(12/10/2018) How GOD Speaks Today

Today, reply is on the mechanisms for communication within the community of faith that is the church, the spiritual body of Christ. In the same way divinity has appeared embodied as divine law, and using flesh displayed as Jesus Christ (we say, the Incarnation), divinity continues ministering on the earth within the members of the church through a fresh endowment of life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word). The imparted Spirit establishes the character, presence, and substance of GOD (we say, the image of GOD; the divine nature) within the followers of Christ that include faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. All sacred communication is apprehended and transmitted through operations of spirit (e.g., confession, praise, prayer, prophecy, repentance, revelation, supplication, thanksgiving). Christ as head of the body will direct and focus consciousness and self-will (willpower) within all who become joined to GOD through himself. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

How does God speak to us today?

THE GOLLDEN ARROW: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2^nd Peter 1: 2-8, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How GOD Is Communicating (10/31/2018); Incurring “The Second Death” (04/02/2018); GOD Appearing As Christ (12/03/2017); In Order To Understand (12/01/2017); Wisdom In A Mystery (11/22/2017); The Device of Incarnation (10/18/2017); Jesus Known As Word (01/17/2016)

“Anonymous”, GOD communicates through praise and prayer that are operations of both flesh and spirit. The revelation from divinity is ongoing, and employs multiple devices including baptism (death, burial, and rebirth of ones inborn spirit), covenant relationships, doctrine, enduring hardship, liturgy, parables, promises, prophecy, and unselfish service. Sinners who become developing Christian believers are encouraged to consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Hebrews 1: 1-4, King James Version (KJV): 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

2. Ephesians 4: 9-15, KJV: 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

3. 1^st Corinthians 2: 7-14, KJV: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Revelation 2: 10-11, KJV: 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/13/2016) The Cross and Mankind

The expressions of being that appear through Jesus Christ and mankind are the focus, today.  Correctly understood, mankind is only a single appearance, or one discernable and visible form among the many created beings and living creatures in Creation.  Included are angels, animals, fish, insects, sacred beasts, and “unclean spirits” (we say, demons and devils).  More than this, mankind displays mortality and other unique aspects of living process (e.g., aging, attitudes, commitment, conscience, dominion (i.e., authority, ownership, rank), integrity, learning, recall, self-will, spiritual confusion).  Salvation for mankind would require that flesh and Spirit be reconciled using Incarnation, and that sin be embodied and destroyed.  However, the reconciliation of divinity to mankind is not merely resolving the conflict introduced by the operations of sin.  The separation of human awareness and self-will from that of the GODhead as well as the multiple differences that continue between finite and infinite duration are addressed using death, rebirth, and resurrection.  Additionally, the oneness of prophecy and truth are confirmed.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information provided) posted the following:

 

Why do Christians say Jesus the Christ is both God and man? How is that possible?

 

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

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  In The Image of Man (05/04/2016); Sign of Divine Love? (04/14/2016); To Express the Fullness of GOD? (07/09/2015); Human Life to Manifest Divine Life? (05/14/2015); GOD Known By Action Not Form? (03/18/2015); Made in the Image of GOD? (10/09/2014); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); The Image of GOD? (10/10/2013); Embodied Afterlife? (10/11/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, the answer given to his church from the cross by Jesus Christ to rebuke presumption and sin among created beings and living creatures does not promote acknowledging a “human nature” separate from the spirit (we say, breath, life essence, word) provided by the Creator.  Man was made in the “image” of GOD that is not a “similitude” or visible form.  Awareness and self-will, that may be dominated by sin, often give the illusion that the spirit substance within man is somehow different in makeup and quality from that breathed into mankind by the Maker.  Mature Christian believers focus upon imparted sacred substance, and the peculiar operations of divine spirit (e.g., Incarnation, perfection, rebirth, repentance, sanctification), therefore, three expressions of being come into view—animal, human and divine.  It is the divine nature that may be defiled, and become profaned.  What we see in one another today, then, are confusions of expression in attitude, authority, behavior, godliness, gratitude, eternal purpose, reverence, etc.  The “human nature” some describe would have had to be eternal, preexisting within the GODhead before the creation of mankind.  Christ now appears within the Eternal One continuing to display human form.  Even so, the earth was the creation of GOD, while “the world” is the creation of mankind.  The appearance of what many call “humankind” is more correctly understood as divine will, existence and life (not the same) made visible through form and unfolding process.  Consider how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Genesis 1:  26-28, King James Version (KJV);  26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:  and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:  and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

(2.)  Psalms 115:  15-17, KJV:  15 Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.  16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s:  but the earth hath he given to the children of men.  17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.

(3.)  John 1:  1-3, KJV:  1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 The same was in the beginning with God.  3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually taken in.  (For example, (4.)  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

 

(12/18/2015) Actions Make Divine Essence Visible?

Today, Scripture points are shared in reply to a question on doing the will of GOD.  All that exists is an expression of divine will, and a putting forth of eternal Deity.  However, all the things of GOD are not in keeping with the affairs of mankind upon the earth as carnal, material, and social beings.  To be in the most complete and correct relationship with the Creator, there must be divine substance; and the living must apply sacred knowledge and conform to standards that have been generated by divinity.  Such finite tools as intellect, logic, philosophy, and science are not sufficient to eliminate sin that may dominate awareness and self-will in the created.  Readers are encouraged to recall again the following from the Bible, and the discussion below:  Micah 6:  6-9, King James Version (KJV):  6 Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?  7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?  9 The LORD’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name:  hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.  Also, John 6:  38-40, KJV:  38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.  39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.  40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life:  and I will raise him up at the last day.  Hebrews 13:  20-21, KJV:  20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,  21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Kristofferson” (Level 1 with 67 points, a member since January 23, 2015) posted the following:


What is the will of God?

 Jesus said that not everyone who professes him with words will enter the Kingdom, but those who actually do the will of God. So it's not about saying, it's about doing. 

 What specifically does it mean, being a preacher? Doing charity work? Going on missionary journeys? Fighting the Illuminati? Is there a general thing to do like mimicking Jesus or Paul's works? Or is there a specific thing to do for each individual's life? What's the bible say?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.  (James 1:  19-25, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  All Sin Is Willful? (10/20/2015); Finite Will, Self-will and Sin? (06/01/2015); Flammable? (05/25/2015); The Philosophy of Free Will? (04/08/2014); Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013); GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013); No Free Will (10/19/2010); Speaking of GOD (10/20/2010)


“Kristofferson”, Christian believers generally agree that the will of GOD appears and is made visible to created beings and living creatures through existence, form, divine law, the active presence of Deity, eternal purpose, and sovereign utterance.  The character and nature that generate expression, exchange, and interaction among and within the living has been put forth by divinity; and has been deposited or imparted to all life forms (e.g., angels, animals, birds, insects, mankind, sacred beasts of heaven) as awareness, independence (we say, completeness; identity; integrity of being), and self-will.  Only GOD is eternal, immortal, immutable, and omnipotent.  Ones spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, spark of life, word) is most correctly acknowledged, made known, and revealed through action and response that may alter, destroy, direct, preserve and otherwise respond to themselves, their environment, and objects within their spheres of life.  To carry out or perform the will of GOD is to manifest and “prove” divine being (i.e., demonstrate; be evidence of; present the divine “image”; serve as a form and vessel for incarnation of sacred Spirit).  Consider again the following verses from the holy writings:

(1.)  Proverbs 20:  11, King James Version (KJV):  11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

(2.)  John 7:  17, KJV:  17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

(3.)  Leviticus 20:  6-8, KJV:  6 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.  7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy:  for I am the LORD your God.  8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them:  I am the LORD which sanctify you.

(4.)  Romans 12:  1-2, KJV:  1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

(5.)  1st Peter 2:  13-16, KJV:  13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake:  whether it be to the king, as supreme;  14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.  15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:  16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

(6.)  1st Peter 3:  17-18, KJV:  17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.  18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (7.)  1st Thessalonians 4:  1-5, KJV:  1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.  2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.  3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:  4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;  5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:) )  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/06/2015) Alway Delivered To Death?

Today, life experience  for Christian believers is described as forward-looking due to its focus upon the word of GOD.  The primary work among disciples of Jesus is that of prophecy:  to comfort, edify, and exhort; the primary products include faith, gratitude, hope, joy, and longsuffering.  It is in contrast to the preeminence of eternal life that death or fear have place with the chief concerns of the church.   Acknowledging and burying the dead, hallowing (we say, consecrating or sanctifying) ground for the internment of believer remains, and pastoral counseling to survivors of the deceased may appear as expressions of divine love and respect, both in place of and in addition to preaching and solemn worship.  One of the many fighters using the ID “Anonymous” at “Yahoo! Answers” posted the following:


Is religion nothing more than a thing that helps people deal with the thought of and experience of death?

Have you seen dead people before? They cannot: see, touch, think, remember, talk, walk, etc. That's the reality of death.

Update:  Enlighten me if you have a better explanation.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:  for they shall be filled.  Blessed are the merciful:  for they shall obtain mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart:  for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers:  for they shall be called the children of God.  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for their’s is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.  (Matthew 5:  6-14, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Eternal Life Not Afterlife? (08/11/2015); The Return to Dust? (06/14/2015); Death, Forgiveness, Sin and Spirit? (05/28/2015); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); A Sleep and a Second Death (09/16/2014); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013)


“Anonymous”, for the followers of Jesus Christ, ones faith with other inseparable aspects of the divine nature (e.g., holiness, righteousness, truth, wisdom, wrath against sin) centers in divine operations whereby mankind undergoes permanent change, and is prepared for transformation to continue as an immortal, incorruptible companion to divinity.  Through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit; rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), believers and disciples of Jesus spoken of as “born again,” must “grow up,” and mature again meeting the same life challenges as all others upon the earth.  Included are aging, bereavement, disease, disappointment, frustration, injustice, isolation, and persecution.  While themes of its teachings go all the way back to the Creation of heaven and earth, and every believer is to experience covenant and personal relationship with Deity, the spirit content of a Christian believer is “forward-looking” as a focus upon expectations for the fulfillment of things spoken from divinity as proclamations, promises, and prophecies.  Consider again the following verses from the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, King James Version (KJV):  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

(2.)  Hebrews 12:  14, KJV:  14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  11-14, KJV:  11 For we which live are  alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.  12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.  13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;  14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 15:  50-54, KJV:  50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/15/2015) Christ Brought A New Nature?

Scripture points are shared today that show the work of Christ has been to establish the divine nature within believers. Where the ministry of Moses introduced discipline, law and sacred practices, the testimony of Jesus would prepare those accepting his authority to receive further revelation from divinity, a fresh endowment of divine spirit as well as promised and prophesied spiritual gifts.   The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Jared” (Level 2 with 411 points, a member since March 08, 2014) posted the following:


What was Christ's teaching and/or message that was not already taught within Judaism from the begining?

I can find no differences in the teachings of Christ or of his disciples. So why another religion that promotes followers of Christ and not just followers of Jews.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  (2nd Peter 1:  2-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  More About the Trinity? (03/30/2015); That All Were Prophets! (08/09/2014); Those Who Hear GOD (01/21/2014); Spirit Gives Birth to Spirit (01/22/2014); Worship Wear? (01/23/2014); Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012)


“Jared”, Jesus Christ did not bring a new message; instead, the Savior brought a fresh endowment of sacred spirit.  The ministries to mankind shared by divinity through the birth, life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ have been provided to confirm, crystallize, and renew the commitment of Deity to be in a continuous relationship with created beings and living creatures (we say, eternal life).  The full plan of salvation (with sacred operations and remedies established because of Adam’s disobedience, distrust, lack of love, transgression, and sin) is revealed as comprehensive, fundamental, immutable, indispensable, and irrevocable.  Included are atonement, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, final judgment, rebirth, repentance, revelation, and sanctification.  Recall John 4:  22-24, King James Version (KJV):  22 Ye worship ye know not what:  we know what we worship:  for salvation is of the Jews.  23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:  for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  24 God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.  Also, consider the following:

(1.)  Hebrews 1:  1-4, KJV:  1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:  4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

(2.)  Hebrews 3:  1-6, KJV:  1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;  2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.  3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.  4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.  5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;  6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 3:  16-17, KJV:  16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 3:  11, KJV:  11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

(5.)  John 15:  4-6, 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.  5 I am the vine, ye are the branches:  He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:  for without me ye can do nothing.  6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

(6.)  John 3:  6-8, KJV:  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (7.)  Revelation 1:  1-3, KJV:  1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:  2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.  3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein:  for the time is at hand.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/01/2015) Finite Will, Self-will and Sin?

Points are shared, today, to clarify how sin is associated with finite will and self-will.  Among angels within the heaven, and men upon the earth, various attitudes, behaviors, goals, life experiences, and purposes may be described as expressions of sin, and violations of sacred law.  Sin is not itself a form of spiritual energy, and is not an aspect of divinity such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Sin may operate upon ones own inner consciousness, spirit matter, and ability to act and move.  However, sin is not properly what we may call a form of “will-power”.  Typically, sin becomes recognizable and visible through fixed and recurring operations of awareness, finite will, and self-will.  The “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Minetto” (Level 6 with 22,556 points, a member since Minetto July 19, 2007) posted the following:


Why is it that all who ever lived and all who are alive are siners ?

If God gave us free will why is it no one is without sin. If we have free will some one must have decided not to sin.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  For he that is dead is freed from sin.  Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:  but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  (Romans 6:  3-13, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Is Sin a Matter of Temptation? (04/22/2015); Slaves to Sin? (04/13/2015); Power Against Sin? (04/12/2015); The Sin Covered By Salvation? (12/28/2014); Mortality Is Required Because of Sin (12/29/2014); Sin and the Great Flood (11/03/2014); Remembering Lot’s Wife? (11/04/2014); Not Told in Advance? (10/11/2014); Catholics, Protestants and the Trinity? (10/12/2014)


“Minetto”, your question is like asking, Since there are so many dictionaries why do people still misspell “sinners”?  Believers must “discover” everything to their own satisfaction, and no one can, should or will explain everything to someone else’s liking.  Even so, here are a few points to consider that strengthen and support Christian belief:

(1.)  The operations of sin go beyond dominating and manipulating awareness and self-will that exist within created beings and living creatures.  Sin is no material object, physical thing, or life essence (we say, spirit) created by divinity.  Sin is an influence having direction, effect, and presence, yet, sin has no measurable dimensions (e.g., circumference, diameter, height, length, weight) or independent existence as a person, place or thing.

(2.)  Sin pertains to the eternal continuation of divine law that appears as the expressed will of deity, yet, is not a living entity.  Sin is an artifact (we also say, a by-product) of independence and integrity for the living through separation from the Law Giver, who is GOD.  Sin opposes the permanence and perfection of law as well as the continued existence of Creation, and all divine order established and maintained through sacred law.

(3.)  Sin is contrary to the divine nature, is self-destructive, yet, appears as appropriate, natural, normal, and ordinary.  For mankind, there are three possibilities for expression of ones character and inborn nature:  the animal, the human, and the divine.  Part of the seriousness of sin is that, death may interrupt and terminate sin committed by a living person.  Where not cut off by divinity, the consequences and outcomes of sin attitudes, behavior and conduct continue and endure for an indefinite period long after the sinner is removed.

(4.)  There is no “free” will; there are finite and self-will.  Such tools as intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, and science can not eliminate sin, and do not permit the living to recognize sin as constricting, debilitating, external, and foreign.  In addition, such elements as family honor, higher education, and military training do not establish the will power to resist sin; and are not enough to end sin upon the earth.  Sin is a form of bondage and enslavement; and those not divinely released from sin are not empowered to be free through their own makeup, and indwelling spirit.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (5.)  Multiple limitations upon will (we also say, will power) are fixed for finite, living forms as aspects of their existence like the sky above and the earth below.  Thus, mere verbal complaints can not be used where action (obedience) is required.  Begging, cries for mercy, and tears could not stop the rain that fell in judgment at Noah’s Flood.  More than this, there can be no substitute for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ to impart atonement, eternal life, forgiveness, inheritance, rebirth, resurrection, sanctification, and aspects of the divine will through gifts of the Holy Spirit.)  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

(05/19/2015) Divinity Has Person?

Points are shared, today, on the character, nature and qualities whereby divinity is acknowledged within relationship.  To the carnal mind, it is correct to say that every real dog must have the single essence, quality or substance shared by every canine that actually makes it a dog. While we can give it no precise description, we generally agree our pooches all must have dog-ness; cats must have cat-ness; humans must have humanity. Using that mindset, divinity, godliness and spirit can not reside within those living upon the earth. Where Christians say that GOD appears or manifests displaying recognizable person, believers are not ascribing human characteristics and qualities to Deity such as aloofness, antagonism, competitiveness, dispassion, ego, empathy, hostility, individuality, and self-centeredness. Divinity exists having person by operating within covenants and other relationships that generate the broad range of life experience. Included are acceptance, approval, comfort, communication, disapproval, discovery, exchange, forgiveness, guidance, interaction, rule, trust, and warning. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (standard information not available) attacked posting the following:


Since when is all of God "persons". God the Father and the Holy Ghost were never "persons", so why do you say God is 3 "persons" in one?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:  Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.  (Hebrews 1:  1-4, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Purpose? (01/08/2015); GOD and The Framework of Time (09/20/2014); About Knowing the Name of GOD (09/21/2014); Aspects of Divinity? (06/15/2014); Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Let Us Make Mankind? (06/10/2014); GOD and Adultery? (06/11/2014); Personality? (04/27/2014); Anointed? (04/28/2014)


“Anonymous”, apparently the GOD you know and serve operates only as an abstraction, a mechanism, and does not respond to you in a revelation that is interactive and organic.  Here are a few points and insights shared among Christian believers:

(1.)  What created beings and living creatures may call person and personness when speaking of Deity are the multiple personal attributes, regular patterns and qualities describing divine action through continuous contact and intercourse that has direction, focus, inclusion, and purpose upon a cosmic scale.

(2.)  GOD is a spirit, who must exist within the consciousness of the living as a measure of defining substance, rather than merely as emotion, intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, secular history, or science.  Intimate relationship with Deity is developed and maintained through utterance that includes admonition, confession, praise, prayer, proclamation, promise, and prophecy.

(3.)  Where GOD resides within the living there are continual exchange and interaction of inseparable divine content such as faith, holiness, hope, joy, love, purity, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Only thereby may GOD be worshiped in spirit and in truth.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Divinity is known through such features and processes as birth, death, deliverance, doctrine, impressions, incarnation, judgment, law, precepts, principles, rebirth, sanctification, and sovereignty.  In the same way the physical characteristics of an animal are not enough to establish its identity as a dog (e.g., they bark, have four legs, a tail, two ears—like seals, like cats, may have missing limbs), so that a coarse standard is applied saying there must be a quality of “dog-ness”, apart from the provisions through Jesus Christ, mankind uses rough standards to speak of godliness, holiness, perfection, and spirituality.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/02/2014) In the Likeness of His Resurrection

Today, more points are shared on the new nature for Christian believers as well as the process of their salvation and spiritual growth.


THE BATTLE AXE:  A Fallen Nature? (09/01/2014)—(4.)  A person should not worry that they have not properly received, or are losing their salvation because their lifestyle no longer seems comfortable, and easy.  Becoming certain of ones salvation is an aspect of the many fundamental changes that must occur within each believer.  The premise and starting point for ones emotions and thoughts must arise from the new spirit they now contain.  A believer’s physical world will not be changed.  Outward circumstances and conditions must be discerned and valued in terms of their expression of eternal life from GOD.  Rather than constant contentment, happiness, joy and prosperity, the permanent changes wrought by divinity as ones salvation are recognized through affliction, embarrassment, hardship, and suffering that reveal familiar things to be contrary to ones new nature.  Situations and things formerly accepted as being part of who you are (e.g., use of alcohol and cigarettes, flirting, gossiping, lying) or as desirable, natural and normal, are seen to be profane, ungodly, and without spiritual power.  Believers know their salvation by their desire for change, for sacred knowledge and for correct fellowship with experienced believers as well as by disinterest and distancing themselves from carnal and worldly things that increasingly are no longer satisfying.

(5.)  You could say the visible process of salvation that will be seen in public is that of declaring oneself to be a new person by continually speaking in agreement with sacred truth, and displaying specific attitudes, behavior, and conduct with spirit content from GOD.  Instead of relying upon what family, friends, and people say—or even ones own feelings and thoughts—those who have come to Christ believe the word from GOD that they have received.  As created beings and living creatures we are all challenged to understand, and then choose the course of our lives.  However, coming to the point of understanding—going beyond merely having correct data, needed facts, information, and knowledge—typically demands multiple choices that (at least, at first) are confusing, destructive, and misdirected.  Multiple experiences of conflict among our feelings, disappointment, and uncertainty also are authentic and genuine aspects of salvation and spiritual growth for many Christian believers.  The believer is able to “stay the course” by ignoring and looking away from “self”, and instead focusing upon the service and work they must do as agents and representatives of Christ.  Consider again 2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, Romans 8:  1-9, 2nd Peter 1:  4 and Romans 6:  3-14, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  For he that is dead is freed from sin.  Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  For sin shall not have dominion over you:  for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  (Romans 6:  3-14, KJV)


There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  The Adamic or fallen condition for mankind was established by transgression of divine law, and the violation of sacred trust. A new, correct, intimate and lawful relationship for humanity has been introduced as a covenant through Jesus Christ, who has appeared as the heir to Adam (and whom we therefore call the Son of Man, and the Second Adam), the heir to King David, and the Son of GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/01/2014) A Fallen Nature?

Points on believers being certain of salvation in spite of their former nature are shared today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter with the user ID “God” (Level 1 with 34 points, a member since August 15, 2014) posted the following:


If a Christian falls in sin because of his fallen nature then how can he be secure about his salvation? 

I'm a Christian how can I be sure of my salvation if I still fall into sin because of my fallen nature???!!!


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  O come, let us sing unto the LORD:  let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.  For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.  In his hand are the deep places of the earth:  the strength of the hills is his also.  The sea is his, and he made it:  and his hands formed the dry land.  O come, let us worship and bow down:  let us kneel before the LORD our maker.  For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.  To day if ye will hear his voice,  (Psalms 95:  1-7, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Inseparables? (07/15/2014); On Christians Being Inclusive? (07/16/2014); GOD Lives Inside Us? (07/11/2014); Can the Word of GOD Be Altered? (07/12/2014); Spirit Gives Birth to Spirit (01/22/2014); Worship Wear? (01/23/2014); The Limit to Believing? (09/16/2013); All Things Possible? (09/17/2013); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013);  Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013)


“God”, here are a few points that have helped many Christian believers resist sin, and overcome spiritual confusion:

(1.)   Believers discipline themselves and use self-control with regard to their attitudes, behaviors, diet, and other choices—even their Internet user ID, their companions as well as their ongoing relationships.  What we say, and how we describe things inside us and around us goes a long way in determining the quality of our lives, and the commitment we have to Almighty GOD.  Believers are to be self-aware and exercise authority over themselves while continuing under the sovereign authority of GOD.  Saying this another way:  Believers must demand it from themselves that respect is shown to divine law, sacred government, and the full person of Almighty GOD that has been revealed to created beings and living creatures as the GODhead.

(2.)  Continuous acknowledgment of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ does not allow believers to claim a “fallen nature.”  Instead, we affirm ourselves new creatures in Christ.  Through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), all believers receive a fresh endowment of divinity established with the living at Creation.  We say, those spiritually born again, must spiritually grow up again (i.e., mature, be perfected through operations of GOD, become ripe for harvest) by continuing to meet life challenges (growing pains) in the earth.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  No one can convince or persuade another person that they now have received salvation.  The process of becoming certain and sure in your awareness that you have received divine salvation goes forward through operations of the imparted spirit from GOD (we say, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Without the Spirit from Christ, you are not his.  Security comes by consistency, regularity, and stability for such elements as ones fellowship with other believers, ones prayer life, ones practice of sacraments, and ones study of the holy writings.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/22/2014) Spirit Gives Birth to Spirit

Topics today are “law”, “flesh”, “spirit” and other language from the Bible along with more on those who hear GOD.  A “Yahoo! Answers Singapore” writer using the ID “Aleksander” (Level 1 with 113 points, a member since 10 January 2014) posted the following first asked at Yahoo Answers United Kingdom:


What does Jesus mean by 'flesh'? John 3:5-6?

John 3:5-6 'Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.'


THE BATTLE AXE:  Those Who Hear GOD (01/21/2014)—(6.)  While all are welcome to experience divine love and new life as believers within the body of Christ (we say, the church), many reject the Gospel, and so remain outside the “ark of safety.”  Spirit matter is presented through utterance that must be ingested as the food for a person’s inner spirit.  Included are various admonitions, doctrines, parables, praises, prayers, precepts, proclamations, promises, prophesies and teachings.  As aspects of full sacred truth, these together build up and nourish divinity that resides within the believer.  Using discernment (i.e., ones ability to recognize, acknowledge, and compare spiritual things) believers “hear” GOD in the statements from others and from Scripture, or are able to realize the status of those they are dealing with to be that of adversaries, antichrists, and disbelievers.  See Jeremiah 9:  23-24, Malachi 3:  16-18, 1st John 2:  21-24, 2nd John 1:  6-8 and Hebrews 4:  12, King James Version.



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.  Be not deceived; God is not mocked:  for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  (Galatians 6:  6-9, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  GOD Does The Divine Part (01/05/2014); Sin in Mind not Deed? (01/06/2014); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); The Image of GOD? (10/10/2013); Circumcision and Promise? (07/16/2013); The Bible and Stupid People (07/17/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013); Why Blood? (04/13/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012)


“Aleksander”, here are a few points we may agree upon as Christian believers:

(1.)  The ancient documents and holy writings often record language in ways that are very different from present standards for editing and usage.  Readers today are correct to approach study of the Bible and other material with caution, gratitude, humility, longsuffering (we say, willingness to endure disappointments, hardship, and uncertainty), praise, and prayer.

(2.)  Often the same word or phrase is repeated in Scripture, and there is a shift in definition or meaning from use to use.  This may occur within the same verse, the same passage, or the same paragraph.  One example would be “law” that is often the covenant of Moses, at other times ordinances and statutes, at other times habits, impulses and forces that operate upon ones awareness such as sin.

(3.)  The flesh appears as carnal, material, physical and social.  Flesh responds to and generates appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings) and sense (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) along with emotional and mental functions (e.g., anger, desire, fantasy, fear, imagination, recall, sorrow, thought).  While sin is neither flesh nor spirit, sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of the Law Giver, and of all Creation.  Sin has no influence upon GOD, however, by operating upon and through the flesh, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.

(4.) The makeup of divinity appears as inseparable spirit matter that includes faith, holiness, joy, love, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin (where you find one you also find all the others).  As spirit substance, faith consists only of faith, holiness only of holiness, love only of love; and the only source of divinity is the GODhead.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (5.) GOD is an eternal spirit, who contains and emanates such aspects as awareness, authority, being, dimension, form, majesty, oneness, perfection, person, purpose, sanctity, self-will, and sovereignty.  All created beings and living creatures as well as objects in nature (e.g., flames, glaciers, mountains, oceans, stars, trees, volcanoes) made in his image display these same features.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.  But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.  Great men are not always wise:  neither do the aged understand judgment.  Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.  (Job 32:  7-10, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/07/2013) Fruits From a Barren Tree?

Today, there is more on the account of Jesus cursing a barren fruit tree.


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Barren Tree? (12/06/2013)—Examining the earthly ministry of Jesus, the incident of the fig tree may be seen as no different from that of his first miracle performed during the wedding at Cana of Galilee (see John 2:  1-11, KJV), the Savior stilling the tempest as he crossed the Sea of Galilee with his disciples (Mark 4:  36-41, KJV), or the exorcism for a young boy at the request of his father following the Savior’s transfiguration (Mark 9:  14-30, KJV).  Jesus exercised divine authority to alter elemental substance and material reality.  The natural world (we say, nature) that serves as the environment and habitation for mankind continually displays patterns and regularities that emerge through mechanical processes, that appear to created beings and living creatures as a form of divine law (we say, the carnal mind).  Yet, nature is generated and endures through direct operations of sovereign will (we say, the law of GOD).  Thus, it is properly the work of science to declare the chemical makeup and process of mankind by its research upon DNA; however, science must acknowledge that human makeup is more than simply a collection of chemicals.  There are fixed limits to science that do not allow its address to the aspects of humanity we call being, life, person and spirit.  Going further, what mankind calls a “miracle,” is not, in fact, a lawless or random occurrence.  Miracles are sacred events, and therefore, display operations of divine will consistent with such divine utterances as commands, proclamations, promises, and prophecies. While all miracles are by changes and shifts of faith, all faith does not arise by miracles.  Jesus used the incident of cursing the fig tree to further instruct his disciples regarding faith and prayer.  However, the incident also serves as a parable that depicts the wrath of GOD against sin, the swiftness and completeness of final judgment, and the righteousness of GOD in judgment despite the removal of compassion, longsuffering and mercy.  See Romans 8:  5-8, Isaiah 34:  1-5, Luke 8:  25 and Mark 11:  20-26, KJV; also Job 15:  30-34, NIV.


There is far more to be said, reasonably shared, and spiritually understood.  The existence of believers around the world, and a full gospel that is to be proclaimed in the earth are continuing evidence for divine intent that the whole earth be alive, fruitful, filled with divine light, and free of every curse.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/13/2013) Must We Really Die?

Whether or not death is inevitable and unavoidable is the topic, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Stephen” (Level 1 with 132 points, a member since April 20, 2013) posted the following:


Do we really have to die?

Do you ever think about death? Do you ever fear falling asleep that you won’t wake up? Why? Why do we go about worrying about our short 80-some years of life? Why if we were only meant for some 80 years would we think of living forever? Why is there so much to do but so little time? Why is eternity on our hearts? Could it be that there is something else beyond death? If so how do we know how we can get eternal life? Why is our conscience always telling us right from wrong? How does it know? How does it know lying, stealing, torture of others, unequal rights, hitting people,etc. Is wrong? Could it possibly be getting it’s info from somewhere like a Devine being? I know I disobeyed this law embeded inside of me so eternal life probobly isn’t an option. Who will save me? What Devine being can save me from not making it into eternal life? Was there already one that came? Tell me!


THE GOLDEN ARROW: All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (1st Corinthians 15: 39-49, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013); What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present? (03/31/2013); A Family Affair? (04/01/2013)


Yes, Stephen, in the same way we have to get wet when splashed by water. Here are some points you might find helpful that agree with Christian belief, and are in line with doctrines and teachings contained within the Bible:

(1.) Mortality as a material and physical condition in the natural world for the continued being of humankind is completed and finished only through the second death (called, being cast into the lake of fire), translation (called walking with GOD, and being lifted up) or transformation described as change that takes place during the divine harvesting of the earth (called the putting on of immortality and incorruption).

(2.) The fact of death does not have to be emotionally and psychologically overwhelming. Christians trust that they are receiving divine comfort, edification (i.e., being built up, strengthened) as well as preparation by and for bereavement through the death of their loved ones now along with multiple sacred promises and proclamations (we say prophecy) that reveal divine intent.

(3.) The possibility of eternal life is established as an aspect of divine revelation whereby GOD makes divinity known, visible, and understandable to created beings and living creatures. Existence within the universe of GOD is shown to embrace more than simply life and death. (Many things exist that do not have life.) Many dimensions of being must come into view including capacity for affiliation, consciousness, duration, and purpose.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Restoration of life to those once dead occurs as revival (raising the dead, reanimation) and resurrection. The holy writings describe resurrection as a device to further establish the righteousness of divine judgment. See again 1st Corinthians 15: 50-57 and 1st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/09/2013) Death Has Been Transformed

Whether or not believers are required to die on the cross is the topic, today. Also, there is more on Jesus rebuking the storm. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Ken” (Level 1 with 182 points, a member since May 1, 2013) posted the following:


Why does Jesus require all of us die on the cross?

That’s what my pastor says. If I gotta, I gotta.


THE BATTLE AXE: Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013)—(5.) In order to fulfill prophecy and further implement the promises of GOD, Jesus reproduced, improved upon, and portrayed many actions and events from the lives of earlier patriarchs, prophets and kings. Included were acts of covenant, deliverance, exorcism, fasting, healing, power over aspects of the natural world, prayer, submission, and spiritual surrender. The Savior’s rebuke of storms compares to Moses, Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha opening the Red Sea, and going over the Jordan River on dry ground (see Exodus 14: 21 and 2nd Kings 2: 1-15, KJV). In the same way Moses demonstrated authority from GOD calling water from a rock, and instructing them regarding the gift of manna as a food for the covenant people, Jesus fed thousands to clarify his authority to forgive sins, raise the dead, and to establish eternal life through priesthood and judgment (see John 4: 46-54, Luke 5: 18-26, Hebrews 7: 24-26 and John 6: 1-71, KJV).


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1st Corinthians 15: 50-57, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21/2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); The Divine Tool of Death (08/11/2012)


Ken, I trust you will agree, there are many things that must fit together for us to understand all that GOD is accomplishing through the Incarnation, the death, the resurrection, and eternal ministry of Jesus Christ as Risen Lord. Please consider the following points:

(1.) In the same way our existence within a natural order continues to require that people get wet when standing in the rain, all mankind and believers in salvation from GOD through Christ also continue to meet natural demands for change that include aging, decay, forgetting, sickness, and decease. 
 
(2.) The existence of mankind within the divine order that generates created beings and living creatures has been altered by the process of sin. Sin first appeared among the holy angels, who are spirit beings. In their creation, the angels were made finished (we say, perfect) in terms of their capabilities, living process, and sacred content. The angels and sacred beasts of heaven were not made subject to death, and the fear of termination. Even so, in the heaven, only GOD is immortal.

(3.) Death was introduced as a divine tool to make visible the direction, effect, and presence of sin. The existence of mankind was made temporal (i.e., of limited duration); and the completion of our condition as mortal is called “death.” Sin has not been created by GOD, and contains no spirit substance as do all things made by GOD, including mankind. Sin may dominate self-will in created beings and living creatures; however, sin cannot influence the will of GOD.

(4.) Through the birth, ministry, sufferings, death and resurrection of Jesus, the meaning and power of death for mankind has been reconfigured and transformed. Spiritual reality and truth are clarified and established revealing death as temporal, and a necessary stage for mankind to be made immortal and incorruptible.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) To acquire and experience the benefits intended for mankind, believers must become aware of Christ as the controlling aspect within their own person. In that sense, they become one with the Son, and through him, with the Father. Death is then described as an aspect of spiritual meaning with rebirth from divine content (we say, holy DNA). There then must be further sacred process including repentance and sanctification. Human will becomes armored against sin, where men once were incapable of detecting or resisting sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC