(10/17/2020) Why So Many Churches?

 

Today, reply is on the operations of divinity as omnipresent, and why there are countless churches and houses of worship on the earth. Correctly understood, the church founded by Jesus Christ is not so much a material location within the frameworks of time and space as it is an ongoing spiritual relationship between the Creator and the created. Through finite, human church assemblies there is access for mankind to otherwise hidden and unseen sacred resources that must be received through discovery, gradual growth, ministry to others, sacred practice, mutual respect, study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and suffering. In the same way the New Jerusalem that now is being constructed in heaven will serve as a habitation for mankind upon the earth made new, the flesh of mankind is to exist as the new creation and a habitation of GOD through the Spirit. It is written: Ephesians 2: 11-22, King James Version (KJV): 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Lol” (Level 2 with 638 point) posted the following:

If God is everywhere the why do people go to church ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. 4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. 5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. (Isaiah 66: 1-5, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Place Of Meeting (04/08/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); Leadership By The Church (03/18/2020); Everywhere In The Universe? (10/14/2019); Justified By Church Attendance? (06/21/2019); Divine Presence and Spirit (01/18/2017); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014)

“Lol”, properly understood, church buildings exist as areas for regular assemblies and gatherings of developing and mature followers of Jesus Christ that are consecrated and set apart (we say, sanctified through prayer, unselfish service, and suffering). Christian beliefs pertain to the Creation of heaven and earth, the duration of existence and life as well as the possibilities for mankind to continue in an eternal relationship as a living companion to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity. The process and substance of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is spirit in its character, makeup, process and substance. Divinity has used human form and life-process to exist on the earth (as seen through their Incarnation as Jesus Christ). Even so, GOD only appears to created beings and living creatures as life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; utterance; word) that is diffuse, measureless, and without physical dimensions. GOD may not be influenced and manipulated by the living through finite human social behavior such as begging, deceit, and weeping, for divinity holds to immutable principles and sacred law that proclaim the integrity of GOD through attributes of faithfulness, holiness, oneness without sameness, and righteousness. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry demonstrating the cleansing and restoration to purity provided for the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain:

(1.) Acts 17: 24-31, King James Version (KJV): 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

(2.) 1^st 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.

(3.) 1^st Corinthians 6: 19-20, KJV: 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Treble Lluis Travesett, Consecration of Sagrada Familia – Psalm 83 @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqBDE9HTz_E.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:52 AM, October 16, 2020 @ http://delivertheword.com/lordprepareme/files/2016/01/02-WillOfGod_LordPrepareMe_X7_8x10L_v1_03-1280.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Christian Beliefs, Church Attendance, Incarnation, Judgment, Salvation, Sanctification, The Flesh, The Godhead, Value of the Church, covid-19, existence, gatherings, habitations, integrity, omnipresence, purity,

(10/14/2019) Everywhere In The Universe?

Today, reply is on whether the knowledge of divinity and consciousness of the divine presence exists throughout the universe. Men upon the earth have received anointing and divine commission to proclaim promises, prophecy, and the eternal purposes of divinity as spokespersons of GOD sent to “all the world.” While many believe omnipresence (existing as active, or on hand in every location and place) and omniscience (existing as all-knowing) to be attributes of divinity, neither are among the inseparable aspects of divine fullness imparted to mankind through water baptism and rebirth whereby sinners become the offspring of GOD, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and the new creation. Developing and mature Christian believers are to display their own fresh endowment of sacred seed from the makeup of GOD. Included as their “divine DNA” are balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  It is written: Mark 16: 14-16, King James Version (KJV): 14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Bearly” (Level 3 with 1,286 points, a member since June 23, 2018) posted the following:

Do Christians believe God's presence is made known everywhere in the universe (Is 66:1-2, Lk 1:32-33, Jer 23:23-24, Job 38:19-20)?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. (Psalms 19: 1-6, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Spiritual Confusion About Heaven (05/31/2019); The Option of Atheism (02/11/2018); Wisdom In A Mystery (11/22/2017); Making Sense of Preexistence? (10/06/2017); Time and Sacred Events? (03/30/2017); Abstractions, Atheism and I.Q. (08/18/2016); The Three Wise Men? (08/05/2015)

“Bearly”, the idea of a “universe” promoted as a concept from Astronomy—the academic and secular study of planets, their moons, stars, the possibilities for the existence of extra-terrestrial life forms, and the various phenomena within outer space—should not be thought of as the “universe of GOD”, meaning the man-made World system for exchange and survival, all the earth, or the totality of Creation. Two very different systems of belief and organization of mind are involved, therefore, mixing and interchanging content from the two discrete frameworks for knowledge can result in spiritual confusion. The universe can not be both an abstraction and an organic sphere of life. Among Christian believers, time and space are not extrapolations and mathematical projections that derive from the measurable dimensions of material substance, physical objects, and the unseen fields that surround them (e.g., gravity, magnetism, radioactivity, sonic waves). Divinity as the focus for Christian believers centers on such interests as the origin of authority, existence, divine order, and sacred law; life essence (breath; spirit; word) within mankind from the makeup of the Creator (we also say, the Godhead; the fullness and sum of all spirit substance; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit); the apocalypse entailing a completion of mortality and sacred judgment; and the continuation of ongoing communication and interactions with divinity that suppress the operations of sin. GOD is held to be a diffuse spirit who displays and expresses direction, immortality, immutability, oneness without sameness, personhood, eternal purpose, and sovereign will. GOD is immortal, invisible, and without measurable form, yet, divinity may put forth material objects with patterns and sequences that serve as mechanical and natural law. The holy writings are intended to document and provide witness in tribunal (judgment) pertaining to divinity who has appeared on the earth using thousands of events, occurring within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. GOD appears within the consciousness and self-will of created beings and living creatures; and many are convinced that material objects influence one another and respond to GOD through operations that can not be spoken of as life, mind, or discursive thought (e.g., attracting/repelling; hardening/softening; obeying/disobeying). The word “universe” does not appear in the King James translation of the Scriptures; however, consider again the following that uses language from that presentation of the Bible:

(1.) Isaiah 55: 6-13, King James Version (KJV): 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

(2.) Hebrews 11: 1-3, KJV: 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

(3.) Romans 8: 22-31, KJV: 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 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. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Matthew 24: 6-14, KJV: 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:58 PM, October 13, 2019 @ https://thebethanycenter.org/the-whole-creation-groans/

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/18/2017) Divine Presence and Spirit

 

Today, focus is on the teachings that GOD has the power to be present in all places (omnipresence) and exists within all things (pantheism).  The aspect of divinity whereby created beings and living creatures come to know and interact with their Creator is spirit matter, rather than carnal, material and physical substance.  The attributes and properties of spirit allow the appearance of divinity in multiple events, forms, and sacred operations, at the same time, in different locations, yet, without division or separation.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Abdul Malik Ishak Bin Madihi” (Level 1 with 92 points, a member since May 11, 2015) posted the following:

 

If God is omnipresent, does that mean God is in hell?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.  (John 4:  23-24, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Appearances Using Form? (12/20/2016); The Focus Upon Spirit (09/12/2016); Oneness and The Cross (03/18/2016); GOD Lives Inside Us? (07/11/2014); Can the Word of GOD Be Altered? (07/12/2014); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014); Jesus Scourged (04/05/2014)

 

“Abdul Malik Ishak Bin Madihi”, the frameworks that must be used to correctly understand the character, makeup, nature, and substance of divinity center in the existence of GOD as spirit, rather than carnal, material, social, and temporal like created beings and living creatures on the earth.  Time and space are less useful ideas, and aspects of appearing as Creator should be relied on that include lawful authority, comprehensive consciousness, the “essence” of life (we say, breath, spirit, word), oneness without sameness, ownership, unseen sacred process, preeminence, and sovereign will.  Thus, becoming aware that GOD is present and knowing the presence of GOD require more than merely applying ones senses (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching); employing the finite tools of emotion, imagination, intellect, logic, philosophy, and science; or responding to measurable physical dimensions (e.g., depth, height, length, weight).  Christian believers are not offended or surprised that the actualities and possibilities of divinity also include “incarnation” (using human form to appear among mankind).  Even so, few agree to the teaching that GOD is in all things (pantheism).  Where the divine nature is active and present it should be possible to “discern” (i.e., use spirit standards) to recognize and respond to Deity.  As when a drop of fruit juice is added to a full glass of milk, one may say, I have juice and milk, however, the juice will be undetectable until it has been added in such measure that it then determines how the content of the glass is known.  The color, smell, and taste must become recognizable as juice.  So, also, the “measure” of GOD within a vessel should become recognizable following sacred operations to add the imparted, indwelling Spirit (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Consider the following:

(1.)  John 3:  1-7, King James Version (KJV):  1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God:  for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.  3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  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.

(2.)  1st Peter 1:  18-22, KJV:  18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,  21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.  22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:  23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:  25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/18/2016) Oneness and The Cross

Points are shared on the GODhead, and how divinity may hear and respond to multiple expressions and prayers from the living.  Mature Christian believers agree that GOD is a spirit who appears through active presence, person and purpose, yet, is not limited to form or process that is carnal, material and social.  Sacred order and the divine Word establish, and further oneness and relationship to divinity through diverse aspects of utterance.  Included are law, praise, prayer, promise, and prophecy.  Existing as spirit, Deity may continue as immutable, omnipresent, unbounded, and unchanging.  Christ dying upon the cross comes into view for his followers as an appearance of divine fullness that combines life, death, flesh, Spirit, things seen, and things unseen.  Consider the following from the Scriptures, and the presentation below:

1st Corinthians 8:  6, King James Version (KJV):  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.

1st John 2:  22-24, KJV:  22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.  23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father:  [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.  24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

Romans 8:  26-28, 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.  28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

1st Corinthians 12:  12-14, KJV:  12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body:  so also is Christ.  13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  14 For the body is not one member, but many.

Mark 14:  32-36, KJV:  32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane:  and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.  33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;  34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death:  tarry ye here, and watch.  35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.  36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me:  nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Larry Fine” (Level 7 with 75,150 points, a member since August 29, 2013) posted the following:
 

How does God handle billions of prayers coming in to Him simultaneously?

Let's its easter and everyone is praying. God could easily receive a billion prayers from people asking for stuff within a hour. Do He got a huge switchboard up there ih heaven?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come:  but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.  And ye now therefore have sorrow:  but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.  And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.  Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name:  ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.  These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs:  but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.  At that day ye shall ask in my name:  and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:  For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.  (John 16:  21-27, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Answered by The Cross? (03/14/2016); Authority, Dispensation, and Unity? (08/20/2015); The Holy Spirit and Unity? (08/13/2015); Oneness, Not Equality or Rank? (07/16/2015); Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)


“Larry Fine”, to correctly understand the accomplishment of the peculiar unity for Creation provided by Jesus Christ dying upon the cross requires sacred knowledge that is recognized and retained through operations of an imparted Spirit from the makeup of GOD.  Mature Christian believers trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  Through revelation, divinity appears using things that now exist, once existed, and are promised will exist to become knowable and known by created beings and living creatures.  Finite intellect operates by acknowledging measurable dimensions, discrete characteristics, and orientation within frameworks of time and space.  Classification and differentiation are promoted (i.e., comparison, contrast, and separation).  In the priesthood of Jesus Christ, however, sacred operations appear whereby divinity fulfills eternal purposes that center in permanent change, completion, joining, making whole, and unifying.   Oneness may exist without sameness, thus, sacred operations appear such as atonement, confession, covenant, inheritance, rebirth, sanctification, substitution, and transformation.  Given the absence of such features as competition, malice, exaggerated pride and selfishness. prayer among believers demonstrates accord, agreement and diversity (rather than  conflict or change).  Saying this in language from the Bible, consider the following:

(1.)  Ephesians 4:  4-6, King James Version (KJV):  4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

(2.)  Colossians 1:  19-22, KJV:  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

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

(4.)  Ephesians 1:  17-21, KJV:  17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:  18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,  19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,  20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,  21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Ephesians 1:  9-11, KJV:  9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:  10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:  11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/04/2014) GOD Everywhere?

Divine matter, omnipresence, and pantheism are topics, today, along with more on having a personal relationship with GOD.  The “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Made From Embryonic Stem Cells”  (Level 3 with 1,207 points, a member since April 02, 2013) posted the following:


If god is everywhere, is it in the bullets and drugs used to kill people and other animals?


THE BATTLE AXE:  A Personal Relationship? (04/03/2014)—(5.)  For most of us, close (we say, intimate) relationship is rooted in patterns that are fixed and predetermined.  Thus, family, marriage, and military service as comrades-in-arms are experienced having boundaries, limits, and opportunities for exchange that are pre-set.  These close relationships emerge from, and are intended to maintain carefully described order and structure; and so are not the same as relations that begin and end as casual contact, crisis and emergency events, occasional communication, and unfocused interactions among persons.  GOD does not disregard and totally suspend divine authority to be in relationship.  Rather, authority is amplified and exhibited as assurance, benefit, nourishment, protection, and strength.  Strong relationships with GOD based upon divine proclamation, promise, and prophecy continue through daily and other uninterrupted contact over an extended period.  Believers continue in Christ—and maintain Christ within—by such activity as acknowledging divine law and sacred discipline, giving for spiritual works, parenting, prayer, study of the holy writings, practice of the sacraments, sharing personal testimony, unselfish service, and regular worship.  To the extent ones human purpose for relationship with GOD does not agree with divine intent and eternal purpose, a person may only exist as another sentient creature and material object within the fullness of Creation.  A shared relationship through Jesus Christ is one that is built up through change, growth, learning/application, and yielding.  (6.)  Personal relationship with GOD is not to be built up having a foundation of something we saw, so much as upon a framework of truth we have heard, continue to hold within our awareness, and act upon in every condition and situation.  Closeness and ongoing access to GOD is only through use of attitudes, behavior, carriage (we say, composure, posture) and language expressing spiritual accord, awareness of divine majesty, contrition, gratitude, humility, respect, and trust.  See Psalms 34:  12-22, Isaiah 43:  2, Matthew 18:  19-20, Hebrews 10:  22, John 15:  4-7 and 10, 1st Corinthians 3:  11, 2nd Corinthians 5:  7, Romans 10:  17, James 4:  8 and 2nd John 9, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:  be zealous therefore, and repent.  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:  if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.  (Revelation 3:  18-22, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Needing Guns To Serve? (03/19/2014); A Culture of Judgment? (03/20/2014); GOD Inhabits Praise (01/27/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013)


“Made From Embryonic Stem Cells”, here are a few points that have been useful to those who desire a relationship of love toward GOD as Christian believers:

(1.)  GOD is a spirit made up entirely of divine matter, who has put forth all created beings and living creatures as well as the platforms and spheres for their existence.

(2.)  Spirit matter is invisible, and does not absorb and reflect light as does physical matter made up of material particles.  We should not think of GOD as being like clouds, fog, mist, smoke, steam, or vapor.

(3.)  The substance of GOD may be thought of as inseparable divine matter such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Other aspects of divinity are being, duration, active presence, person, and sovereign will.

(4.)  GOD inhabits praise, and is incarnate (alive within blood and flesh) as “life essence” (we say, breath, spirit, word).  Death is not a living entity that has awareness and self-will.  Death is a peculiar condition and stage of living process that mechanically results in keeping with changes within the natural order.

As you can see by now, this is not the proper place for a full answer to your question.  There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  While divine matter resides in all created beings and living creatures (i.e., angels as well as men), sin may dominate their awareness and self-will.  Sin is not spirit matter, and opposes the continued existence of divine order, sacred law, and the complete universe of GOD.  The idea that GOD exists in all matter is called “pantheism”.  Christians reject that idea, for the measure of divinity in many things does not determine the character and nature they display.  Mortal beings have potential to exhibit an animal, human, or divine nature as well as various combinations of the three.  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, believers now receive a fresh endowment of divinity that eliminates human bitterness, confusion, criticism of GOD, and resentment you may have heard many express showing their animal and lower nature.  The Holy Spirit establishes gratitude and praise, and reinforces our recognition, rejection of, and resistance to sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.


Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?  If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there:  if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;  Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.  (Psalms 139:  7-10, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC