(07/07/2020) According To Divine Schedules

Today, the reply centers on the frameworks of time and space, and the availability of divine schedules and timetables that show specific dates for sacred end time events. Properly understood, time and space have been provided as a device from divinity to provide structure for consciousness within created beings and living creatures. Acts of GOD that reveal the active presence of spirit are discerned through their content of authority, balance, consistency, focus, power, eternal purpose, and stability. As seen through miracles and selected natural events, divinity appears using time and space; however, the operations, process and substance of divine fullness are not forced to operate only in accordance with requirements generated by time and space. Throughout the holy writings, there is no indication that divinity requires either the light that facilitates the sight and vision in angels, animals, humankind, or sacred beasts, nor does divinity require the comprehension and grasp regarded within the living as enlightenment. The multiple forms and levels of light and darkness known to GOD are not all perceptible or useful to mankind. It is written: Genesis 1: 14-19, King James Version (KJV): 14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. 16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. 17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. 19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. The fighter in “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Tracy” (Level 3 with 1,236 points) posted the following:

God have a set day and time when he will bring this wicked world to an end?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying, 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; 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. 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. Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, 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. 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; 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. (Jeremiah 33: 19-26, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: In The Last Days (09/13/2019); Recognizing The End Times (04/16/2019); Messiah Already Has Come (04/14/2019); Divine Preparations for Advent (03/17/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); The Fullness of GOD? (05/21/2017); GOD and The Framework of Time (09/20/2014); About Knowing the Name of GOD (09/21/2014)

“Tracy”, while there are recorded proclamations, promises, and prophesies that detail divine prerogative, celestial commitment, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD, no sacred calendars or schedules from GOD that show appointed times for divine actions have been provided or revealed to mankind. Divinity is to be known through spirit and truth that are not given form and substance by time (past, present, future) and space. Mature Christian believers often acknowledge the character, process, quality, and substance of GOD as immortal, immutable (unchanging), incorruptible, and invisible. The frameworks of time and space are understood as aspects of divine order and sacred law that permit the universe to serve as the sphere of life for mankind. Even so, time and space were not created to meet any needs among divinity; they were provided as benefits and tools for the created beings and living creatures. The divine fullness (we also say, Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) exist both outside of and within the frameworks that further delimit and impose divine definition for mankind. Divinity has provided descriptions, indicators, and signs that authenticate sacred events, however, the sacred materials are very different from the products of human bible study and other research to develop predictions and time prophecies have not been provided from GOD. Although they consist in things of the flesh, there is a certain predictability to what GOD will do in accordance with the courses for feast days, observations and seasons, however, material objects, locations and times are not used to establish certainty, faith, or commanded expectation (hope). The life process given the church sees specific sacred events recorded as history in the holy writings continued and repeated as timeless through exchange and interaction of doctrine, the Gospels, sacred practice, suffering, and unselfish service. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) John 3: 6-15, King James Version (KJV): 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. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 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. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

(2.) 2^nd Corinthians 4: 17-18, KJV: 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

(3.) 1^st John 1: 1-3, KJV: 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

(4.) 2^nd Peter 3: 8-14, KJV: 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=292oVAbThuA.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:58 PM, July 06, 2020 @ https://www.clg.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/I-the-Lord-do-not-change.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/15/2019) Prophecy And Divine Process

Today, reply is on some of the ways prophecies are used in divine process. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Blue Ridge” (Level 1 with 7 points, a member since January 05, 2019) posted the following:

Bible Prophecies Fulfilled?

Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah were fulfilled by Christ to the smallest possible detail. What makes you think the remaining prophecies will not come to pass, even if all remaining prophecies occur after our death?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. (Mark 13: 21-27, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Messiah Already Has Come (04/14/2019); Divine Preparations for Advent (03/17/2019); Hezekiah Called For Judgment (12/09/2018); Christian Beliefs Are Forward-looking (09/23/2018); Did The Prophets Know? (05/23/2018); John Anointed To Prophesy (05/21/2018); The Child Of Prophecy (04/15/2018); The Coming(s) of Christ (03/11/2018)

“Blue Ridge”, here are some thoughts many of us overlook that I would like to share on the use of prophecies by GOD, signs, and the process of divinity to maintain created beings and living creatures in ongoing relationship. Prophecy is about proclaiming divine prerogative; sacred intent; eternal purpose; and the revelation of divinity that makes GOD knowable, known, accessible, and approachable along with the otherwise invisible, sovereign will of GOD. Many developing Christians continue the error that prophecy is about foretelling human events, and predicting future actions that will be taken by divinity. Mature Christian believers acknowledge that prophecy, like sacred law, is the expression of the will of GOD, and therefore, an appearance of the active presence who is divine fullness. Prophecy from divinity may serve as admonition or warning; assurance; instruction; a pledge or oath; an evidence or earnest (down-payment) that promise will be fulfilled; a memorial; a testimony; and as witness in divine judgment. The process of prophecy often uses prophetic demonstrations carried out by anointed spokespersons. Also, the completion and fulfillment of specific actions or events may be requested from GOD by a believer (e.g., a king; a priest; a mother who will give birth to a prophet) that then will serve as indicators and signs that a major prophecy definitely will be fulfilled although there might be a long waiting period. Signs are not expiration dates, nor do they show an exact day or hour for a prophecy to be completed. Even so, they are deliberate and willful responses by GOD. Many of those prophecies we speak of as fulfilled, in fact, have been signs that certify the unfilled prophecies are authentic, and genuine operations from divinity. Consider again the following that uses examples found in the Bible:

1. Joshua 4: 5-7, King James Version (KJV): 5 And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take you up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel: 6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? 7 Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.

2. Isaiah 7: 10-15, KJV: 10 Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. 13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

3. Isaiah 38: 4-8, KJV: 4 Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, 5 Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years. 6 And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city. 7 And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken; 8 Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. 1^st Corinthians 14: 1-5, KJV: 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:35 PM, April 14, 2019 @ http://slideplayer.com/slide/4307188/14/images/8/Therefore+the+Lord+Himself+will+give+you+a+sign:+Behold+a+virgin+will+be+with+child+and+bear+a+Son,+and+she+will+call+His+name+Immanuel+–+Isa..jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/14/2018) Claiming To Know GOD?

Today, reply is on language used by Christian believers declaring that they “know” GOD. As those “born again,” Christians are to speak and proclaim the teachings of Jesus, rather than their own opinions along with divine assurances that have been provided as faith, hope, and love. Many today seem to confuse “knowing about” GOD with knowing GOD. Where there is genuine relationship, accountability, commitment, and adding value (we say, giving love) also should appear. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Serve The Servants” (Level 7 with 36,411 points, a member since November 20, 2010) posted the following:

Why do people claim that they know God when nobody alive has met him?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. (Job 19: 25-27, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Meaning of “Faith” (03/28/2018); Confessing Your Own Salvation? (03/02/2018); Certainty, Conviction and Faith (01/05/2018); About Using “Sacred Logic” (11/19/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); Knowing GOD and Sin? (02/03/2017); How To Know GOD? (12/12/2016); Knowing? (05/24/2015)

“Serve The Servants”, GOD is ever-present, however, men are not ever-aware. Where religion and spiritual convictions are concerned, many are not careful as they use language to communicate and express their own feelings and thoughts, and will mistakenly respond to the intentions, messages, and understandings shared by others. Thus, as with your use of “know”, here, ones discussion may generate or result in spiritual confusion, for there can be multiple definitions and meanings that advance many very different statements and beliefs. For example, “to know” is to have data, facts, information, and knowledge. “To know” is to be determined, to be resolute, and to have a “made up mind.” When some say “I know...” they expect the hearer to acknowledge their unspoken words too (e.g., “more than you,” “in part;” or “sometimes/this time”). Also, “to know” is to be sure and to have certainty, rather than to apply unsupported information (i.e., assume), guess, speculate, or merely “think so.” “To know by faith” or on the basis of ones expectation and trust (we say, “to hope”) is not a matter of foretelling events or reading the thoughts of others; rather, it is matter of completing and conforming to a fixed pattern or sequence (e.g., we can predict, after ABCD, XYZ is coming, even where there is some delay like HIJK). Going further, “to know” another person is to regularly communicate, exchange, have direct contact, interact, and share with them (we say, to be in a continuous or perhaps even “intimate” relationship).

Applying sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge, Christian believers will increasingly operate having a consciousness of divine fullness (we say, the active presence who appears as the person of GOD; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit; the Godhead). The primary goals for sinners who choose to become mature Christians are to have their character, makeup, and spirit substance become permanently changed through operations by the Spirit of GOD. Finite human consciousness, desire, and self-will may be dominated by such carnal elements as appetite, sensation, and emotion along with sin. Sin is no ordinary object or thing created by GOD or mankind, and can not be eliminated by simple acts of destruction, reversal, or violence. Sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, the Creator is who both the lawgiver and judge, and the platforms of divine order throughout the universe.

Christians only become Christlike as they receive, embody, and display the same spirit that has been manifest on the earth within Jesus Christ. Water baptism to become a new creation through Christ depicts the death, burial, and resurrection from the dead by ones inborn spirit. A sinner becomes a vessel of divine DNA, so to speak, and is “born again.” By receiving fresh endowments of life essence (we also say, breath; spirit; word) the sinner is transformed to “grow up again” as an offspring and heir of divinity with Jesus. Inseparable aspects of the divine makeup are imparted that include faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, GOD reveals divinity through spirit, and becomes knowable, known, accessible, and approachable through shared personhood and sacred truth. A developing believer is built up (edification) through divine process that includes discovery, gradual growth, enduring hardship, fellowship with other believers, praise, prayer, prophecy, regular study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and suffering.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/26/2018) Recognizing True Christian Prophets

Today, reply is on recognizing end time predictions, false prophets, and authentic divine spokespersons among Christian believers.  All Christian believers are to discover, explore, learn, and experience gradual growth for their own full realization of the truth from GOD provided to mankind.  The things of genuine faith will appear as knowledge that has been applied, repeatedly challenged and tested, yet, shown to be useful among those who are spiritually mature (i.e., who display such features as accountability, balance, commitment, consistency, discernment, sobriety, stability).  Because a believer’s focus must be upon GOD, who will remain invisible and unseen, a believer concentrates more on the fulfillment of the message, and the different signs that confirm its sacred origin, than upon the personality and traits of the messenger.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Sharon” (Level 3 with 2,057 points, a member since August 30, 2016) posted the following:


If I predicted "wars and rumors of wars" for 2019 would you revere me as a prophet? Why or why not?

If not, why do you believe the same claim is an amazing prophecy when you read it in the Bible?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?  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?  And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.  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.  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.  Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.  (Malachi 3:  13-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Facing The Future (01/17/2018); Avoiding Confusion About Antichrist (11/08/2017); Detecting Counterfeit Human Nature? (11/02/2017); Prophets and Christian Ambassadors (08/07/2017); Genuine Spiritual Discernment? (03/27/2017); Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); The Spirit and Prophecy (01/04/2017)


“Sharon”, in the same way, the Holy Spirit is sent as an agent of Jesus Christ who does not promote himself, true prophets can be recognized by their not seeking social prominence, self-promotion, popularity, and reward from mankind.  The nature and process of prophecy is the imparting of divine law, proclaiming sacred judgment, providing revelation, and sharing substance from the makeup of divinity (we say, breath, life essence, spirit, Word) more than the providing of threats, warnings, and prediction of future events.  True apostles and prophets sent from GOD will appear as offspring of divinity and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, for they will present the inseparable aspects of spirit content received as a fresh endowment from GOD by rebirth.  Included will be balance, boldness, completeness, faith, holiness, humility, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

In place of finite human tools such as philosophy, politics, and secular knowledge authentic Christian prophets rely on sacred knowledge, the practice of various divine ordinances and sacraments (e.g., baptism, confession, fasting, praise, prayer, preaching), and the entire range of sacred declaration recorded as holy writings.  The Bible is used as a reliable standard for discernment of spirit substance appearing within oneself, other persons, events, proclamations, prophesies, visions, etc.  Predictions of doom and gloom, and calculations for dates of familiar events that appear in the Scriptures have been useful as important indicators that a prophetic ministry is promoting errors that are not according to the Gospel.

In Christian gatherings, every member of the body should be prepared to share their own peculiar divine gift and contribute to the comfort, nourishment, and encouragement of others.  Even so, their individual offerings are to be in harmony and consistent with the streams of truth clearly acknowledged by the body as a whole.  (All that glitters is not gold; and some elements may be shared in controlled situations and with restraint.  The shared purpose within the church is to maintain and reinforce unchanging things already revealed, therefore, believers often have to leave unspoken diverse challenging and unusual experiences.  The body is not a forum for anything and everything (e.g., dreams, gossip, rumors, slander, suspicion, superstition, the occult, uncertainty, witchcraft).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 13:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,  2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;  3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams:  for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.  4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.  5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

(2.)  Daniel 9:  1-6, KJV:  1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;  2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.  3 And I set my face unto the Lord GOD, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:  4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;  5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:  6 Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

(3.)  Malachi 4:  5-6, KJV:  5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:  6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 12:  27-29, KJV:  27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Corinthians 14:  26-33, KJV:  26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.  27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.  28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.  29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.  30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.  31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.  32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/18/2013) The Dead in Christ?

Atonement, resurrection, and the ongoing work of Christ in heaven as our High Priest are in view, today.  Also there is more on denying GOD through diet and food.  The writer at “Yahoo! 7 Answers” (Australia) using the ID “7 SkyWalker” (Level 3 with 1,732 points, a member since 23 July 2012) posted the following that originally was asked at Yahoo Answers Canada:


"And the dead who are in Christ shall rise first, " your thoughts on that?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013)—There are now Christian believers who teach the followers of Jesus should avoid dairy products, eat no red meat, and purify themselves by becoming vegetarians.  Others also make issue that diet is a matter of conscience, and religious liberty.  Jesus our savior ate the lamb of Passover, and never identified eating or drinking any specific foods as a sinful act.  Even so, Scripture teaches that the results of unrestrained appetite will be the same as that for sin, the transgression of divine law:  death.  (See Genesis 2:  16-17, Ecclesiastes 3:  12-14, Matthew 11:  18-19, Luke 22:  7-20 and 1st Corinthians 10: 31, KJV.)  In the early church, there was great uncertainty because of quarrels over eating meals, and sharing food that had been killed and sacrificed by Gentiles when worshipping idols.  Among the principles promoted to resolve the matter, it was stated that all unrighteousness is sin; and those things we do that are not from faith are sin (1st John 3:  4, 1st John 5:  17, Romans 6:  23 and Romans 14:  22-23, KJV).  Applying these same principles to addiction, promiscuity, and other life issues, modern believers are careful to discipline themselves and maintain a lifestyle that continues their purity before GOD in Christ.  In the same way habitual masturbation is not clearly listed in the Bible by name as forbidden behavior or a sin, yet, may be identified as a form of uncleanness like nocturnal emissions and males spilling their seed to the ground during intercourse with a woman (called, Onanism), peculiar dietary practices that are not now a violation of sacred law, should be thoughtfully examined as a matter of good taste and wisdom that may separate believers from the congregation, disqualify them from serving, and suspend their privileged access to the presence of GOD because they manifest ungodliness and a carnal spirit (see Deuteronomy 23:  9-11, Genesis 38:  6-10 and 1st Corinthians 6:  18-20, KJV).  Eating crabs, lobster, prawns, shrimp and other shell fish are avoided by many Christian believers as causing defilement, pollution, impurity, and uncleanness.  Rules identifying clean and unclean animals and sea food were developed some time after Adam left Eden, and probably a short time after Nimrod began to have reputation as a mighty hunter (Genesis 10:  9, KJV).  Before and following the flood in Noah’s day, the inheritance of divine priesthood included these dietary laws and prohibitions that later were restored by GOD through Moses as tools to further sanctify and set apart a covenant people.  Because the Bible gives no exhaustive list that names every creature to be held as unclean—yet, does identify specific characteristics, classes and examples—what may be eaten by modern believers is not understood as an issue of sin.  Correct focus is to be, instead, upon accountability, discretion, respect and reverence as aspects of promoting holiness and sound relationship with GOD (see Genesis 8:  19-21, Psalms 141:  3-5, Proverbs 23:  1-3, Proverbs 23:  6-8 and Matthew 15:  8-20, KJV).


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.  For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.  Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.  For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,  Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.  Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.  It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.  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:  (Hebrews 9:  13-24, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013); Sacrificed and Risen? (10/06/2013); Assurances of Salvation? (10/07/2013); Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013); Experience is Not Evidence? (05/05/2013); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); Parental Duty? (10/08/2012)


“7 SkyWalker”, here are a few points that have been useful for many committed Christian believers:

(1.)  Both divine promise and prophecy appear through this statement that is forward-looking, yet, is not intended as a mere “prediction” of the future.  The Bible explains that prophecy serves to comfort, edify (we say, build up understanding), and exhort (we say, urge hearers to take action).  Even so, prophecy pertains to revelation (i.e., GOD making himself known to created beings and living creatures through law, divine intent, sacred events, and sovereign purpose).  Promise—like judgment that resolves conflict and settles disputes—further establishes certainty, expectation and conviction of divine righteousness that dispel confusion, doubt, and fear.

(2.)  The “dead in Christ” spoken of are those who are blameless and without sin through the ministry of Jesus Christ now occurring in heaven, the place of celestial presence.  The resurrected Jesus, who ascended into heaven before the witness of his apostles, is still alive; and as a divine High Priest within the Sanctuary of the Temple in heaven is completing the work begun upon the earth.  The Savior is now engaged in the tasks of applying blood (the sacred tool used to carry life essence—we also say, spirit) for atonement to sin through the process of judgment using the Books of Life.  Those dying since Adam are being examined, and the process will continue until all those living at the time of his return to the earth also have been correctly endorsed through examination.  Once the case-by-case investigation is finished, Jesus must cleanse all instruments and the holy places above continuing to use his own holy blood.

(3.)  Satan is important to the completion of these things, and so is not destroyed, but lawfully preserved by GOD.  While he may yet appear in heaven among the holy angels, he may not interrupt the work of judgment and worship going on within the Holy Place.  Just as he will never be allowed to enter the Holy City built and transferred by Christ from heaven to earth as the New Jerusalem, Satan is not now permitted into the Sanctuary; and there is no record that he has expressed awareness, or genuine commitment to this work of GOD.  As was done by the High Priests upon the earth on the annual Day of Atonement provided to the covenant people, the sins of mankind are to be removed from the Sanctuary by placing them upon a goat of sacrifice who is loosed into the wilderness.  (Satan is to serve in this capacity, and so is often called the “scapegoat”.)  The destruction of Satan will occur before the judgment of the wicked, who are to be raised from the dead in the second resurrection.  He will not serve as their accuser, for the wicked will be judged by the record of their own deeds that have been recorded in the Book of Life.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.) Christ will come to harvest the earth receiving only those who have already been approved and endorsed by judgment.  This is what some speak of as the Advent, “his appearing,” “the Rapture,” and the Second Coming.  This sacred event is also known as the first resurrection.  These are not taken up to be at leisure, to be idle, or to be at rest.  As immortal and incorruptible, the risen companions to Jesus will assist in preparing the new earth as well as completing and witnessing judgment of the wicked.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming soon.  Grow in grace.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC