(09/10/2019) "Normal" For the World

Today, reply is on the conflict and tensions of the End Times being the ordinary and usual process of the World system. The World system is the collection of man-made elements to ensure exchange, interaction, carnal pleasure, and human survival. Christian believers are not to be alarmed, confused, or distracted from their sacred duties. It is written: Revelation 18: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Pris” (Level 1 with 70 points, a member since September 08, 2019) posted the following:

I believe we are living in the end times. In this era the world is going chaotic. Am I the only one alone on this?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.(James 4: 1-4, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Likened Unto 10 Virgins (09/09/2019); Recognizing The End Times (04/16/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); And There Was War? (06/12/2018); “The End Is Near” (03/14/2018); Avoiding Confusion About Antichrist (11/08/2017); About The Great Whore? (06/24/2016); The Endtime and Fear? (01/14/2015)

“Pris”, here are some things that may not be familiar; even so, properly understood, the counsel to developing and mature Christian believers from Jesus Christ is that our focus during the end time should not be on sin and punishment, the process and substance of the world, or the agonies and infirmities of the flesh. Rather, focus should be on the proclamations, promises, and prophecies shared with us by divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). For the belief system we call “the World”, conflict and striving are “normal” aspects of living process along with human mortality as are the domination of awareness and self-will (willpower) in created beings and living creatures by the operations of sin. Believers are neither to be in awe nor in spiritual confusion regarding the sights and sounds of the last days. Clear and graphic pictures have been provided within the holy writing to edify and further provide the comfort, faith and holy boldness required for the times. Mysteries and secrets are explained that include the Great Whore, who represents the commerce and industry of the World. The followers of Jesus are to be forward-looking, and to continue unselfish service to divinity displaying Christ-likeness, vigilance, and zeal. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. 1^st John 2: 14-17, King James Version (KJV): 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

2. Revelation 17: 1-7, KJV: 1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

3. Revelation 17: 14-18, KJV: 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Revelation 22: 16-21, KJV: 16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:24 PM, September 09, 2019 @ https://hrhome.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/wars-graphic-from-ancient-christianity-on-twitter.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/02/2017) Dead While We Live?

 

Today, Scripture points are shared on being alive since the fall of Adam as a form of death.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

What if we're all dead and all our actions up to this point have just been a series of reflexes?

You know, sort of like how a chicken runs around after its head is chopped off

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  (Ephesians 2:  1-9, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Birth, Self-will and Sin? (11/13/2016); The Dimensions of Death? (04/24/2016); The Death Penalty? (10/08/2015); All Have Sinned? (07/29/2015); Sin As Our Inheritance? (06/08/2015); Struggling? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013)
 

“Anonymous”, the holy writings contain many verses that describe the human condition since the fall of Adam as a form of “being dead” that is only reversed by divine operations such as baptism, rebirth, and resurrection.  Consider the following:

(1.)  2nd Corinthians 1:  8-10, King James Version (KJV):  8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:  9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:  10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver:  in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

(2.)  Romans 5:  19-21, KJV:  19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

(3.)  1st Timothy 5:  5-6, KJV:  5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.  6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

(4.)  Romans 6:  3-6, KJV:  3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

(5.)  Romans 6:  10-13, KJV:  10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:  but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  1st Peter 2:  21-25, KJV:  21 For even hereunto were ye called:  because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:  22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:  23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:  23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:  24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:  by whose stripes ye were healed.  25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/15/2016) GOD Knowing the Price?

The confidence, optimism, pleasure and satisfaction of GOD when putting forth the Creation comes into view, today.  It is written:  Remember this, and shew yourselves men:  bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.  Remember the former things of old:  for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (Isaiah 46:  8-11, King James Version (KJV)).  Christian believers are to rejoice in their election, justification, redemption and salvation, and all the handiwork of GOD as the experience of the same eternal goodness and joy within divinity.  Neither judgment nor sacrifice may be overlooked as necessary aspects of the full work to establish life that is to be diverse, enduring, flexible, and resilient.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Brandon” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since February 24, 2016) posted the following:

Why would God create the human race knowing the price would be his son? Also knowing we would sin and that would cost his son?

Update: Also, creating the tree that Satan would use to tempt Adam and Eve

Update 2: Does God love us as much as Christ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 8:  28-39, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  In The Image of Man (05/04/2016); Products of The Cross? (04/27/2016); The Cross and Creation (03/24/2016); Justified Through Christ? (08/26/2015); Justifying GOD? (03/15/2015); A Creator No Longer Needed? (02/19/2015); Evil is not Sin? (09/22/2013)

“Brandon”, we need to see things more from GOD’s point of view.  Consider this:  GOD embraced creation as a divine imperative (something that must be done in accord with the existence of divinity).  The Maker knew his own intent; the eternal benefit, good, and joy that would ultimately result; and the value that would become established and endure as an aspect of divine being and expression.  Christian believers are encouraged to “get to know GOD” by carefully considering the many things that have been provided and put upon display as “revelation” to make divinity knowable and known.  Included are covenant relationships with the living, divine law, Incarnation, prophecy, the death of Jesus upon the cross, the Savior’s  resurrection, the Lord’s ascension, and the falling of the Holy Ghost as the imparted Spirit from GOD.  In addition to continuing sacred practices (we say, sacraments such as baptism, marriage and penance), believers must acquire sacred (rather than secular) knowledge by study of the holy writings that use thousands of events occurring in thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years to show the “active presence,” sacred operations, and eternal purposes of GOD.  Assignment of value and fitness to exist as an eternal companion of Deity (we say, blessing, favor, judgment) is granted created beings and living creatures as grace and divine prerogative, yet, requires response by the living expressed as dutifulness, faithfulness, obedience, and spiritual growth as well as overcoming challenge, obstacles, suffering and trials.  Hear how this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 1:  18-22, King James Version (KJV):  18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

(2.)  Isaiah 55:  7-9, KJV:  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.

(3.)  Jeremiah 29:  11-13, KJV:  11 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.  12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

There is far more that should be carefully said, thoughtfully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 21:  7-8, KJV:  7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is the second death.)  Even so, I am sure this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC