Today, reply is made on the origins and simultaneous existence of GOD and the physical universe. Language within the holy writings do allow us to reflect on conditions that were in effect before the founding of heaven and earth. Many agree that a state of chaos, flux, and a constant streaming that contained no material or spirit substance known by our present standards preceded the establishment of stable order and fixed platforms (the firmament). In stating that GOD is eternal and immortal believers understand that divine substance has always contained and put forth both existence and life. Yet, few will also affirm the propositions, that (1) divine substances (e.g., faith, holiness, righteousness, wisdom) always have been collected, joined, unified, and interactive, (2) always have appeared and given expression as multiple persons to one another, (3) always have generated patterns and regularities now recognized as “natural law,” or (4) always have routinely used the devices of flesh, carnal form, or material and social process as seen among created beings and living creatures. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Mortal Seeker” (Level 4 with 2,683 points, a member since April 14, 2012) posted the following:
Have God and the universe always existed side-by-side, or does it make sense to speak of "before time" when only God existed?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2nd Peter 1: 2-11, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: “and without Him nothing” (08/14/2017); The First Divine Thought? (07/31/2017); GOD Revealed As One (07/12/2017); Time and Sacred Events? (03/30/2017); Eternal Mysteries and Revelation (08/31/2016); According to This Word (09/20/2013); His Burden Is Light? (09/21/2013)
“Mortal Seeker”, things outside the awareness and existence of mankind may not have lasting value for mankind! There tends to be little benefit in conjecture, speculation, and circular conversation about eternal GOD; it is more correct to invest our hearts and minds in the things documented and set apart as proclaimed, promised, and prophesied from GOD. Among Christian believers it is not considered “wrong” to seek full knowledge and correct information describing the origins of the earth, mankind, and even, the character, makeup, and nature of divinity. However, the best answers to such questions will be sacred knowledge (i.e., divine law, proclamation, prophecy, holy writings), rather than secular knowledge (e.g., history, philosophy, science). Believers should rely on answers provided directly by GOD as aspects of revelation whereby he makes himself knowable, known, and accessible to created beings and living creatures. Where GOD is silent, and there is no record of previous responses to a particular issue or specific matter, it is most likely that the question posed can not result in fruit, or information that is relevant and useful for ones salvation, and mankind’s transformation to exist as an immortal, incorruptible companion of divinity. (Keep in mind, GOD already has shown necessary answers, yet, we still have no way to serve him, or fulfill his eternal purposes relying on finite consciousness and self-will.) Those who are “born again” must also “grow up again” and mature as offspring of GOD upon the earth. Thus, salvation is not a “one-time” event so much as an extended process of discovery, gradual growth, learning, and permanent change. There are times when a believer seems to “know without knowing” and is under the influence of the Holy Spirit. However, where divine utterance is provided to a prophet or spokesperson that supplies missing or “new” information (a word of knowledge or word of wisdom), there are standards and tests for its authenticity, fitness, and value. Consider again the following:
(1.) Deuteronomy 29: 29, King James Version (KJV): 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
(2.) Genesis 1: 1-3, KJV: 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
(3.) John 3: 11-13, KJV: 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
(4.) Mark 13: 11, KJV: 11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, thoughts are shared on benefits from attending prayer meetings at the church where one is a member. Prayer in public and by elected officials are increasingly becoming thought of as a duty among believers in America and many of the other nations now suffering unprecedented bereavement and loss through floods, storms, terrorism, and other tragic events. However, it remains that a church congregation should be a source for, and a vessel filled with, spirit substance from GOD, rather than an organization serving as a community center, a site for distributing alms and donations, or simply another location for secular social gatherings. The church properly seeks and helps others to find the highest levels for their existence, and the specific endowments from GOD appropriate for salvation. With this in view, through activity in the church, developing believers are released from worldly entanglements that interrupt the sacred business of interacting with divinity through commitment, humility, obedience, and prayer. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Grey Tower” (Level 7 with 171,743 points, a member since July 13, 2007) posted the following:
Should Christians participate in church Prayer Meetings? Is this biblical and beneficial?
Update: A prayer meeting is a regular church event, usually held one evening during the week. Everybody can join in with praying for current events / situations / church matters / others in need or who are sick, etc. Nobody is required to pray out loud and many never do, but pray silently. It's a "corporate prayer" session, if you like.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. (Romans 8: 26-30, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Storms to Punish America? (09/08/2017); ...Gathered In My Name (05/29/2017); Receiving The Holy Spirit (12/08/2016); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); Good Christians and Church? (10/19/2016); Why Pray For Victims? (06/14/2016); Skipping Church A Sin? (11/17/2015)
“Grey Tower”, here are some thoughts you may find useful: Because prayer meetings are assemblies of anointed believers, they should be regarded as sacred events that further reveal and make visible the active presence who is GOD. In the meetings referred to here, focus is on completing the edification and existence of the church, rather than on the personal concerns and needs of individuals as within the home or family prayer circle. Carnal, material, political, and social issues are less relevant. Prayer meetings to benefit and complete the sacred business of the church call for outpourings of grace and the Holy Spirit. The objective and purpose for everyone who is present is to acknowledge, affirm and evidence the oneness without sameness provided through Jesus as head of the Church as well as to marshal and focus the spirit content and power of the full body of Christ for the completion of various sacred operations (e.g., confession and petition; forbearance and forgiveness; baptism and rebirth; ordination and sanctification). Sacred transactions are to be completed that were began on the basis of covenant, divine law, sovereign proclamations, eternal purpose, trustworthy promises, and expectations grounded in prophecy.
In praise and prayer services, a congregation is to commune and interact with GOD as though the group is a single person. As they display their own spirit content imparted from GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, wrath against sin) through prophecy, testimony and witness, they present the image of GOD, and become “recognizable” to divinity as those having place with Jesus Christ in sacred fullness. The clergy and assembled believers all may serve as spokespersons for GOD and for mankind. In addition to being a process of exchange between Creator and the created, prayer meetings are a sacred tool for imparting divine order, restoring balance, crystallizing vision, and refreshing body, mind and spirit. Prayer allows the collective to prepare for action as well as to be invigorated and revived when going up against opposition, unmet needs, obstacles, and spiritual confusion. Consider again the following counsel that uses language from the Bible:
(1.) Matthew 18: 19-20, King James Version (KJV): 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
(2.) Ephesians 4: 11-16, KJV: 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
(3.) Acts 4: 31-33, KJV: 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Hebrews 10: 24-29, KJV: 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, focus is on the totality of operations, purposes, and substance acknowledged by the living as divinity and spirit. In addition to the Father, who is spirit, and the Incarnate Son who appears using flesh and bone, the Holy Spirit depicted by a dove completes the three persons of the One we call the GODhead. The Holy Spirit is also known as the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Spirit of Truth. The holy writings convey and impart spirit matter, and speak of ministering spirits (the holy angels); spirit substance from the fullness of divine being such as faith, holiness, immortality, incorruption, wisdom, and wrath against sin; the spirit imparted to mankind from GOD that is life essence (we also say, breath, word); the spirit matter that indwelled Jesus Christ while on the earth; the spirit that operates in rebirth and resurrection of a sinner’s inborn spirit; and the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are required to edify and empower the community of believers who follow Christ as his church. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “John” (Level 1 with 3 points, date enrolled is withheld) posted the following:
What do christians mean by 'spirit'? What is spirit, like when they say that god consists of spirit?
And is it the same stuff as souls are made of?
Please be as specific as possible, since this is a very important aspect of theology to understand.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11: 1-6, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Hope That Is True (02/20/2017); Divine Presence and Spirit (01/18/2017); Learning From A Spirit? (08/25/2016); Word, Son, and Christ? (08/24/2016); Spirit, Spirit Beings, Spirit Persons? (10/13/2015); Can The Bible Be Increased? (05/31/2015); The Words Are Spirit? (06/03/2015)
“John”, the finite tools of created beings and living creatures such as emotion, intelligence, logic, philosophy, science and technology are useless to completely and correctly apprehend “spirit” . Moreover, sacred knowledge from GOD, about GOD, is granted on a “need to know” basis through discovery and is given to those who are in peculiar personal relationships with divinity (e.g., apostles, covenant partners, offspring, prophets, spokespersons). Those who receive revealed truth become shielded against spiritual confusion and error by themselves containing aspects of divine person (we say, the imparted spirit); and by their being directed and focused through divine law, sacred practice, and eternal purpose.
The GODhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) should be acknowledged as a single fullness who manifests all divine substance. The three persons of the GODhead interact having oneness without sameness. Inseparable aspects of Deity (where you find one, all the others also appear; however, not necessarily in the same measure or proportion) continually coalesce, interact, distance themselves from one another without separation, and reconfigure. Included are such substance as authority, awe, completeness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, perfection, person, presence, righteousness, and sovereign will.
Man became a “living soul” when GOD imparted life essence (we also say, breath, spirit, word) into a form that had been prepared to serve as a vessel for divine substance. Spirit may exist without form (we say, body); and the dead may be understood as spirit separated from body; however, the living must have both form and spirit. Because the Scriptures do speak of “souls under the altar,” many believe there can be disembodied souls, and even, undying and eternal souls. Resurrected spirits without their body from GOD are like promises, prophecies, and visions without their fulfillment. Just as “possibilities” have existence without material form; resurrected spirits are as shadows, and lack full substance to those in mortality. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:
(1.) Deuteronomy 29: 29, King James Version (KJV): 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
(2.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) 1st Corinthians 13: 11-13, KJV: 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, focus is on divine glory and the endowments of divinity imparted to mankind. What mature Christians understand to be “divine glory” pertains to how we apprehend and discern the active presence of spirit substance who is GOD. Given the truth that GOD beams, emanates, and puts forth aspects of his own makeup when establishing all that exists or lives, his glory is all that we may perceive and realize as eternal, exalted, holy, and sanctified. Because the glory of GOD further displays the spirit character and nature of GOD, the full glory of GOD is proclaimed as a single GODhead of multiple persons who share oneness without sameness. Glory is more than a visual presentation and something you see such as blazing, gleaming, illumination, shining, or sparkling. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “GRANNY NORINE” (Level 1 with 31 points, a member since May 16, 2014) posted the following:
What Does II Corinthians 3:18 Mean? How Do "...We all...change from GLORY to GLORY..."?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. (John 17: 22-24, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacred Baptism, Divine Resurrection? (09/14/2017); On Men Wearing Veils (08/13/2017); Clothed In Divine Light? (08/02/2017); Inheritance Must Become Commitment (05/15/2017); The Hope of Glory (03/02/2017); Called, Justified, and Glorified? (01/08/2017)
“GRANNY NORINE”, here are some thoughts I can share that might be helpful. The process of GOD established for the consciousness of mankind can be described as one of continuous change and gradual growth as well as of acquiring sacred knowledge through multiple streams of truth (we say, revelation). Created beings and living creatures all enter fixed levels and plateaus of existence and life process, and pass on to higher or lower levels that manifest the completeness and fullness of their spirit content from the makeup of Deity.
In the same way the angels are described as ascending and descending Jacob’s Ladder to fulfill their sacred assignments and missions, and this reflects that they are trusted and worthy to serve, mankind may be understood as rising, falling, and being lifted to new heights through sacred operations, and is being made fit to serve as a true companion to divinity. Sinners must be transformed and undergo permanent changes by the sovereign will of GOD that moves them from faith to faith, glory to glory, and hope to hope.
The Apostle Paul taught that there are various appearances of “glory” (e.g., that of the sun, the moon, the stars), and they are not all the same. Most properly understood, only GOD is immortal and incorruptible; and only GOD has divine glory and full sovereignty. Thus, when Moses returned to the camp after receiving the tables of stone bearing the covenant law, his face shone with glory; yet, the glory was not his own. Moses was a reflection and transmitter of the divine glory, and an appearance of to the people of the same burning bush he himself had encountered. At his Advent (we say, his appearing, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming) Jesus Christ will display the Incarnation for 3 persons in GODhead. Believers will discern and recognize his own glory with that of the Father and that of the Holy Spirit. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:
(1.) Isaiah 42: 8, King James Version (KJV): 8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
(2.) Isaiah 48: 10-12, KJV: 10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. 11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. 12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
(3.) Exodus 34: 29-30, KJV: 29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. 30 And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
(4.) John 17: 1-5, KJV: 1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
There is far more that should be considered and properly understood. (For example, (5.) 2nd Corinthians 3: 7-16, KJV: 7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. 12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, focus is on
mathematics as a tool for describing and knowing divinity that can introduce
spiritual confusion, and its use be a form of idolatry. Properly understood,
spirit substance is immeasurable. Because of the many subtleties involved
(barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning, quality, and value) human
attainments are often thought to be manifestations of divine power. Included
are astronomy, history, medicine, science and technology. Arithmetic and
mathematics are closed number systems that only permit the assignment,
quantification, and manipulation of discrete values in accordance with fixed
patterns and regularities. While divinity appears as immortal, immutable,
incorruptible, and unchanging, Deity also manifests the highest authority,
dominion, divine prerogative, and sovereign will that establish autonomy,
independence, and sanctification. GOD is only predictable on the basis of his
own acts of revelation, proclamation, promise, and prophecy; and will always
remain mystery in multiple aspects of sacred being. The fighter at
“Yahoo! Answers (Malaysia)” using the ID “ιℓσνєιѕℓαм يا رب العالمين” (Level 2
with 888 points, a member since July 04, 2017) posted the
following:
How is the trinity explained via
math?
This is Monotheism: 1 God + 0 others = 1 God.
This is the trinity:
1 Father + 1 Son + 1
Spirit = 1 God.
ie, 1+1+1=1.
Simplified 3 =1
Some people say it's 1x1x1=1.
But that is
incorrect because the father/son/holy spirit are not equal.
The son has less
power and knowledge than the father, etc. Not equal.
So it would be more
like 1.5x1x0.5 =1 which is mathematically not sound.
Your thoughts, Christians?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. (1st Corinthians 2:
9-14, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Law and
Divine Process (05/28/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); Time Is
Not A Deity (11/30/2015); The Correct Prescription? (11/19/2015); No Other gods?
(08/14/2015); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent
(03/05/2013)
“ιℓσνєιѕℓαм يا رب العالمين”, using the finite human
measuring tools of arithmetic and mathematics to describe divinity is
inappropriate, and borders upon idolatry (attributing celestial authority and
power to a man-made object or process). GOD must be understood as the
active presence who has put forth all that exists. Included are
created beings and living creatures as well as their spheres of life and the
settings for their activity, duration, and conclusion as a life
form.
The full sum of divine substance (i.e., the total
makeup of GOD) must be understood as spirit in its character, nature, and
substance. Thus, it is irrelevant and foolish to describe divinity in terms of
the measurable dimensions observed for things carnal, material, secular, and
social. We can no more accurately describe GOD using the ideas of amount, size,
and weight than we may by using physical senses such as seeing, tasting, and
touching with our hands to know roughness, sharpness, and smoothness.
Even so, GOD makes Deity knowable, known, and
“approachable” (we say, reveals divinity) using material forms, divine
operations, sacred processes, and eternal purposes. Increasingly, Christian
believers are encouraged to apprehend that GOD is a spirit who may appear and
exist within events, natural and sacred law, life essence (we also say,
breath, word), prophecy, promises, themselves, and throughout the holy
writings. Inseparable aspects of spirit content from the makeup of GOD may be
imparted to those who are “born again” such as faith, gratitude, holiness,
longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Such
persons also must “grow up again” and become mature as vessels of divine spirit
living on the earth.
That there can be oneness without
sameness among the persons of the GODhead (Father, Son, Holy
Spirit) is properly regarded by mature believers as a “sacred mystery” to be
acknowledged, yet, not challenged or questioned; for such a truth is grounded on
divine prerogative, imperatives of eternal purpose, sacred law, and sovereign
will. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:
(1.) Deuteronomy 29: 29, King James Version
(KJV): 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD
our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us
and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this
law.
(2.) 1st Corinthians 12: 3, KJV: 3 Wherefore I
give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus
accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the
Holy Ghost.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined,
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
Today, focus is on the oneness without sameness for the Incarnate Christ, the imparted Spirit, and the holy writings. The book, the man Jesus Christ, and the imparted spirit within believers are three appearances (forms) of one divine life essence and truth. Sinners are to engage GOD in a dialog and continuing relationship, so to speak. Where they can manifest the character of Christ, and behave as a son to the Father, they will be able to receive the same blessings of acceptance and eternal life bestowed on the Lord. To say Jesus was a carnal embodiment of divinity declares that divine substance resided within in him such as discernment, holiness, person, presence, eternal purpose, righteousness, and sovereign will. Thus, to embody Jesus Christ is more than simply to present verses of Scripture, or perform peculiar sacred practices (e.g., baptism, foot-washing, healing, prayer). One must serve as a vessel of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of divinity. Inseparable aspects of Deity should appear including faith, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom and wrath against sin. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Brendon” (Level 5 with 5,490 points, a member since May 21, 2015) posted the following:
Ok Christians..which one is it?
Is the Bible the word of God...
OR is the Word of God living..and at the right hand of the Father.
Was it "In the beginning was the Word..."
or "In the beginning was the King James Bible..."
Update: What do you know about King James?
What do you know about the Bible...
What do you know...about the Word....did it become flesh? Or manufactured by Zondervan?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (John 15: 4-11, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Actual Utterance From GOD? (08/11/2017); One Complete Divine Revelation (07/09/2017); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017); Christus Natus Est Nobis (12/29/2016); Holy Writings and Spirit? (12/16/2016); Word, Son, and Christ? (08/24/2016); GOD Appearing As Word (01/14/2016)
“Brendon”, Jesus Christ and the holy writings both convey and impart spirit content, sacred operations, and eternal purposes that should be understood as “life” from the makeup of GOD. Here are some points that help believers avoid spiritual confusion:
(1) Mature Christian believers usually acknowledge “the Word” as one of the three “persons” that appear as the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead). Because this aspect of divinity existed before Creation, and has appeared on the earth using the form of a man, other names also are used for him. Included are “the Son of GOD,” “the Son of the Highest,” “Jesus Christ,” “the Lamb of GOD,” and “the living word.”
(2) In the same way the full collection of your own thoughts are an appearance and expression of your existence distinct from your physical characteristics (eye color, hair color, height, weight), the Word exists as that aspect of GOD who communicates, exchanges and interacts with created beings and living creatures for their edification, salvation, sanctification, and perfection.
(3) The Bible is a collection of accounts and utterances from GOD using various human events, spokespersons (e.g., patriarchs, judges, kings, apostles, prophets) and sacred agents (e.g., angelic messengers, the host of heaven, the twenty-four elders, the Holy Spirit). Properly read, the holy writings display a continuous revelation that allows the reader to “discover” the active presence and multiple persons who are a single GOD imparting divine substance to thousands of events, through thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4) Just as divine law was imparted to the earth before the Ten Commandments were written in stone with the finger of GOD, doctrine, mysteries and secrets from GOD intended for mankind existed long before the King James Version of the Bible was written. Jesus, as the living word, was born in the flesh to establish a new creation. Fixed conditions, law, limitations, and standards from GOD existed before the creation of Adam where a form created from earth was endowed with sacred breath (we also say, life essence, spirit, utterance). The terms for covenant relationships with GOD, inheritance as offspring (sons and daughters) of GOD, and the eternal purposes that require mankind be made immortal and incorruptible to exist as companions of divinity always have been in existence, yet, not accessible to all or permanently deposited in the awareness of the created as sacred knowledge and wisdom.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, reply is shared on prophecy, divine revelation, and the holy writings as a record of utterances from the living GOD. So to speak, the “signature” and “mark of GOD” that identifies statements made by Deity, personal utterances from GOD, and the Creator’s own spoken word is (1) that they convey divine substance; (2) allow discovery that the Holy Spirit is present and active; (3) make known eternal purposes; and (4) express the oneness without sameness that exists among the three persons of the GODhead. The fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” who uses the ID “Dange” (Level 1 with 135 points, a member since August 06, 2017) posted the following:
On what basis do you say that the book The Word Appears in the Flesh read by the believers in Almighty God is God’s personal word?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2nd Peter 1: 16-21, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divinity Appears Using Form (07/26/2017); The Complete Divine Revelation? (03/10/2017); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017); Holy Writings and Spirit? (12/16/2016); Knowing The Divine Voice? (09/02/2016); Word, Son, and Christ? (08/24/2016); Jesus Known As Word (01/17/2016); GOD Appearing As Word (01/14/2016)
“Dange”, in the understanding of Christian believers, our Creator is a spirit who must use a divine process called “revelation” to make divinity knowable, known, and “visible” to all created beings and living creatures. GOD has put forth carnal, material, secular, and social objects along with their sphere of existence (i.e., the context, environment, and settings they must be placed in) as well as the principles, processes and standards for their duration (how long they may continue and survive). While most things that exist display form (we also say, image and shape) that may be described using measures such as height, size, weight, etc., the living also are given consciousness and self-will that are immaterial, yet, are not also spirit substance (e.g., emotions, imagination, intellect, recall).
Because GOD is an immortal, immutable, and unchanging active presence, the living must learn to “know” and recognize GOD as a cause, and through specific effects (consequences) that we identify as exalted and sacred. In the same way, only learning to say their ABCs is not enough for small children to read and write, the living must acquire spirit content from the makeup of GOD (for example, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin) before they are able to participate in intimate and personal relationships with divinity (i.e., to be children of GOD, joint-heirs with Christ, offspring, and persons instead of abstractions and objects before GOD). Sinners acquire sacred knowledge and practice specific meanings, qualities, and values whereby they receive GOD (we say, breath, life essence, spirit, word) within their own makeup. Using the inner spirit imparted from GOD, believers are to develop discernment (ability to recognize the divine spirit they have been given as it resides within events, other persons, practices, purposes, the holy writings, etc.)
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, even more than ignorance, exaggerated pride, self-promotion and self-will are probably the greatest obstacles to men “hearing” the voice of GOD. Divinity has used men as agents, embodiments of Deity, and spokespersons on the earth from the time of Adam’s creation. Many forms of both non-verbal and verbal outreach to mankind have appeared. Along with Incarnation that appears with Jesus Christ, included have been apostles, parables, patriarchs, praise, prayer, preachers, priesthood, proclamation, promise, prophecy, and personal testimony (i.e., statements made under oath during judgment that serve as evidence like DNA, finger prints, and eye-witness reports.) ) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, topics shared include the makeup of divinity, mercy, proportion, and divine justice. Mercy appears during judgment as grace, divine prerogative, and sovereign will, and should never be confused with human strivings that often are arbitrary, biased, fickle, and subjective. In the same way sin may not be completely and correctly described using measurable dimensions such as height, length, size, and weight, the full substance of divine justice can not be properly recognized and responded to while concentrating only on such carnal, material, and social constructs as dualism, either/or, equality, fairness, “pay-back”, and revenge. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Axel” (Level 1 with 185 points, a member since May 08, 2017) posted the following:
Spiritual people where does Forgiveness stand with Justice?
I believe Justice is the most important moral value in creation. No wonder it's symbolized by the scales. Tipped scales are horrible everyone agrees. The balance exists even in atoms neutrons and protons are in equal numbers and when they aren't the material starts disintegrating. Birds have two balanced wings. Humans walk on two feet, if one foot is sightly shorter you get a visible limp. So balance is everything. If you want your country to prosper make sure to balance everything. But then people come and preach about forgiveness. Now forgiveness means sometimes we turn our backs to Justice. I honestly can't bring myself to accept that. Justice is above all. So what's your opinion?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. (James 2: 13, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Law and Judgment Revealed (08/06/2017); Transformation Not Obedience Alone (07/02/2017); Salvation Goes Beyond Forgiveness (06/30/2017); Forgiveness, Grace and Merit (06/22/2017); Determining What Is Sin (06/15/2017); Making and Keeping Justice? (05/25/2017); Temporal and Eternal Judgment (02/15/2017); Law, Vengeance, and Punishment? (09/30/2016)
“Axel”, here are some points I can share that I trust are in line with Christian belief:
1. Forgiveness may be understood as a divine operation to maintain and repair intimate and personal relationships with divinity. Forgiveness may also be discerned as a peculiar expression of mercy.
2. Balance is not always a condition described by a mathematical split of fifty-fifty It is no less balance when we see 60-40, 70-30, and 98-02%. Consider again, when making a cake that is supposed to keep its form and shape to be eaten, it can not be all flour (too bitter), all sugar (too sweet), all milk (too liquid). Diverse elements are joined in varying measures, butter, vanilla extract—even a “dash” of poison is included (sodium chloride, table salt)—and the cake is forced through the fire to take on its final, permanent form.
3. Of the 3 aspects for prophecy as a sacred process (i.e., comfort, edification, exhortation) forgiveness aligns most with exhortation (i.e., encouraging a person to change and to take action) such as rebirth, reconciliation, regeneration, renewal, and repentance.
4. The full revelation whereby divinity is made knowable, known, and “visible” uses divine law (called the “express will of God”), multiple sanctions within the law that describe its benefits from obedience and penalties for disobedience as well as final judgment wherein the impartiality, righteousness, and thoroughness of GOD are displayed.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) That GOD is a “god of judgment” should not be regarded in human terms focused only on “fairness”, for GOD is a totality of spirit who appears using oneness without sameness (the three persons, Father, Son, Holy Spirit). The inseparable aspects of spirit include faith, forbearance, holiness, hope, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, person, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Deity appears as an active presence on the basis of exchange, interaction and continual configuration and reconfigurations of divine substance.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, reply is on the revelation of divinity, law, judgment, and sin. A fighter suggests that Jesus Christ demonstrated deliverance from death may come by flaws, “loopholes,” and technicalities within the law. Many believers are surprised to find that the full instruction of the Gospel, and its prophecies of GOD through Jesus Christ include descriptions of final judgment. Before-unseen ideas are shared such as the first and second resurrection; the second death; and the destruction of Satan as well as the truths that the conduct of final tribunals will be without accusers, and all will be challenged only by the testimony of their own deeds found recorded in the Lamb’s book of life. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Mortal Seeker” (Level 3 with 2,142 points, a member since April 14, 2012) posted the following:
Christians, why didn't Jesus stone the woman caught in adultery, if he was God and God punishes the wicked when its time for judgment?
She was brought before Jesus for judgment, she was unquestionably guilty under the law, and there's no indication that she had repented or was one of his followers before the judgment began.
Yet he let her go on the ground that her accusers were imperfect in their obedience to the law. Why would he do that if he was God and God punishes people when its time for judgment if they haven't repented and joined Jesus?
Would Jesus likewise let us go on Judgment Day on the grounds that Satan the Accuser is imperfect in his obedience to the law?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (Romans 8: 2-10, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mercy to the Merciless? (07/30/2017); Becoming Free From Sin (07/16/2017); GOD Indwells Divine Law (07/14/2017); Thoughts On The Commandments (06/27/2017); Forgiveness, Grace and Merit (06/22/2017); Determining What Is Sin (06/15/2017); A Ministry to Cripples? (03/14/2017)
“Mortal Seeker”, where we respond to accounts in the Scriptures on the basis of their carnal, material, secular, and social elements, we often fail to apprehend their fullness as revelations of divinity and as sacred knowledge. We are to see that the guilty adulteress and the paralytic brought by his friends show oneness without sameness. Just as on the cross, Jesus embodied Israel and all mankind, the Savior embodied sin and demonstrated its destruction by the Father and the Holy Spirit. Mature Christians acknowledge that Jesus appeared as an Incarnation of the full GODhead, who revealed the character, substance and makeup of Deity, while also exposing the operations of sin as contrary to existence, life, eternal purpose, and sovereign will. Going further, the Savior also revealed more regarding the nature and process both of divine judgment, and of sacred law.
In Creation, divinity is shown to operate as multiple persons existing as oneness without sameness. GOD is seen in authority, power, purpose, and his role as the single source for all that exists. In Salvation, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit focus on mankind, and divinity is to be known through such elements as atonement, forgiveness, longsuffering, and lovingkindness. In Judgment, divinity is specially to be known through impartiality, mercy, righteousness, and thoroughness. Consider again the following:
(1.) Hosea 6: 4-6, King James Version (KJV): 4 O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away. 5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth. 6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
(2.) Matthew 9: 2-7, KJV: 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house.
(3.) Jeremiah 33: 20-26, KJV: 20 Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season; 21 Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers. 22 As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me. 23 Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, 24 Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them. 25 Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth; 26 Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob and David my servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) 2nd Peter 3: 10-15, KJV: 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, focus is on the process of GOD for accomplishing the complete restoration of the divine gifts of beauty, glory and grace lost by mankind through the Fall of Adam. The living are no longer adorned with spiritual garments of light, and now must receive a covering of spirit, even the whole armor of GOD. The patterns and possibilities generated by their own form and substance include influences and forces that may overwhelm awareness and willpower within the living. Simple nudity should not be an obstacle to correct relationships; however, because nudity may trigger sexual arousal, and quickly become a snare that entangles the imagination, ones inhibitions and the mind, nudity, and most sexual situations and themes are to be regarded as dangerous, unpredictable, and threatening except in controlled settings. Sexuality for animals and mankind exists as a defining aspect of development and growth, and has place in the life from ones birth to their death. For mankind, great damage may result where the accountability that appears through love is not present. Along with fornication, lust and promiscuity, immature and infantile sexuality always result in spiritual confusion and conflicts among godly values. GOD imparts no “forbidden knowledge;” and that we might be “children of light,” the Creator provides inseparable spirit content from his own makeup, rather than intellect, logic, carnal reason, and secular knowledge. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “James” (Level 3 with 2,243 points, a member since March 20, 2015) posted the following:
Do all humans share the forbidden knowledge imparted to Adam and Eve?
If yes, why don't I understand why being naked is supposed to be shameful? If we don't have the knowledge they got, why care at all about nakedness? I wear clothes and feel self conscious because I grew up in a society that christians got their bigoted "everyone must think like me" paws on, way before I was born. It's unfair that I'm programmed with body shaming and self consciousness. Nudists feel free, and i want that, but no, Christians turned the back of my mind against me from birth.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (1st Thessalonians 5: 5-10, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Choice of Knowledge? (10/28/2015); Sin As Our Inheritance? (06/08/2015); Sanctify Yourselves? (06/26/2014); Inheriting the Kingdom? (06/27/2014); (Appetite (10/14/2010); Why Clothing? (10/15/2010); Known by GOD? (10/16/2010)
“James”, in the same way relationships among family, friends, neighbors and co-workers require creating and maintaining certain conditions, and acknowledging boundaries and limits, mankind’s communication, exchange and interaction with the Creator was always to be through divine order and structure provided by divinity. In the beginning, man was like the angels of GOD, neither mortal nor immortal. By disobeying the command of GOD, the duration, spirit content from the makeup of Deity, and countless features of the sphere of life for Adam and Eve would have to be divinely altered. The error committed by the first pair (the male and female) was more than a matter of their accepting and valuing secular data, and carnal information. Their desire, thoughts, and acts of self-will interrupted and suspended the intended process of GOD for their acquisition of knowledge, learning, and growth.
Many mature Christian believers accept teachings that explain the first pair were “clothed” and shielded with a covering of divine spirit (some say, light, radiance) that established them as having balance, beauty, dominion, and worth before the host of heaven, and one another. Through regular contact with GOD, their divine endowments would be continually nourished and replenished. However, through the operations of sin, the light that was the “mark of GOD” resting upon Adam and Eve would become diminished and extinguished.
Until established in the new creation provided through Jesus Christ, mankind must endure and resolve multiple conflicts within his own makeup that responds both to earthy characteristics and features (we say, the flesh) as well as to aspects of the divine (we say, the Spirit). Human awareness and self-will may be directed and dominated through appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual contact), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and through emotion/mental faculties (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall). Sinners who become born again must “grow up again” and become mature by meeting life challenges and “growing pains” on the earth. Consider again the following:
(1.) Job 38: 4-11, King James Version (KJV): 4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? 9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, 10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, 11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
(2.) 1st John 1: 5-10, KJV: 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
(3.) Isaiah 30: 1, KJV: 1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Revelation 20: 12-14, KJV: 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
