(01/09/2020) Will Jesus Come Soon?

A depiction of the New Jerusalem, the Holy City that was sought by Abraham.

Today, reply is on the fulfillment of divine promises and works that include Christ returning to the earth to claim his followers who will exist as immortal, incorruptible companions to divinity. The salvation of GOD is to be seen in the divine delay for carrying out the sentence of death incurred by the first pair (Adam). Judgment, human existence as nomads, and an ongoing condition of mortality could not be broken off, interrupted, or reversed without multiple divine operations (e.g., atonement, forgiveness, government, rebirth, provision of a homeland, resurrection, sanctification). While utter destruction and the second death have been reserved for an appointed time through grace, mercy, and divine righteousness, the transformation of mankind that was begun to restore the offspring of Adam can only be completed through the living presence of the Creator. It is written: Titus 2: 11-15, King James Version (KJV): 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Also: Revelation 1: 7-8, KJV: 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. A writer in the public forum on Religion & Spirituality at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Afrida” (Level 1 with 23 points) posted the following:

Is Jesus coming? ?

Seems like right now more then ever i am seeing post and people saying that they have dreamed about the rapture and that the end is here. I am having panic attacks.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11: 14-16, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: One Body, Many Members (10/17/2019); Through Faith And Patience (10/02/2019); In The Last Days (09/13/2019); Likened Unto 10 Virgins (09/09/2019); Why Jesus Comes Back (06/20/2019); Abraham In Divine Judgment (03/10/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); A Short Time Left (10/30/2018)

“Afrida”, many mature Christian believers now agree that mankind is in a period of divine grace; and the ongoing process of GOD continues to be one of making divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost) known and visible. In addition to divinity appearing in flesh as Jesus Christ (we say, the Incarnation), there have been clear proclamations of commitment to divine law, to revealed eternal purpose, and to sacred promises and prophecy along with declarations of continuing love, forgiveness, mercy in judgment to those who actually are guilty, and reconciliation. Believers are commanded to expect (hope for) the completion and fulfillment of specific divine works. Included are a harvesting of those from the earth who belong to GOD through Jesus Christ at the Savior’s appearing (we also say, the Rapture, the Second Coming); the end of mortality; the perfection of mankind as immortal and incorruptible; the descent of the Holy City (New Jerusalem) from heaven to the earth; and the further extension of existence and eternal life for mankind upon the earth. As the offspring of GOD, joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, and the new creation, believers no longer need rely on dreams and prophetic demonstrations, for all are to discern the active presence who is GOD through their own fresh endowment of sacred substance. Inseparable spirit matter from the makeup of divine fullness has been poured forth that includes balance, commitment, completeness, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the prophecies and music ministry of Vickie Winans:

(1.) John 14: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

(2.) 2^nd Peter 1: 2-8, 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.

(3.) 1^st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, KJV: 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtVhiiu6VLc.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:06 AM, January 09, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/18/15/7f/18157f7b9dfd9c8071441dfa2604a268.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/25/2019) Born Is The King

A depiction of the herald angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus to shepherds on the earth.

Today, reply is on the origin of guardian angels, and the appearance of angels in prophecy and the holy writings. In addition to angels who served as heralds proclaiming the birth of Jesus to bring peace between heaven and the earth, with goodwill to men, angels appear in the Scriptures as gatekeepers of Eden, guides, caretakers, witnesses to the acts of GOD, and divine agents who fulfill the word of promise and prophecy serving as the presence of divine fullness. An important account of divine protection by angels appears in the Second Book of Kings. It is written: 2^nd Kings 6: 15-17, King James Version (KJV): 15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Desiree” (Level 6 with 2,983 points) posted the following:

Is the concept of guardian angels pagan in origin?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. (Exodus 23: 20-24, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: “Sneak Previews” Of Heaven (09/16/2019); What Is A Spirit? (03/06/2018); GOD Protects the Faithful (12/19/2017); Lower Than The Angels? (09/12/2017); When the Donkey Speaks? (11/03/2016); Lot and the Angels (05/04/2014); Expulsion from Eden (05/05/2014)

“Desiree”, as you know, angels are created beings and living creatures who are not to be worshiped by mankind. Angels are neither mortal (as mankind), nor immortal as divinity (only GOD is immortal). Angels have duration and existence through divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Here are some teachings on the Son of GOD who would appear on the earth and the angels that use language from the Bible along with a music ministry selection from the Choir of King’s College (Cambridge, England):

(1.) Hebrews 1: 1-9, King James Version (KJV): 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6 And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. 8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

(2.) Psalms 91: 9-16, KJV: 9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

(3.) Revelation 19: 9-10, KJV: 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

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

Image downloaded 9:52 PM, December 24, 2019 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM5SGoAKd9J_bA6MtJ3iM0nx1EVtqJxYVtMF7ScCJqtev5JDNTbQxc9tXLrdfUgq3ahCeosGUZoSm64rWkAdHDLAh_BgvrzvJxgMxkXff9-k93DPQNA445B7ZT9hZq_PLRTNzGpMWx5jJ/s1600/angels.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/01/2018) A Fulfillment of Proclamation

Today, reply is on burial for the dead as the fulfillment of divine proclamation, rather than comfort in bereavement, family duty, or using novelty to express affection and memorial.  The substance of mankind is both from dust and from heaven.  Many of the human errors regarding the condition and state of the dead also are recorded in the holy writings (e.g., in the Golden Arrow below, Job describes a widely held error, that there is a realm of the dead where the living may rest and sleep.  By contrast, the Holy City, New Jerusalem, is to be a realm of those raised and returned from the dead who all will have eternal life.  Even so, the Bible does not teach that we will die, go to our graves, and there live happily ever after.)  While some insist that their dead be interred in settings that have been sanctified through prayer (i.e., church yards; holy ground)—and account it a form of excommunication to be denied burial as a benefit, privilege, and righteous reward for having been loyal members within a church congregation—resurrection of the dead in completion of divine judgment even will include divinity acknowledging and restoring bodies that were destroyed or lost through burning, dismemberment, and explosions.  Beyond resurrection and ones personhood existing in the divine presence, there is little indication within the holy writings that how the physical body is disposed of determines closure, completeness, contentment, or fulfillment for ones spirit.  In the vision granted to John, souls under the altar behave as petitions and prayers for judgment, justice, and righteousness, to wit, the redemption of the body.    The  fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “?” (Level 1 with 30 points, a member since April 11, 2018) posted the following:


Do you want to be cremated or buried ?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?  Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?  For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept:  then had I been at rest,  With kings and counsellors of the earth, which build desolate places for themselves;  Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver:  Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never saw light.  There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.  There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.  The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.  Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;  Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;  Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?  (Job 3:  11-22, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Completing Divine Unfinished Business (04/17/2017); Life Is GOD’s Intent (11/15/2016); The Purpose of Resurrection (07/05/2016); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); GOD Permits Evil? (05/12/2014); Our Present Comfort? (06/28/2013); Come As You Are? (06/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013); Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013)


“?”, here are some points mature Christian believers have found helpful for maintaining godly focus on issues of death, mourning, and remembrance:

1.  The word of GOD to Adam (“to dust thou shalt return”)  was speaking about the material form (we say, the body; the flesh) that may exist without life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word) imparted from the makeup of GOD.  A physical complete body may exist, yet, be without spirit content to qualify as “a living soul.”  It is written:  Ecclesiastes 12:  7, King James Version (KJV):  7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was:  and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

2.  Abraham traveled throughout Canaan as a nomad, and did not seek to obtain property by conquest, by continuous occupation, or purchase.  Abraham was offered a piece of land as a gift, and a show of respect, however, the Patriarch insisted there be an open transaction for the public record in the gate (i.e., downtown; the business district; the town square).  It is written:  Genesis 23:  19-20, KJV:  19 And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre:  the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan.  20 And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth.

3.  Blood from murder and warfare defile the earth.  Thus, burial comes into view as more than simply an act of sanitation to remove decomposing flesh.  Burial comes into view as an expression of dynasty, family, inheritance and marital love that uses the frameworks of time and space to provide measurable dimensions and unchanging parameters for remembrance.  It is written:   Genesis 49:  28-33, KJV:  28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel:  and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.  29 And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people:  bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,  30 In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace.  31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.  32 The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth.  33 And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

4.  The examples from Abraham (who is called the Friend of GOD) and Jacob (also called Israel) are seen responding to the oneness without sameness that mankind is to display as a product and fruit of the earth as well as the initial commission that mankind replenish the earth.  Christians do not preserve dead bodies to await the return of their spirit.  No dead body is of itself holy or sacred (thus, the taking up of Joseph’s body at the Exodus was not an act of idolatry and worshiping his remains); and there is no belief in an “immortal soul,” or reincarnation where spirit content is recycled.  It is written:  1st Chronicles 10:  10-14, KJV:  10 And they put his armour in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon.  11 And when all Jabeshgilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul,  12 They arose, all the valiant men, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.  13 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it;  14 And enquired not of the LORD:  therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, regarding the activity, condition, and state of the dead, the holy writings plainly declare the dead neither have awareness or physical feeling; they do not praise GOD; and they neither labor nor rest.  Even so, spirits from the living are being maintained through sacred operations.  Many offer heartfelt prayers that the response of GOD to souls of the saints will continue compassion, mercy, and peace.  It is written:  5.  Revelation 6:  8-10, KJV:  8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse:  and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.  9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:  10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O LORD, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/26/2014) About Good Sermons?

More points are shared on sermons, today.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Sermons About Good Sex? (08/25/2014)—(5.)  Rightly understood, sermons are not casual and informal conversations, or personal exchanges based on private opinions.  Preaching, prophesying, and sermons are authoritative proclamations and statements made by spokespersons sent from GOD, who speak as the Holy Spirit gives utterance.  All believers are not called to  be pulpit preachers; however, all are challenged to hear, and be doers of the word.  Saying this another way:  Sermons are proclamations of divine law as seen with Moses and those who gathered at Sinai, or with Ezra and those of the Exile who gathered in Jerusalem.  Sermons are delivered to full congregations—minor children included—and are to establish unity through shared awareness of conditions, duties, privileges and responsibilities that extend to all within the body.  In addition to pastoral counseling conducted as private sessions, personal ministries of the church also are provided that supply needed fellowship and intimacy, the peculiar details, and the special needs of various groups such as singles, married believers, those returning from the military or prison, those recovering from addictions, and young adults.

(6.)  As with sacred knowledge regarding redemption, salvation, serving as vessels for the Spirit from GOD, and eternal life, many reject the church as a source for instruction regarding the process of life commanded by the Almighty.  Within the body of believers, standards for communication must be in place so that all things may be done decently, and in order.  This may include restrictions upon such verbal behavior as pronouncing curses (wicked prayers for the harm of others), swearing an oath, speaking in tongues when interpretation is not available, using profanity, and making threats of violence.  Valuable sermons regularly include those that establish the presence of Jesus in the hearts and minds of believers; that correctly present the  full Gospel and detail the plan of salvation; that prepare  believers for the promised coming of Jesus; that remind believers of neglected and overlooked doctrine, practices and teachings that have been provided for benefit, fulfillment and power.  Examples include, the seventh day Sabbath, the gifts of the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit, and the specific expectations believers are commanded to maintain as hope.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.  And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.  And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.  And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.  And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:  And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God.  And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands:  and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.  Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law:  and the people stood in their place.  So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.  And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.  Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared:  for this day is holy unto our Lord:  neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.  (Nehemiah 8:  1-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014); Snake Handling? (02/19/2014); Should I Speak? (12/13/2013); Life Choices (12/14/2013); Blessings, Curses and Woes (10/03/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012)


There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (7.)  Sermons may include the quoting of Bible verses and Scripture passages for many different reasons.  Foremost is that the holy writings are to be acknowledged as a common source of sacred truth for all believers.  Thus, Scriptures are used as the “shared language” and familiar expression whereby the concepts and thoughts under consideration are made immediately recognizable.  Discernment is encouraged (a believers use of spiritual things to recognize and respond to the spirit content in such aspects of life experience as events, objects, other persons, and prophecy.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/28/2014) Points on Bible Study

Today, I share points (below) that should be helpful for Bible study along with more on flesh and blood inheriting a divine kingdom.  As I began my late night Bible study, returning to an online presentation of Genesis 2 from www.jw.org and the New World Translation of the Scriptures (2013 Revision), I realized I had missed some of the important material that accompanies the sacred text.  In addition to an outline display that groups and summarizes the chapter according to verses, I had overlooked multiple links to footnotes and marginal references appearing throughout the chapter presentation.  Upon reading Genesis 1, I had been careful to begin reading aloud what would be the frontmatter of a print edition (e.g., introduction, forward, appendices, etc.).  However, I had completely dismissed numeration of the verses, and the little plus signs and stars included with almost every phrase within each verse.  Starting over, I calculated that it may be well after December of 2016 before I complete this study of a contemporary language version for the holy writings that I’ve begun in summer of 2014.  The accounts recorded as the Bible are not intended for amusement and entertainment.  Yet, reading the Scriptures should not be called “hard work;” it should be thought of as careful work.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Inheriting the Kingdom (06/27/2014)— (5.)  In using the human frameworks of time and space to describe the coming kingdom, Jesus does not detail the features of any region upon the earth, or the beauty of an ideal location in the heaven.  Instead, the Savior makes numerous comparisons and contrasts that explain sacred events, parables, proclamations from GOD, lessons from the Scriptures, and prophecy.  The kingdom Jesus spoke of was a condition for existence, a governing principle, a life process, and an intimate relationship driven by divinity that would establish all created beings and living creatures as immortal and incorruptible.  The word “kingdom” identifies an aggregate or collective that operates under a single sovereign authority, and is distinct from democracy, a system to allow equal access to and participation in decision-making.  On the one hand, membership in the divine kingdom can only be gained through election (we say, by being divinely chosen; by the divine operations of grace and faith).  On the other hand, each member must be self-selected by accepting a fresh endowment of divine spirit content, acquiring sacred knowledge, practicing preordained sacraments and spiritual works, and surrendering self-will to divine-will as obedience.  The kingdom experience is one of being cleansed, encounter, new learning, and realization of collective strength.  By speaking and thinking in terms of a sacred kingdom, believers are able to communicate having greater clarity, both with one another and with those outside their assembly.  The human tool of language may be used to crystallize experiences of divinity using such terms as ambassadors, citizens, duty, followers, heirs, soldiers, or kings and priests of the kingdom.

(6.)  An important change occurred for the operations of consciousness and focus within mankind by the divine creation of a female aspect to Adam.  GOD was no longer the primary companion to the male.  The male made a proclamation asserting authority, ownership, and self-will:  Flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone.  When aroused by the woman, the tree of knowledge and the tree of life were seen by Adam as material objects that would maintain the bond of flesh and bone, rather than spiritual sources to maintain the bond with divinity.  Subtleties (barely visible distinctions, hidden shifts in meaning and value) and multiple errors were introduced.  In the light of flesh and blood, acquiring authority, knowledge, and power appeared possible by what one consumed or ingested, rather than strictly by what would be communicated and transmitted from GOD through continuing companionship.  Spiritual confusion had been launched, and the process of discernment (recognition of divine substance in aspects of experience such as events, objects, other persons, proclamations, praise, and utterance) permanently became clouded, murky and unclear.  In the proclamation of Jesus, the second Adam, consuming the Savior’s flesh and blood is revealed as a sacred process to establish eternal life.  Consider again Genesis 9:  3-5, Leviticus 17:  11, Zephaniah 1:  16-18, Matthew 16:  16-17, John 6:  48-58 and 1st Corinthians 15:  39-50, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The preacher sought to find out acceptable words:  and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.  The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.  And further, by these, my son, be admonished:  of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear God, and keep his commandments:  for this is the whole duty of man.  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  (Ecclesiastes 12:  10-14, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Issue Is Not Accuracy (05/16/2014); Denying Oneself (05/17/2014); Philosophical Questions? (04/17/2014); To Accomplish A Sacred Goal (04/18/2014); On Youth Doing Enough (02/06/2014); By Inspiration of GOD (10/27/2013);  Believing Everything? (11/22/2012); How To Have Conviction (11/23/2012)


1.  There is no way to have full understanding by a partial reading of the Scriptures.  At first, ones focus should exclude academic and extra-biblical material from such fields as archeology, anthropology, history, philology and psychology.  Footnotes are always important to correct reading of contemporary language editions and various translations.  Marginal references should always be read because they identify places within the same volume where a peculiar verse is expanded, or repeated.

2.  Like time and space, daily reading of the Scriptures provides a framework of order and structure for finite awareness and life experience.  More than this, the Scriptures are a food and beverage for the divine content within mankind.  Spirit is nourished, refreshed and revived through added spirit introduced using such devices as breath, forgiveness, praise, prayer, preaching, proclamation, promise, prophecy, and utterance.

3.  Readers and students of the Scriptures are being called (we say, recruited) to serve as ministers to others.  Those having sacred knowledge are to break the bread of the Scriptures to those who desire correct understanding.  Mastery for ones own reputation and self-promotion are not a goal.  Believers are not to become critics, jailers, and wardens continually punishing the errors of others.  The eternal purpose is that of admonishing, feeding, sharing, and making others fit to live in accordance with the will of GOD.

4.  The Adversary and enemies of divinity will attempt to fight on every front (i.e., argue and question every point of sacred mystery) to generate dissension and division.  Readers are to understand, there is no desired growth or spiritual gain from searching the Scriptures to find contradictions, errors, or misstatements.  The life essence (we say, breath, spark, spirit) contained, preserved, and transmitted through the Scriptures can not be received or recognized using only finite standards and tools that are secular.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  For example, (5.)  Diversity among the various presentations of the Scriptures should be acknowledged in the same way as diversity among flowers and song birds.  For readers using discernment (applying their own spirit content to recognize oneness, spirit matter and unity within such elements as current events, messages, law, other persons, and utterance), restatements of Scripture that use patterns and emphasis different from those first received or used for an extended period can not violate the principles embedded there that are enduring and eternal light.  Through Christ, the power of “If bodda you dat you goin mahke, fo shua you goin mahke. But if you like do everyting you do fo me, an no bodda you if you mahke fo dat, den you goin live fo real kine.” (Matthew 16:  25, Hawai’i Pidgin, HWP) is no less than that for “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:  and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 16:  25, King James Version, KJV), both displayed at the Internet site www.BibleGateway.com.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/03/2014) Disliking Other Christians?

Today, some points are shared on accepting others within the church, unity, and wrath against sin.  Also, there is more on finding peace through the Bible.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Mia” (Level 1 with 111 points, a member since May 30, 2014) posted the following:


I am a Christian, but I don't like Christians. any thoughts? 

I know I sound like a hypocrate. But let me explain. Ok I might not be the most dilligent christian who attends church every week, but I do have strong faith in god. I pray and I follow what is good and true in life, I follow Jesus' teaching in daily practice. I avoid hurting other's feeling, I try to love and forgive ppl, etc.

Meanwhile most of the people I notice who are christians just go to chruch weekly to be noticed that they attend church. They just want to look religious and I know it has been a trend in my society where I live, that going to church is cool and nice. Being a christian is cool. (I live in a developing country) They post it everywhere on social media when they attend which church, they check-in everytime. That makes me sick. I'm not only talking abt my friends, but the majority of christians in the society where I live. In daily life, I observe that they don't put the teaching into practice AT ALL. They worship Jesus without knowing what Christianity is all about, how come?! AND YET they judge me for not attending church often, say im only a follower not a believer etc.

Puhleasee..i know my relationship with God and I don't need to shove it on people's faces like what they do. This is the reason I dont like christians (in my society). Well I dont mean every christian is as such, I believe many are good and beyond good. But this is happening and it results in my not liking most of the christians here. Any thoughts? Unhateful ones please.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Finding Peace Through the Bible? (06/02/2014)—(5.)  For believers, in the same way peace comes through law and judgment against sin, peace comes through the certainty and integrity of divine proclamations, promises and prophecies that are recorded throughout the Scriptures.  Peace of mind, and peace within ones spirit makeup, must be present for believers to continue enduring affliction, hardship, reversals and upheaval that come by various life challenges, and the cruelty of enslavement to sin.  Peace comes by prayer as an aspect of continuing contact and fellowship with GOD, and is not a matter of how many books one has read, how much Scripture one may quote, or how many good deeds one has performed to gain divine approval and acceptance.  Peace is bestowed upon the living as though it were a free gift, and on the basis of grace and divine prerogative.  For many, knowledge of these things come first by the holy writings; yet, they may be transmitted orally, by the spoken word.  Rightly understood, all is so plain and simple, that our learning the Scriptures is required while we are still children, and while we are growing up, not merely after we are grown.  See Deuteronomy 6:  4-9, 2nd Peter 1:  2-9, Hebrews 6:  13-20 and Hebrews 7:  26-28, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded:  and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.  (Philippians 3:  13-15, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Wrong Not to Forgive? (03/05/2014); Sprinkled, Immersed, Named? (02/01/2014); Forgiveness Through GOD? (02/02/2014); Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); Church is Good? (06/15/2013); Feeling Loved By GOD? (06/16/2013); To Find A True Christian? (06/17/2013); Unseen Sin? (06/18/2013)


“Mia”, here are a few points that may be helpful as you continue your growth within the Kingdom:

(1.)  Water baptism as a washing away of sins must also provide death of ones inborn spirit along with ones burial and rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak.  Once born again, we must learn and grow up again by facing life challenges here in the earth.  We are not made fully mature (i.e., balanced, complete, consistent, stable) in a single moment.  Becoming ripe for the Master’s harvest is a gradual process that includes many subtle (we say, barely visible, unseen) changes and shifts that, at first, will not be detected by ourselves or others.

(2.)  Most of our goals as believers may only be accomplished by the practice of humility—first toward GOD the Father, toward mankind, and toward all Creation as his handiwork.  Like our knowledge, faith, and correct understanding, the display of divine love that comes from the measure of divinity within ourselves may be amplified or diminished in accordance with our active fellowship with GOD through prayer, study, and unselfish service.

(3.)  The flaws and weaknesses we may see in others are surface indications of the deep need for spirit content from GOD.  Instead of our own needs, the needs of others establish our position as those who minister on behalf of Jesus.  We may supply their need for encouragement, healing, intercession, instruction, prayer, and support.  Only in such service can we experience fulfillment as those who have the Spirit of Christ within us.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Believers all receive aspects of the permanent and unchanging makeup of GOD.  Included are inseparable (where you find one all the others appear) features such as faith, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Wrath against sin (we also say sharpness) is not a feeling that comes and goes; and, until we achieve correct balance and focus, may occasionally appear with what seems to be exaggerated strength and power.).  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith, meekness, and readiness to greet the Lord at his Coming.


Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  (Philippians 2:  2-3, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC