(11/04/2019) Worshiping A Man-made Object

Today, reply is on idol worship, the use of miniature crosses as memorials of the sacrificial death of Jesus, and the proper focus for doctrine and sacred knowledge among Christian believers. The desire to know divinity using the tools of flesh, intellect, imagination, and mind has often resulted in the adoption of material and physical objects to make divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable that were fashioned by mankind using resources provided from the earth. The actual provision of divinity has been the use of human flesh to display both authentic humanity and divinity (we say, Incarnation) as Jesus Christ. Neither abstract nor material objects permit exchange, interaction, and organic joining for the created and the Creator. Dagon of the Philistines emerged from the same error, presumption, and wickedness seen in Cain offering fruit on the altar, rather than blood from an innocent, and seen in the Golden Calf of Egypt provided by Jeroboam to the 10 tribes that were the Northern Kingdom (Israel; Samaria). It is written: Jeremiah 9: 23-24, King James Version (KJV): 23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:

If the Messiah was hung would you worship a rope?

Exodus 32:7-9 Exodus20:4,5 Isaiah42:8

2Cor5:7

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing? Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together. The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint. The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house. He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it. Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto. He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire: And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god. They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand? (Isaiah 44: 10-20, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: That Divinity Is Jealous (08/28/2019); The Evidence Is Spirit (05/29/2019); The Authenticity of Relics (04/18/2019); The Keeping Of Relics (04/17/2019); Nehushtan, The Brass Serpent (10/26/2018); Worship and the Cross (11/27/2017); Idolatry -- Exalting Human Devices? (09/21/2017); The Cross Proclaims Victory (05/12/2016); Represented by The Cross? (03/08/2016)

“Anonymous”, mankind must appear bearing the authority, image, and willpower of what, or whom he will worship—of a false god, or a true and living GOD. While Christian belief uses emblems, tokens, and symbols as tools for admonition, guidance, instruction and memorial, Christianity does not endorse the use of graven images, idols, and similitudes that are to be acknowledged as gods and divine persons having dominion, immortality, incorruptibility, and sovereign will. Those seeking to continue accusations, attacks, thrusts, and other distractions by condemning the use of simple things in worship (e.g., the chalice, the monstrance, the crucifix, the wafer) depart from correct Christian doctrine and teaching. The proper focus for a believer is that they express gratitude, praise, and reverence, rather than exalt outward appearances, miracles, and signs. Believers are to submit to operations of the Holy Spirit whereby men will exist as mature and ripe for harvest from the earth by the Lord at his appearing (the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Those “born again” are to “grow up again” renewing their content and endowment of sacred knowledge through such devices as accepting accountability; commitment; enduring “growing pains”; continuous discovery, learning, and study of the holy writings; fellowship within a community of believers; fulfillment of duty, sacrifice, and unselfish service; practicing discernment, praise, and prayer; and continuously rejoicing despite affliction, hardship, and suffering. Existing as divine fullness and the summation of all spirit substance GOD is invisible and may not be seen using finite animal senses, and human tools that detect carnal form and physical dimensions (e.g., depth, height, length, weight). Even so, created beings and living creatures are to communicate, exchange, and interact with GOD who is Creator, Maker, and Origin for all that exists, that have life, and that have detectable presence. GOD also has revealed themselves as the administrator of sacred law and divine order, eternal purpose, and the second death provided to permanently eliminate sin and its consequences. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Anthony Brown & Group therAPy:

1. Deuteronomy 29: 1-6, King James Version (KJV): 1 These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb. 2 And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Ye have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land; 3 The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles: 4 Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day. 5 And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot. 6 Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God.

2. Jeremiah 5: 19-25, KJV: 19 And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not your’s. 20 Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying, 21 Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: 22 Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? 23 But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. 24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. 25 Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. 26 For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

3. 2^nd Peter 1: 2-10, 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. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 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. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX59fjowutw.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

First image downloaded 1:20 PM, November 03, 2019 @ https://jpmanyozo.blogspot.com/2014/02/?view=classic

Second image downloaded 1:40 PM, November 03, 2019 @ https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20191103171622AAW6TZm

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/06/2018) Why Spirit Displays Personhood

An image intended to depict the Person of the Holy Spirit

Today, reply is on personhood as another of the inseparable aspects of spirit content within the full makeup of divinity that is imparted to sinners who become born again.  Many of the sacred operations of GOD that pertain to humankind may be described as interpersonal, intimate, promissory, and prophetic, rather than abstract, mechanical, natural, and physical.  Even when using present-day conventions (whereby an automobile, a favorite hat, a gun, or a tool may be spoken of as “faithful”, “my girl,” reliable, and trusty), material objects and things are not autonomous; do not have gender; can not feel, think, or return affection; and they can not display the full pattern of abilities, qualities, and skills described through personhood.  Although he remains invisible and unseen, The Holy Spirit is active and appears through covenant relationships, consolation, intercession, justification, oneness without sameness, praise, prayer, repentance, sanctification, giving utterance, and witnessing.  Personhood within and among Deity promotes accountability, commitment, communication, discernment, exchange, and interaction along with dominion, ownership, revelation, and sovereignty.  The accord, fellowship, eternal purpose, and permanent relationship that characterize the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are imparted to created beings and living creatures through the same deposits and endowments from the divine makeup that establish the created as having separate consciousness, existence, life, and self-will.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


Christians, why is the Holy Spirit a "person"?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:  God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.  (1st Timothy 3:  16, King  James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Gift(s) From GOD (04/08/2018); What Is A Spirit? (03/06/2018); Thoughts On Divine Personhood (12/07/2017); Cloven Tongues of Fire (11/29/2017); Leadings of the Spirit (11/05/2017); Becoming Joined To GOD (10/13/2017); (Knowing the Invisible GOD 09/17/2017)


“Anonymous”, language to describe the fullness of divine substance (we say, Deity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit; the Godhead) has been developed over the course of thousands of years, and appears throughout the holy writings.  The names we use when speaking of the Holy Spirit include the Comforter, the Creator, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Spirit of Truth.  While the Holy Spirit has been depicted as a dove, as flames of fire, as fruit, as spiritual gifts, and a celestial presence within the tabernacle and the temple (Shekinah glory), the Spirit must always be acknowledged as having personhood in keeping with divine law and multiple streams of sacred process.

In the same way, a corporation has status before our public law as a “party” or “person” (rather than as an “entity” or “people”), the Holy Spirit must have standing before, by, from, and within sacred law to serve as one having accountability, balance, completeness, independence, integrity and stability to witness, or to voice lawful testimony.  The Holy Spirit may apply and proclaim divine  law, and does expose transgression (sin), yet, the Spirit does not operate on the basis of self-will; and makes no accusations or indictments of anyone in judgment. 

Divinity is knowable, known, accessible, and approachable through their existence as active presence.  Even so, sin that opposes the continuing existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the entire Creation that rests on the platforms of divine order, may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures.  The operations of sin have defiled and weakened the original deposits of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (we say, breath, life essence, spirit, word), therefore, divinity has demonstrated perfected humanity using flesh and blood as Jesus Christ (we say, embodiment; Incarnation).  Through his ministry and that of the Holy Spirit, the living now may receive fresh endowments of spirit, and endure as the new creation.  Included are Christ-likeness, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Job 33:  4, King James Version (KJV):  4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

(2.)  Romans 8:  5-11, 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.  10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

(3.)  Romans 8:  26-27, KJV:  26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

There is far more that should be said, properly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st John 5:  5-7, KJV:  5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.  7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:  and these three are one.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/30/2015) Time Is Not A Deity

Today, Scripture points are shared on idols and objects of devotion among mankind that are not living.  Many are caught in systems of idolatry that exaggerate their acknowledgment of other persons, the achievements and contributions of others, and even their own possibilities for growth and prosperity.  They embrace new, non-traditional, and untested concepts that deny the nature and actual substance of divinity by the inclusion of subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden and unseen shifts in meaning or value).  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Tim M” (Level 7 with 104,236 points, a member since July 23, 2010) posted the following:


So If Time is the great giver and taker of all things, would Time not be considered God ?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king:  at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.  Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.  He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.  When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.  Every man is brutish in his knowledge:  every founder is confounded by the graven image:  for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.  They are vanity, and the work of errors:  in the time of their visitation they shall perish.  The portion of Jacob is not like them:  for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance:  The LORD of hosts is his name.  (Jeremiah 10:  10-16, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  No Other gods? (08/14/2015); The Meaning not the Object (05/26/2015); Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); A House of gods? (08/31/2012); Heaven For Muhammad? (09/01/2012)


“Tim M”, among Christian believers, time should not be spoken of as having the attributes and qualities of divinity such as character, consciousness, person, presence, and will.  Time is a framework provided by GOD for created beings and living creatures as a system for organizing and processing mechanical and natural events as well as sacred occurrences and revelation (i.e., effects that make the active presence and eternal purposes of GOD known, recognizable, and visible).  Where the living promote, or respond to time and other aspects of Creation that are not alive as though they were living entities (e.g., birth, death, government, intellect, romantic love, skill, wealth), and as though they have authority, power or existence independent from the Creator, such features have been exalted as idols (we say, false gods).  While idols are usually material objects used as representations, or vessels said to contain a god, idols also appear in the form of abstractions, things coveted, and objects men may lust after (e.g., freedom, heroes, leaders, weapons, an Islamic state).  For Christians, the earth has been created by GOD as a sphere of life, while the world is a man-made system to establish exchange, interaction, and survival among those living upon the earth.  Features of the world include currency, family, history, language, philosophy and science.  Consider the following points from the holy writings:

(1.)  Job 31:  26-28, King James Version (KJV):  26 If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;  27 And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:  28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge:  for I should have denied the God that is above.

(2.)  Psalms 115:  1-8, KJV:  1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.  2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?  3 But our God is in the heavens:  he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.  4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.  5 They have mouths, but they speak not:  eyes have they, but they see not:  6 They have ears, but they hear not:  noses have they, but they smell not:  7 They have hands, but they handle not:  feet have they, but they walk not:  neither speak they through their throat.  8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.

(3.)  Isaiah 44:  14-17, KJV:  14 He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest:  he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.  15 Then shall it be for a man to burn:  for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.  16 He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:  17 And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image:  he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Isaiah 44:  8-11, KJV:  8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid:  have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.  9 They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.  10 Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?  11 Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed:  and the workmen, they are of men:  let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/26/2015) The Meaning not the Object

The use of the cross, crucifix and other objects for inspiration and in worship are considered, today.  Given the temporal character and nature of life experience upon the earth, even believers in Christ must be repeatedly encouraged, re-exposed to, and reminded of the things pointing to their salvation.  Believers also experience being drawn away into competing activity and doctrine; forgetting; lapses and sudden shifts of their attention and focus as well as detachment and separation that result from lack of contact, and being absent from the active presence of divinity.  Correctly received, the use of memorials (e.g., the rainbow, a rest and Sabbath that follows Creation, or even a day remembering shared struggle and those who die unselfishly in defense of their nation) does not exalt or “venerate” (we say, honor as sacred) conflict, death, flesh, and warfare.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “L’nya” (Level 3 with 1,452 points, a member since August 25, 2010) posted the following:


Would you venerate a weapon used to kill one of your loved ones?

Would Jehovah God want the means his Son Jesus was killed venerated?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel:  not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.  For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;  But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  (1st Corinthians 1:  17-27, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012)


“L’nya”, you seem to be disturbed by the continuing use of the cross.  For Christians, in the same way it is acceptable to use representations and symbols such as language and words to communicate our inner feelings and thoughts, it is correct to use emblems, images and physical objects such as a prayer shawl, bread and wine.  Only where one wrongly attributes divinity to material and physical objects without acknowledging the spirit content, meaning and purpose from Christ (for events, messages, other persons, etc.) do such errors as heresy, idol worship, occultism, and superstition appear.  Here are some points to consider that have been useful for correction and guidance among Christian believers:

(1.)  Romans 8:  5-9, King James Version (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.

(2.)  John 3:  18-20, KJV:  18 He that believeth on him is not condemned:  but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 8:  4-6, KJV:  4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.  5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)  6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 7:  29-31, KJV:  29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short:  it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;  30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;  31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it:  for the fashion of this world passeth away.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (5.)  Luke 22:  19-20, KJV:  19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you:  this do in remembrance of me.  20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.)  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

(05/18/2013) An Earth to Fix A Heaven?

      Creation, heaven, and reconciliation are topics, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “The Bearded One” (Level 3 with 1,386 points, a member since July 24, 2012) posted the following:


Why didn’t god just create everybody on heaven?

If he was that powerful and loving, he would have the ability to do so.


THE BATTLE AXE: The “Jesus Way”? (05/17/2013)—(5.) Reconciliation may be understood as part of a larger sacred process that includes incarnation, judgment and salvation whereby divine person is revealed (i.e., made known; made visible) to all Creation. To be known by created beings and living creatures as more than an abstract idea, or passing thought in their minds, divinity must also exist as a concrete and tangible presence. Similarly, for mankind to continue in divine awareness as more than a mere object within the eternal expanse of divine mind, divinity must also appear and operate as unique person. The work of reconciliation transforms created beings and living creatures from remote objects under the gaze of eternal spirit to recognizable events and expressions that themselves constitute the existence of GOD. By abiding as what we are, while also continuing to be as divinity, GOD may relate to mankind as persons that communicate, exchange, and realize relationship. The person of Jesus is that aspect of full divine being that endures within the many finite frameworks for existence provided to created beings and living creatures. As Christ, GOD experiences both human and sacred events. Included are advent, bereavement, change, growth, humiliation, increase, loss, pain, progression, suffering, and three-fold glory. See Matthew 4: 1-11, James 1: 1-14 and Hebrews 4: 14-16, KJV. (6.) The divine work that has been performed on behalf of Creation through Jesus Christ cannot be altered, copied, counterfeited, repeated, or replaced. For this reason, many say, Jesus is the only way. The reconciliation of GOD to the created goes beyond allowing and embracing their otherwise unacceptable behavior and misconduct through sin. Incompatible levels of being and existence that result in conflict, corruption, and contradiction must be brought into harmony, and union through the direct action of GOD. Thus, all created beings and living creatures are to accept Christ as a “one of a kind” act of GOD. See John 14: 1-6, John 11: 21-27, 1st Corinthians 3: 11, Hebrews 9: 27-28, Hebrews 10: 4-14, 1st Peter 3: 18 and 2nd John 1: 9, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. (Deuteronomy 10: 14, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Blood? (04/13/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013); On Titles and Respect (03/15/2013); The Need to Purify Heaven (01/17/2013)

    
     The Bearded One, here are some points to consider that agree with teachings from the Holy Bible:

(1.) Through its own internal devices, the finite, limited mind that is bound within frames of time and space can not conceive of a living universe, or the eternal, uninterrupted self-emanation of GOD. Only by actions and events that make visible the presence of divinity, and the directed will of GOD, are humans able to have correct knowledge of the love, possibilities, and power from the true and living GOD. See 1st Corinthians 2: 9-10, KJV.

(2.) The separation from celestial presence established through the creation of both heaven and earth permits change, diversity, growth and progression within a full sphere of divine aspect that itself is only enduring, fixed, immortal, immutable, incorruptible, permanent, and stable. Distance must be maintained between the Creator and the created that will continue ongoing sacred operations as balanced, complete, impartial, righteous, and sound.

(3.) Given that sin was first found to be present among the holy angels, the earth and its inhabitants may be understood as a sacred device to demonstrate and establish the sovereign will of GOD. Sin has not been created by GOD, and has no divine origin. Sin is not a material thing or spirit creation; yet, sin may dominate the self-will of created beings and living creatures. Sin opposes the existence of divine law, sacred person, and the universe of divine creation. Sin cannot be detected or resisted simply by applications of imagination, intelligence, and finite mind.
    
     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Breaking-off the spread of sin in the place of celestial presence, and repair of the damage to all demands divine operations that may only be accomplished through the incarnation of GOD as Jesus Christ. There must be atonement, purification and sanctification that will permanently eliminate all sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC