, nags, nitpickers, oppressors, and persecutors.  Just as young people go off to school seeking to acquire the knowledge that will fit them to various professions, they also must have experiences of growth and learning that provide sacred knowledge and the divine revelation that permits relationship with Deity.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Duke” (Level 1 with 39 points, a member since March 15, 2014) posted the following:


My mother. Help?

My mom is Christian. Obsessed with church, everything in her life is all about Jesus. I don't mind, as long as she's happy with her belief, then I'll love her til death. I'll even support the church with donations and such to show her my appreciation for her.
I'm not a Christian; I'm an agnostic. That said, I don't go to church. But she wants me to go to church, and if I don't, then she'll yell at me; scold me for not going; shame me for being a lazy, stupid, worthless little *****. It's all about her feelings, not her children's. Yet I feel like she's the only person that I'm close to and can't lose. I'm a college senior, about to graduate. I want to move out from her, yet she's manipulating and forcefully telling me that I have no other option other than to live under the same roof with the family. Sounds like the worst mom, huh? Well, she's also the best. She is extremely caring as a mother... too caring.. she does my laundry, cooks food for me all the time, cleans my room, clips my nails, tells me what to do and what not to do... holy ****, mom.. I'm a ******* 23-year old adult! Stop treating me like a child.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.  Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.  But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?  And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!  For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.  (Matthew 12:  48-50, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Babies Given A Second Life? (01/25/2015); Partially Baptized? (01/22/2015); Family and Beliefs of Children? (08/29/2014); Stories Repeated in the Bible? (08/30/2014); When Children Embrace Church? (08/18/2014); Condemned by the Church? (08/19/2014); Why the Gospel for Our Children (05/13/2014); Changing Times and Laws? (05/14/2014); Never Taught It? (10/13/2013); Without Pointing A Finger? (10/14/2013); Outgrowing Childhood Prayers? (04/07/2013)


“Duke”, as we approach the annual Mothers Day, stay on guard.  Godly persons, and those who respect or truly care for you, will refuse to criticize, or put down your mother.  Here are some points you might consider that are useful to many Christian believers:

(1.)  Often, to truly place the most correct value upon their  relationship with their own mother—and with divinity—a person must “see with new eyes.”  One must learn and take on new understandings (we say, must be born again and acquire sacred knowledge) that permits one to embrace more than their finite, carnal (i.e., determined by our form as being flesh and blood), emotional, secular, and social makeup.  He or she will have to acknowledge that they are yet a baby and in ignorance of their own spiritual content with its transcendent potential, power and purpose.

(2.)   Rightly understood, the mother is our first teacher.  She is not always the best, the only, or the last guide that humans are granted from GOD.  However, the mother introduces all the primary principles and processes for her child’s continuing independent existence and experience of life and death.  Included are natural affection, comfort, communication, correction, dutifulness, health, hygiene, encouragement, nourishment, praise, respect, sacrifice, sentiment, suffering, and trust.

(3.)  The fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead) has appeared incarnate upon the earth visible as the person of Jesus Christ.  Having endowments from the Father, and functioning by operations of the same Spirit that resided in Jesus, believers such as your mother also serve as vessels of divine love, eternal purpose, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  You may say, you have seen the Father, once you have seen the Son, and once you truly have seen that they exist and operate within your mother.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  In the holy writings, Jesus often appears to counsel that believers maintain distance from their own mother and siblings.  This is not due to indifference, or the operations of sin that repeatedly destroy families and their homes.  The effectiveness of ministry to release created beings and living creatures from sin varies according to the degree of ones exclusive devotion to divinity.  The “home wreckers” are not sacred commitment, devotion, prayer, servitude, single-mindedness, or unselfish resolve.  Rather, the evil against our bonds for sharing life are wrought through such elements as arrogance, carelessness, consumerism, covetousness, deceit, dishonesty, envy, idolatry, malice, possessiveness, pride, pseudo-intellectualism, self-promotion and violence.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your mother’s faith and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/02/2015) Divine Knowledge of Human Hurt?

Points are shared on the often asked questions, Does GOD know? and Does GOD care?  Also, a caution is shared:  The cross is foolishness to those who are dead in their sins, and the resurrection of Jesus has no power to accomplish the purposes of GOD.  In the same way it is impossible to please GOD without faith, sinners can not be led to correction, healing and repentance without divine goodness recognized in the forbearance, forgiveness and longsuffering of GOD (see 1st Corinthians 1:  18, Philippians 3:  10-11, Hebrews 11:  6 and Romans 2:  4, KJV).  Another of those who want to fight dirty at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “1, 3 DimethyloOzelah” (Level 1 with 65 points, a member since November 13, 2014) attacked by posting:


Christians! If God is omniscient (all knowing) does he know what it feels like to be sodomized?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.  And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.  And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.  (2nd Corinthians 1:  2-7, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Gift of Life Despised? (10/13/2014); The Life That Endures (10/14/2014); Dying in Terror and Joy? (10/06/2014); Knowing the Spirit is Inside? (10/07/2014); Sermons About Good Sex? (08/25/2014); About Good Sermons? (08/26/2014); Abandoned by GOD? (06/23/2014); Dying in Terror and Joy? (09/28/2013); GOD Knows Tomorrow? (04/12/2013)


“1, 3 DimethyloOzelah” your question on divine knowledge of human hurt can not be properly answered without a correct understanding of the nature and operations of Deity revealed through Jesus Christ.  Consider the following points:

(1.)  GOD is a spirit who has put forth all created beings and living creatures and the spheres for their continued existence (e.g., earth, heaven, the universe) as well as the conditions and terms for their duration.  Divinity is completely and exclusively made up of spirit matter, and is not carnal (we say, flesh and blood), material, physical, or social as animals and men in the earth except when appearing incarnate (in human form) as Jesus.

(2.)  GOD is not made powerless, offended, emotionally overwhelmed, or shocked and surprised by the extremes of filth and foolishness produced by those whose awareness and self-will are dominated by sin.  In the same way a mother is not pleased, yet, is not depressed, dismayed and moved to destroy her child because the baby repeatedly soils her with vomit, urine, and feces, GOD condemns various attitudes and behavior as abominable and corrupt (we say, disgusting and rotten), yet, maintains existence, life and interaction within covenant relationship as an exalted eternal purpose.

(3.)  Before coming to Christ, many believers were adulterers, cheats, criminals, liars, misfits, rapists, thieves, thugs, whatever.  When born again, the Christian believer receives a fresh endowment from the “content” of GOD that includes faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Believers are permanently changed through an infusion of divine awareness (we say, sacred knowledge) along with divine will (we say, will power).  Nonetheless they must gradually “grow up” again enduring the “growing pains” of life in order to become mature and perfected.  By the Spirit believers learn to correctly recognize and resist the otherwise invisible operations of sin.

(4.)  Acknowledging their place in a divine work from the beginnings of time, Christian believers trust that GOD has heard the cries, confessions, pleadings, and prayers of men from thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.  Thus, for believers, there is no question that “GOD knows” what men complain about in their living, and why.  More than this, however, believers trust that emotion (e.g., anger, regret, sorrow) has place with GOD, however, not as with men in ways that cause loss of balance, control and focus, or destruction of self-rule.

(5.)  Most Christian believers trust that Jesus never committed sins while upon the earth, yet, was punished for all the sins of mankind upon the cross.  There, Jesus was divinely “made to be sin,” and utterly destroyed in a sacred process to be completed through coming judgment.  The cross is a finite depiction to suggest the limitless agony the Savior was forced to take into his body and mind, for the burden the Lord had to take upon himself included all the excesses of human appetite, intellect, sexuality, suffering, and violence.  Among those who believe in Christ are small children dying of cancer, pregnant women who have lost their baby before its birth, men and women civilians now mangled because of war.  Because GOD truly is present in their lives and through those having the Spirit from GOD, Deity is perfectly informed to have all knowledge of all who have ever lived, are now alive, and will live in time to come.

Of course, there is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  GOD may have wept to hear your question, and see the attitude you are expressing toward him.  Yet, no man or woman on earth will be able to persuade you to change.  Where divine forgiveness no longer has power with you that can lead you to change and repent, it will be because you are already spiritually dead, and now devoted to destruction.)  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

(11/10/2014) Will Truth Destroy Joy?

Heaven, joy, and the truth of damnation are topics, today.  A fighter using the ID “prayasmangurung” at Yahoo! Answers Canada” (Level 2 with 301 points, a member since September 18, 2014) posted the following:


Christians If heaven is to be a place free of sadness, pain/suffering, then how can you be happy in heaven knowing knowing?

knowing that the vast majority of humankind is painfully burning for eternity, especially when some of them may be your loved ones?

Just think about poverty death disease destruction?

Every year some natural disaster kills thousands of people die because of disease and millions of babies murdered/killed in abortions!

Simple question really what's your opinion?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool:  where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD:  but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.  He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.  I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.  Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified:  but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.  (Isaiah 66:  1-5, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  An Eternity Worshipping? (07/22/2014); Grace is Not Against Law (07/23/2014); Beyond Punishment (03/21/2014); A Guarantee of Heaven? (03/22/2014); Destroying the Resurrected Body? (02/10/2014); For They Shall Be Ashes (02/11/2014); Can Someone Be Happy? (12/10/2013); Asked to Help? (12/11/2013); The Need to Purify Heaven (01/13/2013); Does Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012); Magick and Prayers? (10/29/2012)


“prayasmangurung”, your question is simple, however its answer from divinity is profound.  Here are a few points Christian believers have received and are encouraged to share:

(1.)  All created beings and living creatures in the earth and in the heavens have been brought forth in accordance with many peculiar aspects of divine person and sovereign will.  Mankind in particular serves as a vessel containing spirit matter from the makeup of GOD (we say, is in the image of GOD).  Because GOD is a spirit, the limits of space and time imposed upon created beings and living creatures do not encumber or restrict divinity.  Only those things that contradict and deny the excellence, existence, power, and purity of divinity are “impossible” with GOD.  Thus, mature Christians acknowledge that, through the fullness of GODhead that includes appearing in the flesh as Jesus Christ, divinity is capable of all feeling, sensation, and thought.

(2.)  Just as there are many repulsive and unpleasant tasks a mother must accomplish within her home upon the earth (e.g., handling dirty diapers full of excrement; removing garbage, rottenness, and waste), divinity also endures the agonies of birth, death, love, and judgment.   Jesus Christ, crucified upon the earth, has returned to heaven as a divine high priest to complete atonement, and cleanse the temple there from the sins that have come before GOD out of the earth.  All heaven sorrowed and wept to see the Son of the Highest abased, and then lifted upon the cross, for the full meaning of salvation was not yet completely revealed.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Godly sorrow operates to fulfill divine intent, just as sacred knowledge serves to reinforce the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD.  Believers experience a new level of consciousness and focus that crystallize divine purpose, and transforms the meaning and value of all carnal, intellectual, material and social experience.  Inseparable aspects of the divine makeup must have place within believers, such as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  While sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the full Creation established upon the platform of sacred law, neither on earth or in heaven will the truth from GOD ever oppose such sacred works as atonement, joy, justice, rebirth, righteousness, salvation and sanctification.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/07/2013) Unguarded Chocolates?

A parable is used, today, to share points on the fall of Adam and Eve.  Also, there is more on knowledge of GOD among the holy angels.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “william” (Level 2 with 354 points, a member since September 30, 2013) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers United Kingdom:


Why did god get so cross when adam and eve ate an apple?
 
I mean seriously it's not like the raped or murdered anybody
if he didn't want them to eat it he shouldn't have put the tree of knowledge in the garden of eden


THE BATTLE AXE:  Does Satan Know? (11/06/2013)—The holy angels appear as divine instruments and spokespersons in prophecy; and may appear in forms that exhibit animal features, geometric polygons, or beings that fly using wings (see Ezekiel 10:  6-22, Genesis 28:  10-17 and Revelation 14:  6-12, KJV).  Confronting Jesus in the wilderness, Satan could not recognize the Son of GOD as someone he had seen before in the celestial presence, and so challenged Jesus to “appear” in his form as Son of the Highest.  Similarly, Satan came into the presence of Jesus, however, not in celestial form.  With this in view, believers are always wise to “try the spirits” (see Matthew 4:  1-11, Hebrews 1:  1-14, 2nd Corinthians 11:  13-15, 1st John 4:  1-6 and Revelation 22:  8-9, KJV).


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:  shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?  For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:  nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  (Hebrews 12:  1-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why Jesus Used Parables (11/03/2013); Denying Baptism to Others (11/04/2013); Balaam (10/15/2013); About Sabbath (10/16/2013); Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013); GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); A Second Adam (03/25/2013); GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013)


“william”, here is a parable making a few points that help Christian believers understand the account of Adam (the single name given by GOD to both the male and female who existed before the Almighty as a single person):

Dad brought home a lovely box of assorted chocolate candies for mom on Valentine’s Day.  In celebration, she allowed each of her three little charges to choose from the assortment.  The next day, while she was out shopping, one of her boys decided he would have a sweet; so he went into mom’s room looking for the candies.  He reasoned that, she loved him so much she would want him to take freely of what dad had provided.  Besides, there were so many, she would still have plenty left.  He would only sniff out the mints; she probably would not miss one (or two); and, should she become angry, no one would ever trace the deed to himself were he careful to leave no trace of his having been there, and wash any residue from his hands.  After some searching, he found where the candies were “hidden” (i.e., stored to keep from melting, spoiling, etc.), carefully lifted the lid of the box, removed two stunners, and tried to carefully replace the tissues and wrapping paper as though they had not been disturbed.

Later, upon her return, mom went to her chocolates and found the box had been rifled.  She called the children to her, and asked what had gone on.  After several minutes of awkward denials and protestations of innocence, the matriarch “arbitrarily” declared that all would be on punishment (we say, lock down) until she would be told the truth concerning the “harmless” prank.  The children were sent to their room, where a pair of them insisted the culprit surrender himself.  As they heard their mother crying from her room, the innocents tried to explain why the game was up; that mom could see the stain of chocolate on his tongue, like they had done, and could smell the mint on his breath.

The mother could have taken the chocolates with her, or eaten them all; and could have avoided leaving the candies as if bait or something to deliberately entrap her children.  Surely she knew, even from her own experience as a child, what could happen to luscious chocolates left unguarded.  Knowing her own children, she should have realized whether they all (or who would be the lone suspect that) might yield to appetite, and seek to gobble a treat from her treasure trove.  Had the offense remained only a simple filching of chocolates (i.e., taking what belongs to someone else without authority and permission—we say, stealing), the outcome might not have been a personal breakdown, maternal heartache and weeping.  No less important than a theft of unguarded chocolates, there also had been covetousness, deception, disrespect, dissembling, greed, impatience, lying, passive aggression, presumption, pretext, separation, trespassing into ones private space, and violation of trust.  A “hate crime” had been committed in the home.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Even so, be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming.  Grow in grace.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC