(09/07/2020) Chosen Because Already Committed

A depiction of the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she is to be the mother of Jesus

Today, reply is on whether the Virgin Mary was free to refuse carrying out the will of GOD, and could quarrel against the Angel Gabriel who announced to her that she was chosen by divinity to become the mother of Jesus. The visitation she received was in the nature of a sovereign proclamation to publish a royal decision, rather than a request for acceptance and accord, or a secret communication intended to preserve confidentiality and trust. The purpose of the visit to Mary was not the foretelling of future events or an occasion for her to worship an angel so much as the making visible of otherwise invisible and unseen divine purposes. There would be no question and answer sessions; and the young woman would have to develop her understanding through such tools as discovery, gradual growth, edification by the Spirit, study of the holy writings, and suffering. Mary was raised as one dedicated, sanctified, and set apart for divine service. Her lifestyle and daily routines would encourage no defiance, no hesitation to serve, and no rebellion. She was chosen to serve because she was both committed and prepared. It is written: Luke 1: 28-35, King James Version (KJV): 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

What if Mary had said "No thanks" to the angel?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4: 3-7, KJV)

DOUBLE DAGGER: Angels Appearing As Men (04/09/2020); Divinity and Human Reproduction (11/08/2019); The Virginity of Mary (01/14/2019); Mary and Joseph Followed (11/28/2018); Jacob Wrestled With GOD? (09/26/2018); Doctrine, Faith and Mary? (09/01/2017); The Mother of GOD? (12/09/2016)

“Anonymous”, the Annunciation should be accepted as another important aspect of full gospel truth. Christian believers have found that conjecture and speculation that contradict Bible truth often generates confusion and does not edify or increase their spiritual growth. Mary was chosen to serve as the female vessel for the birth of Jesus because she was sanctified and connected to GOD through her faith. Mary’s responses to angelic visitation flowed from her inner spirit that had been nurtured and prepared to unselfishly serve and exalt Almighty GOD. The divine process and substance of such sacred events center in the message, and not in the appearance or manner of the messenger. The one who receives a divine communication has understanding of the event by exercising discernment. Only through operations by the Holy Spirit are the authority, origin, source, value, and weight of the message established and proclaimed as authentic expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, prophetic revelation, and the sovereign will of GOD. The frameworks of divine law, covenant relationship, redemption and salvation are correctly understood as the context wherein the message must fit, more than the frameworks of politics, secular knowledge or time and space. As servants who also carry out and perform aspects of the divine will that include judgment, angels are privileged to use admonition, sharpness, and warnings even when dealing with those beloved and blessed of GOD. Because matters having eternal consequences and effects are involved, the messenger expects and requires displays and responses of accountability, gravity, maturity, and sobriety. The angels are to tolerate no challenges, impropriety, presumption, or skepticism. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible describing the birth of John the Baptist, and a selection from the music ministry of the Pro Musica Girl’s Choir from Hungary acknowledging the Angelus that was offered as daily prayer by Catholic believers:

(1.) Joshua 5: 13-15, King James Version (KJV): 13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my LORD unto his servant? 15 And the captain of the LORD’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

(2.) Luke 1: 9-20, KJV: 9 According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. 11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. 20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

(3.) Luke 1: 59-66, KJV: 59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. 61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. 62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. 64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. 65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. 66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

(4.) Luke 1: 67-79, KJV: 67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;  70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV7l0uqOD_8&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLN0d5BuUaMYlRM-Z4tim65s&index=4&t=0s.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:23 PM, September 07, 2020 @ https://billditewig.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/annunciation.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/14/2016) What True Believers Do

Today, the common errors are in view of seeking to identify and label Christian believers—and count the number of those within the Kingdom—on the basis of extraordinary events (signs), or their “good works” and service, rather, than their spirit content from GOD.  The followers of Jesus are not required to “move mountains” so much as they are to quietly endure and respond as Jesus would to life experiences upon the earth that may include betrayal, contradiction, loss, oppression, persecution, and suffering.  The ability to distinguish the spiritual standing and status of others requires discernment (i.e., applying ones own divine spirit content to correctly recognize spirit matter in events, messages, objects, oneself, other persons, etc.).  The character, nature, and spirit substance of sinners can be permanently changed through rebirth that may occur in baptism, or the falling of the Holy Spirit.  Content from the makeup of divinity is imparted to the sinner, and must develop, grow and bear fruit within them, in a way similar to that for seeds that are planted in the earth.  The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.  In place of the works of the flesh, or even more ceremonies, rites, rituals, and sacraments, a godly crop from the divine presence is to appear.  For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.  Even so, as those who are born-again, all believers will not be gifted, given deposits from Deity, and guided to serve as apostles, bishops, deacons and prophets who will regularly display casting out devils (exorcism), healing, speaking in tongues, or interpreting tongues.  While all are not required to oversee congregations, be head of a family, perform miracles, preach, and teach, all are to continually acknowledge and portray the gentleness, godliness, and goodness of Jesus Christ in their own daily routines of life.  Believers are enabled to share the Gospel through personal testimony, their ongoing relationships, and by witness to things recorded in the holy writings.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Abraham” (Level 1 with 31 points, a member since June 12, 2014) posted the following:

Are all people who run their mouthes claiming they believe in God real believers?

Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.

How many of you people can do this?
How many true believers are there?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?  Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.  Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life:  he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.  But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.  All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.  (John 6:  30-37, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Proud, Yet Not Mature? (07/11/2016); To Him That Hath... (07/08/2016); About Other People's Beliefs (06/22/2016); Guided By Divine Truth (06/20/2016); The Only One Sent? (02/19/2016); Growing Up Again? (12/09/2015); Whatsoever Ye Shall Ask? (09/21/2015); Not Anti-Catholics, Antichrists? (09/22/2015)

“Abraham”, until they have been “born again” and established within the system of Christian belief as “doers of the word, not hearers, only”; sinners are not capable of performing as apostles, prophets, and spokespersons sent by GOD.  To exercise the authority, power, and wisdom for such office, a believer first must gradually mature (“grow up again”) through such activity as exchange and interaction with more experienced disciples and followers of the Lord (e.g., clergy); by praise, prayer, reverence, thanksgiving, and worship; by study of the holy writings as well as by giving, sharing, and unselfish service.  While sacred events (we say, miracles; signs; wonders) may result through faith, faith is not always the outcome of miracles.  Amazing and spectacular displays may derive from lust for popularity and vainglory, self-promotion, and “showmanship”.  When not prayerfully provided, miracles may increase complacency, fear, indifference, skepticism, superstition, and uncertainty.  Thus, more than performing miracles, those who are sent as incarnations and vessels of divinity are to display faith and the other inseparable aspects of spirit content from GOD.  Included are balance, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The appearance and message of believers are to center upon grace, not works.  Consider again how some of this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Kings 5:  9-13, King James Version (KJV):  9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.  10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.  11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.  12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.  13 And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

(2.)  Matthew 12:  38-40, KJV:  38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.  39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:  40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

(3.)  John 6:  27-29, KJV:  27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you:  for him hath God the Father sealed.  28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

There is far more that should be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Ephesians 2:  8-10, 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.  10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/28/2016) On Carrying The Cross

Today, points are shared to clarify the duties of carrying the cross as opposed to dying on the cross.  Believers in Jesus Christ as Messiah and Son of the Highest all are called to stand at the foot of the cross.  The work given from the cross to those born again is to care for and truly love mankind.  Believers are to become permanently centered in acknowledging, receiving, and putting forth blessing (gifts) from divinity.  The One Sent has commissioned every disciple and follower as Those Sent.  The crucifixion of Jesus is not the only one we learn of as young people growing up; however, it is the only one that offers forgiveness and reconciliation to GOD.  In the words of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (see Daniel 3:  29, King James Version (KJV) ), “…there is no other god that can deliver after this sort.”   Readers are encouraged to consider the following, and the presentation below:

Jeremiah 23:  33-37, KJV:  33 And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.  34 And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.  35 Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?  36 And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more:  for every man’s word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.  37 Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

Colossians 3:  12-16, KJV:  12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;  13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1st Thessalonians 4:  6-8, KJV:  6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter:  because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.  7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.  8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

John 20:  19-22, KJV:  19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.  21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you:  as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.  22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Warren M” (Level 2 with 556 points, a member since April 12, 2008) posted the following:
 

How could Jesus ask others to carry their respective crosses, when he could not even carry his own?

Update:  Reference: Matthew 16:24-26
"24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?"


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.  And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.  And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.  And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.  And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.  But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.  For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.  Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.  For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?  And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.  (Luke 23:  23-33, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Only One Sent? (02/19/2016); More Than Death Needed (12/07/2015); Saved by His Death? (05/13/2015); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); When Asked to Serve? (01/21/2015); Asked to Carry the Cross? (07/25/2014); Good Intentions? (07/26/2014); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013)


“Warren M”, for mature Christian believers, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing despite time and space to here and now.  The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross is a “one-time event” that establishes a “one-of-a-kind” salvation whereby divinity has begun the ongoing transformation of mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible.  Believers and followers of Christ are not asked to die upon the cross themselves; yet, they must accept that divine demands and provisions are made pertaining to their continued existence.  While as those “born again” believers are in death with Christ and have already begun eternal life in his resurrection, as mortals on the earth, we will complete mortality (die) in the framework of time.  All will be held accountable to appear in judgment regarding the specific duties and responsibilities that have been part of their redemption.  Humanity is to receive sacred knowledge, and an imparted Spirit (we say, breath, word) from divinity that will replace their inborn life essence (we say, a fresh endowment of substance from the makeup of Deity).  Mankind is required to acknowledge the suffering, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of the Savior as well as his appearances upon the earth to those chosen and prepared beforehand.  More than this, all who come under the blood of the cross must confess their infirmity and need for expiation, forgiveness, a substitute in the judgment that expresses divine wrath against sin, and the things commanded and prophesied as their expectation (we say, hope).  Thus, “carrying the cross” means living upon the earth as a new creation having an uninterrupted consciousness of divinity.  Commitment, faith and works, and willing submission must come into view.  Consider how this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Hebrews 10:  5-10, King James Version (KJV):  5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:  6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.  7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.  8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;  9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.  10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

(2.)  Luke 9:  57-62, KJV:  57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.  58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.  59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.  60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead:  but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.  61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.  62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

(3.)  2nd Timothy 2:  11-13, KJV:  11 It is a faithful saying:  For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:  12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:  if we deny him, he also will deny us:  13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful:  he cannot deny himself.

(4.)  Colossians 3:  9-11, KJV:  9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:  11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free:  but Christ is all, and in all.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) Acts 10:  36-43, KJV:  36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:  (he is Lord of all:)  37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;  38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:  who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.  39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:  40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;  41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.  42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.  43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/19/2016) The Only One Sent?

Focus, today, is upon Jesus Christ as the only provision from Deity for the preservation of Creation, existence, and life from the makeup of divinity.  The mature followers of Jesus participate as agents for the Savior’s priesthood, and rule as king.  Those opposing unity of Christ and the Holy Spirit as the one sent from the full divine person we call the GODhead also condemn the word sent, sacred inheritance, repentance and godly sorrow for sin, the cleansing and healing of Creation as well as the sovereignty of the Father who has done the sending.  Those who come having an antichrist spirit, and in the name of the Adversary, bring only condemnation, confusion, death, deceit, despair, destruction, and lies.  Consider the following, and the presentation below:

Deuteronomy 18:  18-20, King James Version (KJV):  18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.  19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.  20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.

Galatians 4:  4-7, KJV:  4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Acts 3:  22-26, KJV:  22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.  23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.  24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.  25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.  26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Matthew 18:  4-9, KJV:  4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.  6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!  8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee:  it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.  9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee:  it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Annsan_In_ Him” (Level with 209,351 points, a member since May 10, 2007) posted the following:


How can it be true that the only work God wants of us is to believe in the one he has sent?

That's what Jesus said in John 6:29, answering people who said "We want to perform God's works, too. What should we do?" Jesus told them, "This is the only work God wants from you: believe in the one he has sent." Can anyone expand on this to explain its meaning?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  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;  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:  Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.  (Hebrews 1:  1-4, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Evidence GOD Exists? (09/29/2015); Why Prophets Were Sent to Israel (11/23/2014); The Need for Prophecy Then and Now (11/24/2014); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012)


“Annsan_In_ Him”, many have been sent from GOD.  Various principles for Deity working among the living are quietly displayed through both Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit being “sent” to minister the divine presence among mankind.  Along with protection from GOD, those who are agents of divinity will be instruments of divine authority, forgiveness, love, mercy, and power.  Even so, for many mature Christian believers, “the one sent” is a sign and seal upon divine prophecy that authenticates and verifies the origin, and truth for sacred covenants, events (we say, miracles) and promises as well as utterance by the Holy Spirit through chosen spokespersons (we say, apostles and prophets).  Accepting and endorsing the one sent is pivotal to continued existence and permanence through the operations of divinity (we say, eternal life).

The birth of Jesus Christ upon the earth is unlike finite one-time events, for it continues to put forth fresh meaning, quality, and value as an aspect of things that are eternal.  Christ is an appearance or manifestation of GOD in flesh (we say, Incarnate), and operates through, upon and within the consciousness and self-will of all created beings and livings creatures—even those who disbelieve, like Phara0h whose heart was hardened to repeatedly challenge Moses).

Through Christ, all the things of divinity intended for the living are to be crystallized, clearly displayed, carried out, and completed.  Because men must apprehend these things through gradual life experience (e.g., discovery, growth, learning, suffering), teachings to speak of the divine operations on behalf of mankind use such terms as Advent, assurance, certainty, faith, longsuffering, maturing, patience, revelation, testimony, “the second death,” and waiting.  Consider again the following from the holy writings:

(1.)  Exodus 3:  12-14, King James Version (KJV):  12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.  13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?  14 And God said unto Moses, I AM That I AM:  and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

(2.)  2nd Chronicles 36:  14-16, KJV:  14 Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.  15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:  16 But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.

(3.)  John 17:  1-3, KJV:  1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:  2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.  3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

(4.)  John 14:  15-18, KJV:  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.  18 I will not leave you comfortless:  I will come to you.

(5.)  Mark 9:  37, KJV:  37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me:  and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (Sixty-six books of the Bible can not be reduced to a few verses.  Thus, for example, it should be shared, (6.)  Habakkuk 2:  2-4, KJV:  2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.  3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:  though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.  4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him:  but the just shall live by his faith.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(11/23/2014) Why Prophets Were Sent to Israel

Covenant, prophecy, and the permanent place of Israel in the workings of GOD for mankind are topics, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Suleman Gill” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since November 23, 2014) posted the following:


Why god send his prophet in israel?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;  And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:  Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.  For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods:  so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.  But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.  For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God:  the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.  The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:  But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.  Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;  And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them:  he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.  (Deuteronomy 7:  1-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); Circumcision and Promise? (07/16/2013); The Bible and Stupid People (07/17/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); Vows and Covenants? (12/17/2012); The Firstborn, Higher than Kings? (12/18/2012)


“Suleman Gill”, here are a few points of sacred knowledge shared among Christian believers that clarify the place of Israel in the workings of GOD for all mankind:

(1.)  The revelation of divinity to mankind has required the device of incarnation (appearing in flesh) and the operation of GOD through forms knowable by finite human beings whose awareness can be dominated by appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sense (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), emotional/mental functions (e.g., anger, fear, fantasy, imagination, recall), and sin (a non-material, non-spirit influence that opposes the continued existence of divinity).

(2.)  The relationship with divinity begun with Adam and Eve was defiled and profaned, however, not completely destroyed or terminated.  Through such devices as family, inheritance, and priesthood, the divine intent and sacred purposes of GOD for the creation of the pair would be continued and fulfilled within the lives of their offspring.

(3.)  Abraham was called the Friend of God, having operated in a personal relationship with divinity that framed sacred law in the terms of covenant, promise, and prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, exhortation).  Only selected men upon the earth received sacred knowledge, and were instructed in the things of GOD serving as heads of families (we say, patriarchs) and priests to their households that sometimes numbered thousands (their own spouse and children, the workers, their families).  The institution of covenant relationship embracing nations upon the earth was instituted first through Noah, then, following Babel.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The Hebrews and mixed-multitude (we say, Gentiles) who left Egypt together with Moses were chosen by GOD to remove and replace the seven nations that occupied the land that was promised by GOD.  Moses was not the first prophet (we say, spokesperson) sent from GOD; and Israel was not the first covenant nation.  However, GOD proclaimed the covenant with Israel would be eternal.  After their terrifying experience of hearing GOD speak to declare divine law, Israel requested that GOD only use human prophets to communicate his will.  Therefore, since that time many prophets were sent, including the Son of the Highest.  As surely as only GOD can establish divinity in eternal covenant, only GOD may break it off or terminate it.   While the Jews can violate covenant, they may not dissolve covenant.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/09/2013) So We Could Have Life?

The quality of life for mankind and life from GOD through Jesus Christ are topics, today.  Also, there is more on whether GOD is angry against mankind for the crucifixion of Jesus.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers India” using the ID “Jesus is the reason for the season 7” (Level 3 with 1,823 points, a member since 23 July 2012) posted the following originally asked on Yahoo Answers Canada:


Christ Jesus came so we could have life, why?


THE BATTLE AXE:  GOD Angry With Us? (12/08/2013)—Mortals everywhere should account it good news that the love of GOD was not broken off or extinguished when Jesus appeared upon the cross in all the filthiness and vileness of human sin from the time of Adam’s transgression as well as the future sins that would be committed by other people like you and me.  Jesus was forced by his suffering to cry out, Why hast thou forsaken me!  Even so, the Son of the Highest was not destroyed for all eternity by the unquenchable fire of the Father’s contempt, scorn and wrath against sin.   In a supreme demonstration of divine love to all created beings and living creatures, Jesus endured death as any mortal man, and was buried.  Far from despised by GOD or men, the Savior was then embraced as one forgiven, and restored to those prepared to receive a man from the dead.  These served as witnesses to the glory and love of the Father who raised him from the dead, to the beauty and wonder of his ascension, and to the outpouring of gifts from the Holy Spirit.  (See Acts 1:  1-14, 1st Corinthians 15:  1-8 and Ephesians 2:  1-8, KJV.)  Believers are to understand that the things of Christ dying upon the cross pertain to making known the reality that GOD is pure divinity, and contains and emanates consciousness, life, and person.  Divine love, that otherwise would be totally unknown and unseen in the earth as a material and social realm, is revealed through sacred operations that include acceptance of condemnation and death by one who is guiltless; petitions for and proclamations of forgiveness on behalf of the guilty; provisions for atonement, rebirth, resurrection, and sanctification of the guilty; and the transformation of death into a tool for the recovery of mankind from sin.  As shown in the account of Abraham and Isaac at Mount Moriah, there are depictions of surpassing love in the Son as well as in the Father:  uninterrupted affection, covenant, faith, obedience, purpose, respect, and trust.  For GOD there is no being “tired out,” worn out, or quitting in frustration because finite created beings and living creatures are unable to fulfill their own needs for salvation, or to overcome sin and weakness without divine assistance.  (See Genesis 22:  1-19, Romans 5:  6-11, John 14:  6, 1st John 4:  7-15 and Revelation 1:  4-6, KJV.)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.  And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?  Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you:  for him hath God the Father sealed.  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.  They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?  Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.  Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life:  he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.  But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.  All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.  For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.  And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.  And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life:  and I will raise him up at the last day.  (John 6:  24-40, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013)


Relying upon carnal, material and social tools, the Gospel of divine love and salvation in Jesus Christ is always very challenging and difficult to fully understand.  Here are a few points you and your readers may consider, and find helpful:

(1.)  Where human consciousness would center entirely upon ones own features (e.g., appetite, imagination, intellect, sense experience, thoughts), ones own body parts, and ones own internal process (we say, introspection), mankind would be cut-off from, isolated, and vulnerable to his living context and environment.  Failing to rightly “see”, man would be repeatedly surprised and suddenly overwhelmed by other living creatures and forces that are also aspects of full existence.

(2.)  Were human life to center entirely upon interaction with its material context and physical environment (that includes other living species), the biosphere would dominate awareness along with all development and experience through such factors as climate; availability of food, light, shelter and water; and by the presence of destroyers, parasites, predators, vermin, and wasters.

(3.)  Because mankind is capable of operating without awareness of its full capacity and denying the spirit dimensions for human existence, the quality of life for mankind has continued to lessen and weaken since Creation.  For there to be more than animal existence that centers in conflict, indulgence, self, and mechanical processes of body and mind, mankind must accept the embrace of GOD, our Creator.

There is far more to be said, reasonably shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  The process and relationship of GOD with all created beings and living creatures is to be understood as love, for the operations and presence of GOD generates benefit, comfort, correction, guidance, healing, meaningful purpose, and support of life.  The nonliving, nonmaterial, persistent influence of sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of eternal person, and all Creation.  Sin is self-destructive, yet, may dominate awareness and self-will; and is the greatest threat to continued being for mankind.  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, mankind is released and shielded from sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus will return.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC