(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

(11/07/2017) Neither "All-knowing" Nor "Omniscient"

Today, the makeup and nature of divine knowledge are considered.  Many aspects of angelic and human makeup were designed to be independent and separate from divinity, and in that sense, they do not carry out and obey sacred law.  Also, there are multiple elements and features that are not intended to communicate, exchange and interact with Deity within ongoing relationships that are intimate, organic, or personal.  Those who parrot the language that GOD is “all-knowing” or “omniscient” may be doing so because they deny revelation from GOD, acknowledge no relationship to the Holy, and are convinced that the Most High is more concerned about the world and the flesh than anything else.  They seem to want to make certain that GOD knows their sinful thoughts and wickedness so they may blame GOD for it, escape divine justice, and question the righteousness of his judgments against themselves.  Mature Christians are more ready to understand that the knowledge of GOD goes beyond the objects and operations that appear within the frameworks of time and space, or the life experiences of angelic and human duration.  The heart, mind, and will of GOD also embrace, embody, and focus upon things that are entirely spirit in their character and makeup as well as eternal and perfect.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is presented) posted the following:


God is omniscient and knows everything he knows before we're born if we're going to heaven or hell so how can anyone claim we have free will?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  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.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  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.  (Romans 8:  1-9, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Creator is Different (10/31/2017); Idolatry -- Exalting Human Devices? (09/21/2017); Knowing the Invisible GOD (09/17/2017); Divine Knowing, Finite Will? (09/28/2016); GOD Knowing the Price? (06/15/2016); The Philosophy of Free Will? (04/08/2014); The Name(?) of GOD (04/09/2014); GOD Knows Tomorrow? (04/12/2013)

“Anonymous”, because created beings and living creatures must come to know their own spheres of life (e.g., the earth, the ocean, the universe) using finite tools such as emotion, intellect, logic, carnal reason, and sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) they are always more ready to describe divinity as being a life form like themselves.  GOD is being made known and revealed as a spirit who is the origin of consciousness, existence, and life.  At this time, Christian believers should avoid calling GOD “all-knowing” or “omniscient”, for this implies that the mind of GOD contains and is focused only on secular knowledge, human affairs, the world, and the things of flesh.  To engage divinity in relationships that will be continuous, personal, and enduring, the living must be endowed with spirit content from the makeup of GOD as well as sacred knowledge.  Included are inseparable aspects of divine fullness such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, “oneness without sameness,” wisdom, and wrath against sin.

The carnal mind is enmity against GOD (i.e., has not been designed to respond to the spirit content and active presence who is the Most High).  In the same way, there now are machines that do the same work you would expect from a human, yet, they are still only machines, the inborn spirit within human beings allows the living to perform many tasks obeying divine law, yet, they still can not consistently and correctly identify, resist, and eliminate sin.  They are like the new automobiles that will apply the brakes, lock the doors, and even park the vehicle when supplied with correct data processed by artificial intelligence and on-board computers.  As mechanical devices that require detailed programming, these machines can perform a few simple things very well, and they do not discover, learn, or themselves create and reproduce.  Therefore, we say they lack human flexibility and person that would allow responses to unplanned for changes.

There is no “free will” that may ignore natural and sacred law; however, there are rebellion and self-will that are separate from the sovereign will of GOD.  When you say, ABCDEFG, and I say, XYZ is coming, I am not reading your mind so much as discerning and reacting to a fixed pattern.  The “foreknowledge” of Deity concerning human accomplishments can be compared to that of a father who, on the day his child is born, rushes out and buys a football, or baseball.  He intends to guide, instruct, and share a peculiar inheritance with his own child.  He may have a dream and a hope that his son will someday be a champion athlete.  His dad may even coach him daily, all through his “growing up years;” and when his son reaches age for high school or college athletics, his son may choose basketball, or chemistry and other sciences, instead.

Consider again Ephesians 1:  2-11, King James Version (KJV):  2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:  5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,  6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.  7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;  8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;  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:

I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

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

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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/26/2014) Sanctify Yourselves?

In place of foreknowledge and divine omniscience, topics, today, include human choice, the making of Israel as a nation, judgment, revelation, and salvation.  Also, there is more on all sin as the same.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Wick” (Level 3 with 1,383 points, joined 3 months ago) posted the following:


Why did the Lord need the people to remove their ornaments before He'd know what to do to them (Ex 33:5)? 

"5 For the Lord had said to Moses, “Say to the children of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. I could come up into your midst in one moment and consume you. Now therefore, take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do to you.’”


THE BATTLE AXE:  All Sins Are Equal? (06/25/2014)—(5.)  Where the holy writings speak of sin (singular, not plural) a peculiar spiritual effect and posture toward divinity should come into view expressed through, yet, different from the various offenses, behaviors and crimes that men commit.  So to speak the whole is greater than simply the sum of its parts.  All sin appears through the same inner mechanisms and operations.  All sin is directed to the same end, generates a single outcome, and is described by a single existential purpose.  All sin generates and maintains evil (i.e., arbitrary and unintended change; calamity, catastrophe, widespread destruction, upheaval), inequality (we say, disproportion, imbalance, immaturity, instability), ungodliness, and wickedness.  All sin is addressed by GOD through sacred provisions such as atonement, baptism, forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, judgment, love, and sanctification.  Just as sin opposes the continued existence of divinity, sin opposes sacred knowledge and right relationship with GOD, correct reverence, and proper worship.  See Isaiah 66:  1-4, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.  And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.  And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.  (Deuteronomy 8:  1-3, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Guarantee of Heaven? (03/22/2014); The Bible is Unchanging? (03/23/2014);  Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); When Does Judgment Begin? (06/27/2013); The Children, not the Dogs (03/17/2013); Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013)


“Wick”, here are some points to consider regarding divine judgment and salvation:

(1.)  The people who left Egypt hoping to be led into a new land were spiritually corrupt.  While they had maintained their identity as kinspersons, families, and tribes, their social customs and worship traditions had become heavily influenced by their desire to be a part of the world, and their having been grafted (we say, assimilated) into the culture of Egypt.  Despite the demonstrations of divine wrath against the sins of Egypt, many were motivated more by a desire to escape poverty, and to possess their own property, than a desire to know, or serve the true and living GOD.  Many were still in conflict, did not understand the full commitment being required, and had not put away all their fear of the unknown.

(2.)  The revelation of GOD to Moses, to Egypt, and to all mankind is to be seen as the appearing of divinity through judgment.  Removal of their ornaments pertain to cleansing, humility, stripping away the old errors and sin as well as to being set apart for divine service (we say, anointing, consecration, purification, sanctification).

(3.)  By the Exodus, the process of divine judgment is shown as having more aspects and levels than simply condemnation and punishment.  There also are such facets as correction (we say, instruction), death with rebirth, endurance (we say, longsuffering, patience), forbearance, forgiveness, and repentance (return to GOD).  A person chooses and determines their own position and standing before GOD through their actions applying sacred knowledge, their continuing expression of attitudes and beliefs, and their responses to adversity that display the measure of divinity within themselves.

(4.)  The number of those who left Egypt with Moses is not recorded in the holy writings.  However, a census of those who would serve as the army of Israel was taken, and more than ½ million males of fighting age were mustered.  Because they lacked faith and continued under the influence of sin, of that number only two would actually enter the Promised Land and receive their divine allotment (Joshua and Caleb).  Neither Aaron nor Moses crossed the Jordan River.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  For example, (5.)  Israel was not yet a nation, and could only become a sovereign state in covenant with the Holy One by facing multiple challenges as a united collective, and remaining steadfast in relationship to one another and to GOD.  Just as divinity was being revealed using the frameworks of time and space, the nature of Israel as a people would have to emerge through repeated opportunities to fulfill their pledge to GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/26/2014) Recognizing Divine Wrath?

Today, points are shared on discernment, receiving one sent, and “seeing” things invisible.  Also, there is more on divine knowledge and omniscience.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Artemis” (Level 7 with 39,362 points, a member since November 02, 2011) posted the following originally asked on Yahoo Answers Canada:


Why do people believe in what Paul/Saul wrote? God's wrath comes in the form of lust for your own gender?

Paul the Apostle, (Saul of Tarsus) was a Hebrew turned missionary who evangelized the gospel of Christ to the first-century world around 55 AD (many years after Jesus died). At first he zealously persecuted the early followers of Jesus of Nazareth and violently tried to destroy the newly forming Christian church – until he realized that he could gain more influence and power by jumping on the Christianity gravy train.

It is said that Paul's dramatic conversion happened when he "saw" the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus – probably one of his hallucinations during epilepsy seizures. Paul's letters DO NOT REFER directly to this experience on the Damascus road. In Galatians, he writes that God "was pleased to reveal his son to me" and in 1 Corinthians, "last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also".

Thereafter, Paul traveled all over neighboring territories evangelizing and proselytizing Christianity. He wrote Epistles (i.e. letters) to Romans, Corinthians, Galatians etc. making up and detailing all the EVILS THAT WILL BE BROUGHT UPON THEM BY THE WRATH OF GOD, IF THEY DID NOT CONVERT to Christianity. These epistles were then collated to form the new testament.

13 of the 27 books in the New Testament are attributed to Paul, and about half of the Acts of the Apostles deals with Paul's life and works. Only seven of the epistles can be accepted as being entirely authentic. The other 6 are believed to have come from followers writing in his name.


Romans 1:25: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men… Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator …God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly…..”


Isn't this just to scare people - god's wrath will fall upon people who refuse to worship him - and this wrath will be in the form of lust for the same gender? How does that make sense?


Why do people believe in Paul/Saul?


THE BATTLE AXE:  The You GOD “Knows” (02/25/2014)—(5.)  The omniscience of GOD pertains to the various eternal operations and purposes whereby cosmic and divine order are maintained.  GOD knows you as he intends that you will be:  Sanctified (i.e., cleansed and set apart for divine service); alert; alive; confident; dutiful; gentle; faithful; forgiving; kind; healthy and nourished in body, mind and spirit; endowed with godly power; merciful; respectful; reverent; righteous; and wise.  Through the operations of sin, there are now many possibilities for spiritual confusion, corruption, destruction, and disunity.  Apart from GOD, created beings and living creatures do not become aware of, or achieve all the possibilities for the excellence of their own being.  The provisions from GOD that enable resistance to sin, yet do not totally eliminate sin, include baptism (spiritual death, and rebirth having divine DNA), sacred law, praise, prayer, the practice of sacraments, and the imparted, indwelling Spirit.  Believers in Jesus as their Redeemer and Savior are cautioned against seeking a “whore’s reward,” rather than continuing to prepare for the full measure of immortality and incorruptibility they will receive at his glorious Advent.  All that glitters is not gold, so to speak; and those expecting only amusement, hilarity, and an episode of pleasure are often given instead disease, lasting shame, humiliation, and death.  We were not created to be anchored and weighed down with blasphemy, defiance, ignorance, and the worship of false gods.  Yet, many are mired in, and struggling against these and many other “quicksands” of sin.  Having no part with GOD and Christ, those whose names do not appear in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be those that GOD does not “know”.  They will be cast into the lake of fire (the second death) as though they never existed.  See Matthew:  7:  24-27, 1st Corinthians 3:  9-23, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect:  yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  Which none of the princes of this world knew:  for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  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.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  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.  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.  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.  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.  But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.  (1st Corinthians 2:  6-23, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Continuously Tested (12/31/2013); Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); GOD Angry With Us? (12/08/2013); So We Could Have Life? (12/09/2013); Feeling Loved By GOD? (06/16/2013); To Find A True Christian? (06/17/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); A Need to Fear? (12/02/2012); On Seeing Jesus Serve the Poor (12/03/2012)


“Artemis”, here are a few points to consider from Christian belief that have helped many recognize and escape from spiritual confusion:

(1.)  Believers are commanded to continually practice and apply discernment.  We are to use the spirit content we have within ourselves, and within the things given from GOD (e.g., events, praise, prayers, the holy writings) to correctly examine, and successfully recognize other things that will come to us as genuine sacred knowledge, prophecy, revelation, truth, and wisdom.  This is specially important for receiving divine spokespersons (we say, prophets), miracles (we say, sacred events) along with incarnations and visitations (we say, those who are sent as was Jesus, whom many among the priests and Levites denied).

(2.)  GOD is a spirit who has put forth the aspects of his own makeup as the life and existence of all created beings and living creatures.  Despite their operations through intellect, logic, reason, and science, awareness and comprehension are limited for all the many life forms of heaven and earth.  Apart from the provisions of GOD, many aspects of their own nature, substance and potential remain hidden from their own finite mind.  More than this, the details and dynamics of divine operations, sacred process and eternal purpose are invisible to any spirit not infused with divinity.  Among those on the earth, only those born again are able to grasp the unseen presence of GOD displayed in such features as consecration, faith, glory, holiness, divine love, mercy, righteousness, sovereignty, and wrath against sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  In the words of an old-time spiritual song, “Everybody talkin’ ’bout heaven ain’t goin’ there…”  Believers trust that what we know—and that we know—are by multiple operations of GOD.  Rightly applied, scholarship and study may focus analysis, criticism, and other tools of mankind upon the “stuff” of mankind.  Only spirit matter through endowments from the ministry of Jesus Christ may be used to achieve clear and inarguable truth from GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified:  but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  (1st Corinthians 4:  4, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/25/2014) The You GOD “Knows”

Response is made to a crude and insulting question on the omniscience of GOD.  Also, there is more on the 7 “godly” sins.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Methoozelah” (Level 1 with 89 points, a member since February 24, 2014) posted the following originally asked on Yahoo Answers Canada:


OK Christians! So because you think God/Jesus is omnipotent, you're telling me he knows everything about me?

Seriously???? He knows what breath smells like in the morning after I've had a night of heavy smoking and pepperoni pizza and beer and gone to bed without brushing???

He knows what my urine taste like first thing in the morning while I'm still hungover? He knows what my sperm tastes like too???

Seriously??? Omniscience isn't all its cracked up to be is it?


THE BATTLE AXE:  7 “Godly” Sins (02/24/2014)—(5.)  One of the greatest errors for those outside of the salvation of GOD through Jesus Christ is the notion that Almighty GOD, the Father, has created, and is directly responsible for all things that exist as challenges, harsh conditions, injustice, limits, problems, threats against, and weaknesses in all created beings and living creatures.  Such deny having any accountability, or inborn capacity to correctly exercise their own self-will.  In their view, GOD is at fault, and is to be blamed for not sharing authority, freedom, knowledge, perfection, power, and rule.  Those who insist upon complaining and murmuring against GOD continue on a path marked as “blasphemy,” and stamped as sin that can be regretted in carnal, emotional, and social terms.   However, they render a sinner eternally void of the Holy Spirit from GOD, and thus can have no repentance.  Among angels and among men, there are many who strut in pride thinking they have made them selves exalted and prominent before GOD by the operations of their own will.  Sadly, these show their content and substance to be that worthy of divine condemnation, perdition, and removal from the sacred awareness of all living.  See Job 21:  22, Psalms 75:  6-8, Matthew 7:  21-23, Matthew 18:  7-9, Matthew 12:  31-32, Romans 2:  1-11, Romans 3:  3-8, Colossians 1:  9-23, Hebrews 2:  5-18, James 4:  1-12 and Revelation 21:  7-8, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:  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.  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  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:  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.  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.  (Isaiah 55:  6-12, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  All Things Possible? (09/17/2013); Can One Escape? (09/18/2013); GOD Knows Tomorrow? (04/12/2013); Able to Become Gods? (01/11/2013); Why Christians Pray For Others (01/12/2014); Before the Fruit? (11/10/2012); Why "Mysterious" (11/11/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012)


“Methoozelah”, because you’ve posted many questions of this kind, and demonstrated a desperate need for a godly reply, here are a few points that come from the knowledge and wisdom of GOD that are usually only shared among Christian believers:

(1.)  Carnal Knowledge.  Carnal knowledge is a lower level of awareness that fits to being formed in flesh (saying it another way:  that derives from ones animal nature, and from self-awareness as finite.)  Consciousness of those in flesh is dominated by mechanical and physiological processes (i.e., how the body works) generated through appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, craving for sexual contact), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) and emotional or mental functioning (e.g., desire, fantasy, fear, forgetting, imagination, recall, thought).

(2.)  GOD is Spirit.  GOD is a spirit (we may say, divinity) who has put forth diverse created beings and living creatures as well as the environment and material sphere of their existence.  The entire universe is made from substance emanated from divine being as breath and utterance (we say, word).  GOD is eternal and unchanging; therefore, there is no corruption, decay or uncleanness in GOD as appears within angelic beings and mankind through sin.

(3.)  Operations of GOD.  Just as all things that exist have dimension and presence (i.e., are measurable in space), yet do not have life, person, and self-will, all things do not exist as sentient (capable of verbal communication, reason and thought).  Intellect is determined by multiple operations of GOD including birth, death, forgiveness healing, judgment, revelation, and sanctification.  Similarly, it is by sovereign power that GOD continues to exist without material form, yet, is incarnate (in flesh) through Jesus Christ. 

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.)  The You GOD “Knows”.  GOD only contemplates and dwells upon who we are to be once perfected.  Filth and ugliness are not in the heart and mind of GOD; and there is no continuing divine consciousness of all the guilt and shame that may be rightly ours.  Within the conscience and mind of the living, outside of GOD, are the place for despair that comes by negative feelings and thoughts.  Thus, many of us are walking rubbish bins, containing things cast away and rejected of GOD.  The Book of Life that will be used in final judgment is the primary “memory bank” and record of our actual living attitudes, behavior and conduct; and what is written  there we must give account for and explain.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.  (Jeremiah 29:  11-13, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/12/2013) GOD Knows Tomorrow?

      Focus, today, is upon divine foreknowledge, omniscience, and predetermination for events in the lives of created beings and living creatures. Also, there is more on faith, language, and “mystery.” A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Isis” (Level 1 with 37 points, a member since August 3, 2011) posted the following:


Does god know what will happen tomorrow?


THE BATTLE AXE: Faith, Language, and “Mystery”? (04/11/2013)—The understanding of “mystery” as special knowledge appears frequently within the holy writings. Even so, the meaning of “mystery” is fluid, and changes as we broaden or narrow focus. For example, consider again 1st Corinthians 4: 1, 1st Corinthians 13: 1-3, Ephesians 3: 2-12 and Ephesians 5: 31-32, KJV. Mystery is an aspect of spiritual relationship, a working of divine power, the dispensation of grace, eternal purpose, prophecy, the duties and works of priesthood, and a specific truth addressing divine acts to simultaneously separate and join (woman/man and Christ/the church). Here are some other awkward, yet repeatedly useful ideas and ways of regarding the “mysteries” of GOD. (1.) When reciting the prayers of the Rosary, a believer is to contemplate selected events from the life of Jesus and his mother Mary, that are spoken of as “mysteries.” (2.) The mystery of the kingdom of GOD is a shared reality and truth that unfolds within ones awareness through their continued being and existence. The kingdom is not a place in time or space, nor is the kingdom “all in ones mind.” Participation in the mysteries of the kingdom may be instructed and taught using parables, because as open-ended object lessons, parables grant believers latitude to assign meaning based on their own divine content of faith and hope. See Matthew 13: 10-12 and Luke 8: 9-11, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 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: 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: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (Ephesians 1: 3-12, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Life Given By Knowledge? (04/03/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); Did Jesus Know? (12/22/2012); The True Miracle (12/23/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012); Blessings, Curses and Woes (10/03/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012); Why Is GOD Blamed? (08/23/2012); Fire Baptism (08/24/2012); GOD Does Exist (03/20/2012); On Being Careful (02/13/2012); A New Earth (02/14/2012); The Afterlife? (12/30/2010); Diet and Food? (12/31/2010)

    
     Isis, here are a few points I may share as a mature Christian believer that speak to GOD “knowing” the future. They will probably make most sense to you after you again show respect to GOD in prayer:

(1.) It is most correct to say that GOD is omniscient when speaking of divine purpose, sacred process, and the fulfillment of prophecy. The idea that GOD is aware of and recalls every detail for every event from the life of every created being or living creature is less correct. GOD is a spirit, and we must worship him (i.e., acknowledge him and know him) in spirit and in truth (John 4: 24, KJV). There are statements found in Scripture suggesting the breadth and depth of divine commitment to Creation as well the connection of many hidden truths for valuing human life. However, in no way should believers understand that GOD goes about filled with a “superfluity of naughtiness” and trivia. See Matthew 10: 29-31 and Luke 12: 6-7, KJV.

(2.) The foreknowledge of GOD seems to be made up of, and determined by the fixed decisions and set goals for Creation. In the same way a Washington Nationals fan may decide his son will be a baseball player (not a Capitol’s hockey star, or Wizard’s basketball great) long before the child is born or takes his first steps, may rush about buying bats, cleats, and gloves, and must then carefully maneuver his child to the sport as his own career goal; GOD has predetermined life, and eternal life for mankind. Believers are being moved through various preset sacraments, sacred experiences, and spiritual works to establish them in relationship with GOD and with one another. See Ephesians 2: 4-10 and 1st Peter 1: 13-21, KJV.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) GOD knows that self-will in created beings and living creatures may be dominated by sin. The full nature of humanity is expressed through both animal and divine aspects. (There must be an outworking of divine truth, a blossoming of holy seed, so to speak.) GOD has no final knowledge of ones deeds until after they have been manifest; and (so to speak) GOD does not go about with a catalog of errors and sins on his mind. Thus, the device of the books of life further come into view as vital for judgment and reward of mankind. See 1st Corinthians 3: 8-15 and Revelation 20: 11-13, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of faith you now contain.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/10/2012) Sin Unknown?

      Angels, foreknowledge, Lucifer and sin are topics, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “mermaid” (Level 7 with 41,005 points, a member since July 2, 2010) posted the following:


If God is omniscient, then wouldn’t he have already have known that satan would disobey him?


THE BATTLE AXE: The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012)—While angels are portrayed in popular culture (movies, television, etc.) as the souls or living spirits of dead humans, the Scriptures only describe angels as unique beings different from animals, men and sacred beasts. Secular media produced for amusement and entertainment often presents the idea of romantic and sexual encounters between humans and angels. This, in turn, encourages the idea that there have been children in the earth that were the offspring of mankind and angels. There is no sacred teaching to that effect; and the Gospel of Jesus Christ does not include any such doctrine. At their creation the angels received the full endowment of knowledge they would use throughout their lifetime. Also, the numberless count of angels has been constant from the time of their creation; they do not multiply or reproduce. The knowledge of angels is finite, and does not expand or grow by reflection and new experience. Free from mortality, and the frameworks of time and space, for angels the depth, tone, and texture of self-awareness is different from that seen for mankind. Unlike “ghosts” and shades of the dead, that are immaterial and may walk through walls, angels are believed to be substantial. Sin was first found among the angels, and did not originate with mankind. Angels are understood as serving at different levels and ranks (e.g., powers, dominions, thrones) fixed as divine order. However, there is no indication of movement or promotions within the hierarchy. As departures from divine will, such elements as ambition, defiance, envy, and willfulness among the holy angels are seen as corruption, rebellion and uncleanness.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (Ezekiel 28: 13-17, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012); The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Coveting The Throne (03/07/2012); Girdle 32: Worship GOD (12/17/2011)

    
     Many mature Christian believers are willing to carefully consider the following:

     The issues of sin are to be understood as distinct from the issues of divine knowledge. Foreknowledge, omniscience, self-awareness, truth, and wisdom are in the nature of sacred substance, not data, facts and information. As aspects of hallowed person, these sacred substances are inseparable from other divine content; and where you find one, you find them all, so to speak. Included are faith, joy, holiness, humility, love, righteousness, and wrath against sin. Saying this another way: the ingredients that fit together and make existence are very different from those that segment and sequence ones awareness of temporal events. Sin is a mystery (i.e., hidden or secret knowledge shared only with those who are initiated; unknown) for created beings and living creatures; and this is very likely due to sin having no substance to establish its independent existence.
    
     Sin is not a “thing” made from elements of carnal, material, or spirit reality. Sin has not been created by GOD. Sin is not made of divine and living spirit; yet, sin is an influence having direction, effect and presence. Sin may dominate the awareness and will of the created, however, sin has no control or power over the will that resides in Almighty GOD.

      All the holy angels were endowed with consciousness, knowledge and sentience at the time of their creation. The entire provision that they would use throughout their timeless functioning was supplied in their very beginning. Unlike mankind, angels do not change and grow by acquiring knowledge, and learning from experience. Sin was not known within GOD, and was not to be known within the angels as a truth deposited by GOD. When sin was discovered to be among them (through the arguments of Lucifer against divine law and judgment), the angels could not comprehend an end or outcome to the foreign and invisible “non-thing” among themselves.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Lucifer, a prince and ruler in the heavens, did not think in terms of disobeying or rebelling against authority. Rather, he presumed, that is, claimed authority in a peculiar way that communicated no respect, and reverence. Sin opposes the existence of GOD, of divine law, and of all that GOD has created; and, therefore, GOD cannot tolerate sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC