(12/25/2020) Being Equal With GOD?

 

Christmas proclaims a profound gospel from GOD sharing points of truth, surprise, and good news from the Creator. It is the gift of GOD that mankind is neither to be inferior to one another nor to divinity; and Christians will be equal as to what they hunger for, and what will nourish them. Even so, few Christians account themselves the equal of Jesus Christ, and many mature Christian believers will shrink from acknowledging that they themselves are to become peers with divinity through operations of GOD. Christians celebrate the nativity of Jesus Christ as the one sent by GOD to deliver mankind from the operations of sin; however, the divine use of human flesh and life essence that we see in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ is a prelude to all mankind being made to exist as an immortal, incorruptible life-companion with GOD. Apostleship, witness, and revelation of the character and nature of divinity will be continued. There are to be mutual sacred commitments, eternal purpose, and shared vision. Where the restoration of paradise lost through the transgression of divine law once may have been strictly anchored in knowing and obeying sacred law, the present transactions of divinity with mankind focus on the provision of opportunities, possibilities, privileges, promises, and prophecies that are being fulfilled through operations of divine grace. Included are the imparting of deposits and endowments from the makeup and substance of GOD whereby men become known as children and offspring of the Creator. The living become perfected and transformed through sacred gifts, eternal life, everlasting inheritance, and divine rewards for godly service. It is written: Ephesians 2: 18-22, King James Version (KJV): 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “David” (Level 1 with 102 points) posted the following:

Philippians 2:5-6 says to think like Jesus. Did he believe he was equal with God while he was in his form? Should we?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9: 6-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Both Existence and Life (12/11/2020); Why Are Sinners “saved?” (10/11/2020); Divine Process and Substance (06/24/2020); The Return of Yeshua (05/21/2020); The Place to Start (12/23/2019); The Persons Within Godhead (12/20/2019); Customs of the People (12/06/2019); On Diversity and Equality (05/22/2018)

Merry Christmas, “David”; I hope you find this to be Good News. Equality with GOD is not so much a matter of having the same celestial authority, dominion, glory, and power as it is a matter of having the same duty to manifest truth as well as the same accountability, benefits, opportunities, possibilities, and privileges. In addition to inseparable aspects of divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) such as faith, holiness, immortality, incorruptibility, personhood, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, sovereign will, wisdom, and wrath against sin, divinity has revealed that through the operations of GOD, there may be oneness of substance without the sameness of sacred form and process. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Ephesians 2: 8-9, King James Version (KJV): 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

(2.) Hebrews 2: 3-5, KJV: 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

(3.) 1^st Peter 4: 9-11, KJV: 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 14: 8-18, KJV: 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:05 PM, December 24, 2020 @ https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-fa795283ad477622ec1c6e3c0159d682

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/11/2020) Incarnation, Death and Resurrection

The image is a depiction of Christ having resurrection life coming out of the tomb.

Today, reply is on the divine plan and eternal purpose in the appearance of Jesus Christ on the earth. Jesus was sent to continue and complete a revelation of divinity to mankind that was begun in the Creation of Adam through sacred law, rather than to complete a plan to recover mankind from the consequences of sin by the death of Jesus on the cross. Multiple divine operations beyond redemption and salvation have been carried out through the Incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus that have established immortal, incorruptible, unseen divinity as a continuing and active presence in the earth. It is written: 2^nd Peter 1: 2-11, King James Version (KJV): 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “joko” (Level 1 with 207 points) posted the following:

In theory Jesus was sent on a mission to die to cleanse humanity of original sin. So why do some extremists blame Jews for killing him?

He was intended by divine plan to die, right?

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. (Romans 8: 28-30, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020); Acknowledging Christ as Son (03/08/2020); Spirit Process and Substance (02/27/2020); From Purpose and Substance (12/27/2019); Only Divine Resurrection Saves (12/24/2019); More Required Than Crucifixion? (12/10/2019); New Birth By Resurrection (09/27/2019)

“joko”, forgiveness establishes possibilities for covenant relationship with GOD, yet, does not answer all the demands of final judgment and the sanctions recorded within the divine law. Thus, many Christians trust that Christ did not come to atone for the sins of mankind so much as he came to reveal the character and nature of immortal, invisible, divinity. The appearance of GOD on the earth using human flesh and life process as Jesus Christ (we say, the Incarnation) has included multiple finite and eternal operations that express divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of divine fullness (i.e., Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). So to speak, in the same way death (sleep) was used to accomplish the creation of a female (Eve) from the rib of a living male (Adam) without also destroying all things for a “do-over”, or calling forth existence and life ex nihilo (from nothing), mankind as a companion to divinity is being restored through divine operations upon the Word and upon the endowment of life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) that was imparted to mankind at Creation from the makeup of GOD. Included are the use of birth, growth, inheritance, priestly service, death, and resurrection. Adam “fell” through betrayal, deceit, negligence and opposition to the continued existence of sacred law. Where sinners undergo the death and burial of their inborn spirit, operations that are spirit in process and substance establish their existence through sacred rebirth. Inseparable aspects of divinity are provided that include balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Developing believers are to become mature/ripe while on the earth through such features as discovery, gradual growth, sacred practice (e.g., praise, prayer, worship), the fulfillment of prophecy and divine promise, unselfish service, the study of the holy writings, and suffering. All who belong to Christ are to be harvested from the earth by the Lord at his Advent (his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Members of the spiritual body established by Jesus (the church) exist now as the new creation, and later are to become immortal as the offspring and vessels of GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Exodus 34: 4-8, King James Version (KJV): 4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone. 5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. 6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. 8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

(2.) 2^nd Corinthians 5: 17-21, KJV: 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

(3.) Romans 8: 14-17, KJV: 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKGl_6-DaVo.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:20 AM, May 11, 2020 @

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/15/2020) Salvation Is Not Predetermined

Today, reply is on divine predetermination (many say, destiny; fate), and whether the individuals who will be saved at the end of the world were chosen and named before, or during Creation. Salvation is decided among and for the living. Conditions and frameworks for the salvation of all mankind have been provided for the descendants of Adam, however, there are many factors that decide and determine who on the earth will be saved. In addition to how they have been influenced by sacred law, human affairs, chance, and the operations of sin that generate points for change, choice and decision, men will be examined for how they have displayed the image of GOD, and whether they resembled, reflected, and revealed the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Divinely provided opportunities and possibilities exist that men are encouraged to acknowledge, embody, fulfill, and practice, yet, are not coerced or violently forced to obey. Attitudes, behavior, conduct, service, suffering, thoughts, and works recorded in the books of life are being used as indicators and identifiers for each individual. The focus of divine judgment will be their invisible, unchanging spirit content. Those who will be privileged to exist as immortal life companions of divinity secure their standing with GOD by the way they carry out their lives on the earth as mortals, as the new creation, and as those in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is written: Matthew 7: 18-23 , King James Version (KJV): 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Blue Ridge” (Level 2 with 660 points) posted the following:

God Knows Who Is Saved?

Before the creation of time, God already knew who is going to heaven or not. So, what is the point of repentance?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6: 44-49, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Was Divine Power Squandered? (01/14/2020); Ones Spirit Must Grow? (09/29/2019); Repentance Must Happen Now (06/07/2019); King Solomon and Predestination? (11/14/2018); Neither “All-knowing” Nor “Omniscient” (11/07/2017); To Forgive is Divine? (04/06/2016); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012); Opportunity to Repent (11/02/2012)

“Blue Ridge”, in the same way an elementary school principal knows, without having yet seen them, the age and grade for every child who will be in their care before the first day of school, and understands that not all the children will do well without special attention, GOD knew at Creation the possibilities for mankind without making the outcome of their efforts preset (we say, determined). Conditions, mechanical process, natural law, and diverse operations were established to continue the universe through divine order. Many apply “predetermination” (fate; destiny) as an idea to explain human life events, rather than individual achievement on the basis of ones knowledge, character, commitment, skill, talent, etc.

Divinity is spirit in form, process, and substance; and we are correct to say, divinity is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible. Even so, GOD exercises prerogative, purpose, and sovereign will. The inseparable aspects of GOD include balance, faith, holiness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While many sinners and developing Christian believers are willing to describe GOD using commonsense and popular ideas that label the Creator as all-knowing, omniscient, and omnipresent, mature Christians heavily rely on the information that comes through the holy writings. Divine fullness (we also say, Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) may exist within consciousness and self-will (willpower). The Bible records the appearance of divinity on the earth using thousands of events, within thousands of human lives, over the course of thousands of years. In addition to sacred law, covenant relationships, divine proclamations, promises, prophecies, eternal purpose, testimonies, and recorded witness, otherwise unknown truth regarding divinity has been shared through Incarnation (i.e., appearing in human flesh), through revelation, and through the imparting of spirit matter from the makeup of GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Malachi 3: 13-18, King James Version (KJV): 13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? 14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? 15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. 16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

(2.) 2^nd Timothy 2: 19, KJV: 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

(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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVM8eD-4pag.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:55 PM, March 14, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/25/be/3f/25be3f48e3733a62a64210d2c8f6e59d.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/14/2020) Was Divine Power Squandered?

Today, reply is to complaints that (1) Jesus Christ failed in his mission to provide salvation to mankind; (2) the Savior should have re-written the holy writings to fix human social problems such as bias, discrimination, and prejudice; (3) the Savior did not apply all the ability, authority, and power of a god; and (4) the Lord did not perform the necessary good works that could improve mankind. Jesus not only came to provide atonement for the sins of mankind; Jesus was sent to fulfill divine promises and prophecies; and to establish the new creation. Spiritually immature and immersed in worldliness, many feel it is correct to criticize and condemn Christ for having as his priority such elements as forgiveness, healing, mercy, ministry, praising the Father, reconciliation and suffering, rather than sending the wicked to hell, punishment, and the second death. It is written: 2^nd Corinthians 5: 17-21, King James Version (KJV): 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. A fighter in the “Yahhoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

What you think? Do you agree?

If Jesus is God, then why didn't Jesus use his omniscience and omnipotence to actually do something magnificent and beautiful on earth rather than squandering his "power" as he does in the Bible?

Think about all the problems that Jesus could have solved. At the very least, Jesus could have transcribed passages into the Bible that would have ended sexism, racism and slavery forever.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. (Luke 4: 14-21, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Only Divine Resurrection Saves (12/24/2019); Sin Depicted Using Flesh (11/22/2019); Christ Displayed Authentic Humanity (10/09/2019); The “History” Of Christ (10/08/2019); We Must Acknowledge Christ (08/08/2019); Prophecy And Divine Process (04/15/2019); These Three Are One (10/03/2018); The Divinity Of Christ? (06/14/2018)

“Anonymous”, GOD has done what only a righteous God may do, and what you count as essential guidance for mankind must be imparted through an indwelling Spirit. The opportunity and possibilities established in the appearance of divinity on the earth using flesh and human form (we say, the Incarnation) as Jesus Christ were presented following multiple operations by GOD across time and space on behalf of all Creation, and were carried out to fulfill the requirements of sacred law, judgment, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. During his appearance on the earth, Jesus Christ demonstrated authentic humanity, how mankind is to exist acknowledging the supernal, and how the living are to serve as vessels displaying the image of GOD. The followers of Jesus are to resemble, reflect, and reveal his character and likeness through their own ongoing lifestyles and daily routines. GOD, who is an immortal, incorruptible and invisible spirit, was made known and revealed using carnal, material and social realities that are accessible to the living. Although mankind was fashioned to exist as a companion to divinity, the operations of sin generated mechanical and natural laws that render all who inhabit the earth subject to conditions of death, decay, mortality, and spiritual confusion. Sin promotes nonexistence and a return to the chaos, flux, and incoherence that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth (preexistence). Sin is indiscriminate, irrational, mindless, and without personhood. Sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, divine order, the Lawgiver, and the further of the universe. Sin is no created object, contains no spirit substance, and presents no material form that may be eliminated or undone by a simple act of divine destruction. Even so, sin has direction, effect, and “presence”. Sin has not been put forth by GOD, yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will (willpower) within all created beings and living creatures, including angels. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 1^st John 3: 4-8, KJV: 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

(2.) Romans 6: 3-12, 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. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 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.

(3.) Luke 7: 18-23, KJV: 18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ1-75WEYMA&list=FLD-fEmPQDdXFIv9qj8rBJVA&index=4&t=0s.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/06/2020) Not Impossible With GOD

Today, reply is on the ability of GOD to “hear” the thoughts from all the living at the same time. There is no confusion with GOD; and the Creator is conscious and has perfect knowledge of every created being and living creature within the universe. In the same way Christians trust that our prayer and the calves of our lips confessing our gratitude are received on the heavenly altar as holy gifts presented through Jesus Christ, it is our faith that silent prayer and our thoughts directed to GOD will be heard and received no matter how few or how many. GOD is a spirit, and his abilities, actualities, and possibilities have been displayed, manifest and revealed to mankind through sacred law, divine order, supernal mysteries, material existence, unseen operations, eternal purpose, and the visible fulfillment of divine will spoken as proclamation, promise and prophecy. It is written: Psalms 147: 3-5, King James Version (KJV): 3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. 4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. 5 Great is our LORD, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. One of the fighters at the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

Does God hear everyone's thoughts at once?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10: 29-31, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Believers Minister Through Prayer (09/23/2019); Nothing Impossible For GOD? (04/07/2019); How GOD Is Communicating (10/31/2018); Christian “Thoughts and Prayers” (03/01/2018); Thoughts On Divine Personhood (12/07/2017); The First Divine Thought? (07/31/2017); Knowing GOD For Yourself (07/13/2016)

“Anonymous”, here are some thoughts you may find useful: GOD is able to acknowledge and array the discrete thoughts occurring within created beings and living creatures. Mature Christian believers usually regard the capacity, content, possibilities and process of the divine mind as continually focused, limitless, and tireless. At Creation, divinity imparted consciousness, life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word), personhood, and will from the makeup of GOD that made Adam a living soul who could communicate, exchange and interact with divine fullness. GOD does not impose order so much as divinity emanates and extends inseparable aspects of divine fullness. Included are balance, completeness, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The living are to exist conforming to the commandments, imperatives and principles proclaimed from GOD as sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Being vessels of divine substance, men and women on the earth display the image of GOD, and are to resemble, reflect and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Christians acknowledge that GOD has put forth all that exists, and all that have life; yet, the operations of sin have not been created by divinity. Sin is no material or spirit thing from GOD, however, sin may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the present universe that functions using form, direction, time and space. Sin is indiscriminate and irrational promoting nonexistence and a return to the conditions of chaos, confusion and flux that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth (i.e., preexistence). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(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.) Proverbs 24: 9, KJV: 9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

(3.) Psalms 40: 5, KJV: 5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

(4.) 1^st Chronicles 28: 9, KJV: And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

(5.) 1^st Corinthians 14: 33, KJV: 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lySXt0piHY.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 7:25 PM, January 05, 2020 @ https://faithcometh.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/017.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/24/2019) Only Divine Resurrection Saves

Among other things our resurrection life from Jesus Christ should display balance, completeness, gratitude, hope, joy, lovingkindness, trust, truth, and unselfishness.

Today, reply is on the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the only sacred event that provides mankind with release from sin and eternal life. As an aspect of the tribunals for divine judgment, all will be resurrected, the just and the unjust, the righteous and the wicked. Even so, it is the power of the savior’s resurrection that transforms a sinner to exist as part of his new creation. Thus, it is written: Hebrews 9: 24-28, King James Version (KJV): 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Norine” (Level 1 with 193 points) posted the following:

When Jesus said "I AM the resurrection..." Does that mean He "raises up our DEAD spirits"(Rm 5:12) since He's Holy Spirit (Jn 14:18) baptism?

Updated 1 hour ago:

"A QUICKENING SPIRIT" (I CORINTHIANS 15:45)

BY THE "POWER THAT COMES UPON US" (ACTS 1:8) WITH HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM (ACTS 1:5)?

IS THAT THE SAME WAY HE "...WAS RAISED UP BY THE GLORY OF THE FATHER" (ROMANS 6:4)?

Updated 1 hour ago:

25 "Jesus said unto her, I AM the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" (John 11:25-26)!

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14: 6, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: By Death and Resurrection (10/29/2019); Through Faith And Patience (10/02/2019); New Birth By Resurrection (09/27/2019); Entered Into Divine Glory (09/03/2019); Life Because of Righteousness (08/29/2019); We Must Acknowledge Christ (08/08/2019); Death Used in Salvation (06/28/2019); Challenged To Explain Resurrection (10/08/2018)

“Norine”, not our own resurrection; rather, the resurrection of Jesus serves as our new birth, and the new creation. Resurrection also may be understood as an operation by divinity in accord to transform the process and substance within the living so that they exist as the righteousness of GOD. The resurrection of their own body from death that is provided to those who complete their mortality on the earth is required as an aspect of the tribunals for judgment (GOD is not a God of the dead; he is a God of the living). Only the resurrection of Jesus Christ is provided to manifest divine grace, impart life essence from the makeup of divinity (we also say, breath; divine endowments; spirit; word), and continue the eternal purpose of GOD. Seeing with new eyes, the power of the resurrection of Jesus appears among men through such sacred elements as commitment, faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, hope, integrity, joy, self-government, trust, truth, wisdom, and zeal. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Walter Hawkins:

(1.) Romans 6: 3-6, King James Version (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.

(2.) Galatians 2: 20, KJV: 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

(3.) 1^st Peter 1: 3-9, KJV: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

(4.) Ephesians 3: 14-19, KJV: 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDsEycdNRL8.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:18 PM, December 23, 2019 @ https://www.needsomefun.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/7-jesus-christ-photographphotobestimage.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/27/2019) The Character of GOD

A depiction of Hannibal crossing the Alps

Today, reply is on realizing the excellence of divine character and substance above human excellence and character. Expressions of consciousness, personhood and self-will that appear as extreme, strange and unlikely for mankind, in fact, are appropriate, correct, and imperative for divinity. Commitment, faithfulness, sacrifice, and unselfishness are not signs of divine self-contradiction and insanity. GOD is the origin of all the inseparable aspects of sacred process and spirit. Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, hope, impartiality, integrity, judgment, longsuffering, lovingkindness, mercy, optimism, respect, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: Matthew 21: 37-44, King James Version (KJV): 37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. 38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. 39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. 40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? 41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. 42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Stinky Stan” (Level 7 with 109,622 points, a member since March 17, 2014) posted the following:

I'd like you to think about this and PLEASE don't assume things about the poster of this question.;-)?

You are god, (only temporary) you sent your only son to help us, what did we do? We tortured and murdered him but, instead of unleashing all your wrath on us you simply absolve us from all crimes past and present. Doesn't this sound like pure madness to say the least? ;-)

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. (Hebrews 12: 1-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Divine Covenant Partner (06/11/2019); Rendering Our Reasonable Service (06/15/2018); Law of the Spirit (12/27/2017); Without the Divine Image? (10/15/2017); Knowing What’s In Man (03/15/2017); Become Like Jesus Christ? (10/27/2016); Actions Make Divine Essence Visible? (12/18/2015); Divinity Has Person? (05/19/2015)

“Stinky Stan”, it should not surprise us that the character, personhood, and substance of GOD who is immortal is on a level far above that for mortal, temporal man. More than it takes maturity and a well-ordered mind, apprehending divinity requires having ones own inner deposit of sacred substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Where we carefully examine the nature and character of mankind using the highest standards and values recorded across different cultures and eras of human history, we are often thrilled to find extraordinary accomplishments of mind, body, and will such as the creation of a one-world empire by the Pharaohs of Egypt who bought all the land, livestock, and the people of Egypt during a famine; the army of Hannibal crossing the Alps with elephants; and the establishment of an orbiting space station. There are numberless secular events that describe our human possibilities and potential. Applying similar patterns for study and understanding of GOD who has fashioned mankind, the spheres of life and the frameworks for time and space, we also find there are holy writings that document numberless sacred events. Included are births by aged and barren women; covenant relationships for mankind with GOD; prophetic demonstrations; the appearance and visitations of angels; and even divinity using human form and process (Incarnation) as Jesus Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. 2^nd Timothy 1: 7, King James Version (KJV): 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2. Isaiah 55: 6-13, 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.

3. John 3: 1-7, KJV: 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

4. 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.

There is far more that should 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.

Image downloaded 1:52 PM, June 26, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/88/0c/fd/880cfd45ce9b68673f1a4bdb80dc9783.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/19/2019) Judas Chosen By Jesus

A contemporary depiction of Jesus identified in the darkness of night to be arrested by the kiss of Judas (image reference below).

Today, reply is on the choosing of Judas as an apostle of Jesus in spite of the Savior’s awareness that Judas was likely to betray him. Judas represented Israel defiled through captivity and exile, that nevertheless was in perpetual covenant with divinity. It is written: 2^nd Kings 17: 14-15, King James Version (KJV): 14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God. 15 And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. Jesus did not covet a large donation from the Temple at Jerusalem, as did Judas. Thus, the character of divinity revealed through the ministry of Jesus Christ includes faithfulness (fidelity), forbearance, forgiveness, grace, longsuffering, and wisdom. Jesus behaved with a conviction that the doctrine and tools provided by the Father and the Spirit would allow every man missing opportunities for repentance, and a portion as the new creation. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “David” (Level 7 with 173,130 points, a member since September 05, 2009) posted the following:

Why Did Jesus Choose Judas Iscariot as One of the Twelve While Knowing in Advance Judas Would be the Betrayer?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. (Psalms 65: 4, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Blaspheming the Holy Spirit (05/08/2019); Accounts To Reveal Divinity (04/28/2019); The Use of Money? (01/07/2019); The Discernment of Godliness (07/13/2018); Judas Kept The Bag (03/22/2018); Someone Who Is Kidding? (03/24/2017); A “Successor” To Jesus? (02/22/2018); Doing GOD’s Plan (02/20/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014)

“David”, Jesus’ choice of Judas must be seen in the light that all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD. Developing Christians are to understand that, because Adam and Eve transgressed the divine law, mankind is to exist displaying a condition of mortality, and now experiences life under a continuing sentence of condemnation and death. Even so, ongoing operations, relationships, and the official tribunals of judgment allow mankind to communicate, exchange and interact with divinity without bias, prejudice, and prejudgment. Sinners are granted opportunities to display their own integrity of being, their own content of divine substance, and their willingness to be returned to GOD through operations of the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

The assessment and weighing of human attitudes, behavior, and conduct are more to identify and reveal the character and nature of sin than to attach a list of offenses to someone’s name (reputation). Many are blind to the “exceeding sinfulness of sin,” and fail to realize that sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the entire Creation. Sin is contrary to both divine and human nature; yet, sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (willpower) within created beings and living creatures. Through judgment, the harshness of divine condemnation appears balanced against sacred completeness, discernment, impartiality, lovingkindness, mercy, restraint, and righteousness.

Jesus knew “what was in mankind” (i.e., understood the possibility for a man to express either an animal, human, or divine nature—or even a nature that is a confusion of the three). He understood that those to whom he was sent were capable of hatred, murder, and violence against himself. Even so, he trusted that the outcome of operations by GOD through Incarnation would provide redemption, renewal, and salvation for both heaven and earth. A new creation and the fulfillment of eternal purpose would be accomplished by imparting fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD; immutable assurances, covenant, and testimony as well as forgiveness, clear expectations (hope), rebirth, sacred knowledge, and greater strength to endure suffering.

The ministry of Jesus was to provide grace to mankind. Jesus did not choose Judas desiring that Judas be a betrayer; and the Lord acknowledged Judas (and all the others) were capable of treachery. Jesus admonished and warned the twelve; however, he made no angry declaration of punishment against Judas or any one of the others. Jesus remained steadfast, and did not despair or quit his efforts to guide and prepare the full twelve. At the time they were introduced, Jesus recognized the pattern presented by Judas (ABCDEFG...XYZ is coming); and understood Judas would most likely be the one to betray the Christ. Even so, Judas was given opportunities to discover, to fellowship, to learn, repent, and be made new. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Ezekiel 18: 19-24, King James Version (KJV): 19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? 24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

2. Matthew 26: 20-25, KJV: 20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. 21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? 23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Romans 6: 15-23, KJV: 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:36 PM, May 19, 2019 @ https://bibleartists.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/6a-the-kiss-of-judas-jesus-mafa.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC