(10/25/2020) When Does Resurrection Occur?

The image depicts the resurrection of the dead at the coming of Jesus to harvest the earth of those who belong to his kingdom.

Today, reply is on promise, prophecy, and the coming resurrection of the dead. Resurrection for the dead is to be acknowledged as an expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD that does not strictly address and fulfill the sanctions that appear within the unchanging sacred law. Divinity has operated on the earth using human form and life-process (we say, the Incarnation as Jesus Christ) to establish salvation for mankind and provide a new creation. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 15: 12-23, King James Version (KJV): 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Roberta B” (Level 6 with 21,659 points) posted the following:

When will God resurrect people from the dead? Right after they die, or after the end times?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1^st Corinthians 15: 50-58, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Scriptures To Provide Comfort? (09/27/2020); Incarnation, Death and Resurrection (05/11/2020); The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020); Will Jesus Come Soon? (01/09/2020); Divine Preparations for Advent (03/17/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); Preparing For The Rapture (11/09/2018)

“Roberta B”, mature Christian believers trust that resurrection of the dead has been demonstrated on the earth as an expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of divinity. Resurrection does not appear from sequences under natural law or operations of men (we say, man-made) that appear as mechanical and planned events. Resurrection allows a display of divine mercy toward creative beings and living creatures even though there must be the fulfillment of immutable sanctions that appear within the divine law declaring death as the penalty for transgression. Mortality and temporal duration are commanded as conditions for existence and the life-process of those in heaven and earth. Through divine provisions mortality can be completed, yet, all who have lived may appear in final judgment and at sacred tribunals to determine their punishments or their rewards. Through forgiveness, judgment, resurrection, and other sacred provisions (e.g., rebirth, reconciliation, repentance, sanctification) mankind may escape the total destruction that is the second death. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and Listen, a selection from the music ministry of Marvin Sapp:

(1.) Genesis 3: 14-15, King James Version (KJV): 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

(2.) Acts 2: 29-35, KJV: 29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

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

(4.) 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, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aix9OoJ4rs.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:35 PM, October 25, 2020 @ https://amredeemed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/FB_IMG_14639550588240101.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/27/2020) Adam, Eve, and Homosexuality

The image depicts the error of Adam and Eve hiding from GOD in the Garden of Eden.

Today, reply is on the first human pair (Adam), gender, and human reproduction. At their creation, Adam was like the angels, neither mortal nor immortal, and had duration as an expression of divine prerogative (only GOD exists as immortal). The practice and process of human sexuality when focused according to divine intent centers on the reproduction of mankind as a material organism created by GOD that displays the properties of both flesh and spirit. Through sexual intercourse, joining, and the fertilization of the female seed, a child having life essence from GOD can be formed who will display characteristics and traits from both their male and female parent. It is written: Genesis 1: 27-28, King James Version (KJV): 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

what do you think about the creation of adam and eve?

at the time we were discussing mortal and venial sin in religion class when my teacher asked for examples of these sins. my classmate, stood up and said homosexuality. my teacher told him that homosexuality isn't a sin, and my classmate cannot argue with the fact that adam was made a man and eve was made a woman, therefore there are only two sexes. teacher told us that we cannot claim that they are man and woman because they were immortal, and so they have no gender whatsoever. opinions?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. (Revelation 5: 6-14, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: “Sinners” And “The Righteous” (03/19/2020); GOD Is The Creator? (07/04/2019); The Fall of Mankind (05/16/2019); Divine Purposes Are Unchanging (04/22/2019); Help Meet For Man? (04/12/2019); The Priesthood of Adam (11/02/2018); Fashioned From The Rib (10/05/2018); For Wanting Great Pleasure? (03/08/2017)

“Anonymous”, existence and life are expressions of divine will. There are only two sexes that appear through the Creation of GOD, yet, there are many expressions of human sexuality generated by self-will within mankind, and the operations of flesh. Mature Christian believers do not rely on academic and secular discussions of Creation, the character and nature of mankind, or the operations and process of sin. There are multiple definitions, meanings, standards and values that should be in place that are aspects of sacred knowledge, only. For example, GOD is a spirit who appears to created beings and living creatures as active presence. The living mistakenly use finite human tools (e.g., intellect; language; logic; science) that understate the awesome dominion, personhood, and sovereignty of the divine fullness (we also say, Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Divinity may exist within the consciousness and self-will (willpower) of the living while remaining diffuse (we also say, limitless; without material form and measurable boundaries; outside the frameworks of time and space). Divinity endures as immortal, incorruptible, and invisible, and has made themselves knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of sacred law, the Lawgiver, and the entire universe appearing through divine order. Sin is a transgression of sacred law that results in imbalance (iniquity), and the corruption of all divine order throughout the universe. The first pair (GOD called them both Adam) were deliberately male and female to populate the Garden of Eden through sexual joining in a manner similar to what was to be used among the animals. Eternal purpose and gender roles were in place at the time of Adam’s transgression; and disobedience by the pair resulted in the loss of life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word) that had been imparted from the makeup of GOD. The divine sanctions for correction and punishment that were declared and stated as aspects of the law as first given to mankind included continuing as subject to death (i.e., mortality; the state of sleep endured by the male while the female was fashioned from one of his ribs). Visible results from the transgression of Adam include a gradual erosion of mankind’s endowment of spirit substance that resulted in exaggerations of appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and the features of emotion/mind (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall). Through the ministry on earth of divinity appearing in flesh (we say, the Incarnation), Jesus Christ has established a new creation providing forgiveness for sin, a reconciliation of the Father to mankind, and new life for those in flesh by means of the resurrection of Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 1^st Timothy 2: 13-15, King James Version (KJV): 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

(2.) Romans 5: 17-19, KJV: 17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

(3.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMPENVk1AG4.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:37 PM, March 26, 2020 @ 4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbZ1qOTRglE/UeQ50EMlj5I/AAAAAAAAAZs/fUp_RlrM29s/s1600/HIDING-BEHIND-A-TREE,+hiding.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/27/2019) A Death Penalty Necessary?

Today, reply is on mankind’s need for fixed carnal, material, social, and spiritual boundaries set by divinity that include government, law, judgment, and death. Many forward-looking statements have been provided from divinity to guide and instruct the living that are in the form of verbal utterances and not legislation. Included are cautions, covenants, proclamations, prohibitions, prophecies, promises, sacred law, and testimony. It is written: Galatians 5: 19-23, KJV: 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Christian Question?

Why are some Christians against the death penalty when the Bible seems to spell it very clear in terms of society?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted: I said in my haste, All men are liars. What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. (Psalms 116: 9-15, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Eternal Judgment With Mercy (11/19/2019); The Perfection Of Divinity (09/17/2019); The Penalty of Death? (04/26/2019); Sacred Judges and Laws? (01/23/2017); The Death Penalty? (10/08/2015); The Death Penalty for Sins? (11/30/2014); A Dispensation To Benefit (12/01/2014)

“Anonymous”, many do not understand (and properly respect) the guidance that comes to Christian believers regarding the divine use of death that expresses wrath against sin. In the holy writings, death first appears as a tool used by divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) during Creation. The male who was formed using substance from the earth also received life essence (breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup of GOD. The new relationship of Creator and the created required that mankind have ability to communicate; have coherence, completeness and self-will (willpower); have a consciousness of divinity that would be ongoing and uninterrupted; and that man would resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and nature of GOD to all other beings in existence. The creation of a female, who would be formed using blood and bone taken from the male, required that he “sleep” (i.e., endure death) throughout the necessary operations of GOD.

Death as mortality and separation from the living was introduced as a sanction within the law(s) provided for government of heaven and earth, and were presented to Adam (the divine name for the first pair) in the form of admonition and warning, rather than ordinances and statutes. The authority and power over the universe (we say, dominion; ownership; rule) exercised by GOD, who is immortal, invisible and incorruptible, are to be perpetual and unchanging. The sanctions were forward-looking statements to describe consequences for acknowledgment or transgression of agreements, commandments, covenants, rules, and standards that express divine expectation, prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Consequences and results proclaimed through the statement of law therefore include examination of the living for their content of substance imparted from divinity; the loss of dominion by mankind; the loss of fellowship with divinity; the loss of sacred attributes by mankind; and the second death.

Sin has not been created or put forth by divinity; sin opposes the continued existence of divine order and sacred law, the Lawgiver, and the platforms of creation; and sin has no divine content or sacred substance. Even so, sin may dominate awareness and self-will within the living. Sin promotes nonexistence and return to the conditions of chaos, confusion, and streams of substance lacking direction (we say, preexistence) that were in place before GOD imposed divine order. Where the living become corrupted by the operations of sin, no longer respond to divine will, and can not be recovered through fresh endowments of inseparable spirit content from the makeup of GOD, they display iniquity (are incorrigible), and they must be eliminated permanently from the divine presence. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Hezekiah Walker:

(1.) Genesis 9: 5-7, King James Version (KJV): 5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. 6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. 7 And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.

(2.) Deuteronomy 21: 18-21, KJV: 18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: 19 Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; 20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. 21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

(3.) Genesis 18: 20-28, KJV: 20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; 21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. 22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. 23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? 25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. 27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD, which am but dust and ashes: 28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

(4.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

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

Image downloaded 9:55 PM, November 26, 2019 @ https://biblepic.com/53/28810.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/15/2019) Understanding Existence and Life

The image depicts Jesus acknowledging the existence of a dead body, and providing life to the dead son of a widow as he was entering the city of Nain.

Today, reply is on the difference between “existence” and “life”. Where our focus is sacred knowledge, a full discussion of existence and life will include such topics as death, dying, mortality, and eternal life as well as the origin of mankind with the multiple objects located within time and space. It is written: John 1: 1-4, King James Version (KJV): 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. A new fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Radette” (Level 1 with 85 points, a member since October 14, 2019) posted the following:

Explain existing and living?Is there diference betwen the 2?If you are to chose between the 2 what category do you fall in existing living?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1: 12-20, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Purpose Of Worship (10//10/2019); Spirits Of The Dead (08/14/2019); GOD Is The Creator? (07/04/2019); From Spirit Not Mud (02/26/2019); Life Exists Before Birth (01/23/2019); Why Punishment After Death? (11/23/2018); “I Am The Resurrection” (03/25/2018)

“Radette”, for many mature Christian believers, life may be described as a process and operations that are mechanical, natural, and spiritual. The differences between existence and life are seen proclaimed through the account of mankind’s creation. The form and material vessel that would serve as a physical body for Adam were conceived and fashioned within the heart and mind of divinity (i.e., first existed within GOD), and made to appear within frameworks, spheres of life, and multiple structures provided for flesh (e.g., consciousness, purpose, time & space, the earth). Adam was not yet alive, however, neither was he dead. He was first a “shell” to contain life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) that would be imparted from the makeup and substance of divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Creator; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). Once the figure formed from the dust of the earth received the breath of life, Adam became a “living soul.” At that time, there were no “dead souls”, nor was there dying or mortality. Now, we know lifeless bodies may exist (we say, cadavers; corpses; the dead). Death was introduced as “sleep” in the creation of a mate for Adam that entailed removing one of his ribs. Also, death and mortality were established as limiting conditions for human existence through proclamation (we say, sanctions) within divine law (the expressed will of GOD). There are created beings and living creatures who are neither mortal as mankind, nor immortal. Only divinity is immortal and incorruptible—the duration and lifetime for angels, mankind, sacred beasts, or the elders appearing in heaven continue by operations of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. All things that exist do not contain life displayed as the ability/capacity for appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual contact), for communication, for self-directed motion, for sensation (i.e., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), or for operations of emotion/mind (e.g. anger, depression, fear, imagination, recall, sorrow). When speaking of the quality of human experience, some contrast “living” (where a person vigorously pursues their own interests with attitudes and behavior that are creative, exciting, and satisfying) against merely “existing” (where one endures boredom, interpersonal conflicts, and life struggles using conduct and routines that are cyclic, frustrating and repetitive). Others speak of life as having spirit content from GOD (we say, anointing; fellowship with divinity; an unction), and to exist is to be filled with spiritual confusion, doubt and uncertainty (i.e., to display the operations of death, sin and wickedness; to continually express bitterness and complaining; to live relying on patterns that are unfruitful and vain (i.e., lacking sacred substance). Without ongoing relationship with divinity, ones life is void (empty); however, with divinity in the life there will be abundance and plenty, yet, there also will be judgment. All Christians are to acknowledge that the operations of sin may dominate consciousness and self-will within the living; and sinners must become built-up and strengthened with the will of GOD. Where one becomes “born again” by receiving a fresh endowment of spirit content from GOD, they must “grow-up again,” and become mature/ripe for harvest by Jesus at his appearing (Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the presentation from the music ministry of Pastor Marvin Winans:

(1.) Ephesians 2: 1-6, King James Version (KJV): 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

(2.) Jeremiah 4: 22-28, KJV: 22 For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. 23 I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. 24 I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. 25 I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. 26 I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, and by his fierce anger. 27 For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end. 28 For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black; because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEdPHHVZNJg.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:31 PM, October 15, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/01/9a/63/019a6387c0a7a9e65c5dd048affcb929.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/28/2019) Death Used in Salvation

Today, reply is on the divine uses of physical and spiritual death that include admonition, release from sin, salvation, and sanctification. It is a common error, even among developing Christian believers, to think that all our obligations to GOD may be met by our good behavior, observing family duties, customs, and tradition; and making outward displays that promote religious teachings. (Examples are attending funerals, feeding the poor, and observing sacred feasts.) Jesus Christ demonstrated that it is more necessary to discern, acknowledge, embody, and respond to the active presence of divine spirit substance; that those who obey divine law also are to make visible the spirit and sacred purposes contained within the law; and that those serve best who share spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD; and that imparting life from divinity should be priority in our serving GOD. It is written: Luke 9: 53-60, King James Version (KJV): 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. 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. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “James” (Level 2 with 881 points, a member since February 26, 2019) posted the following:

What did Jesus mean when He said, Let the DEAD bury the dead in Mathew 8v22?

Update: Do you think Jesus is saying that living human beings are dead without Him?

And if so, how does that change our understanding of what physical death at the end of our lives is?

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Penalty of Death? (04/26/2019); The Solutions From GOD (04/03/2019); Satisfying Creation and Law (01/22/2019); The Elimination of Sin (11/25/2018); Why Punishment After Death? (11/23/2018); The Thought of Dying (08/15/2017); The Administration Of Death (07/11/2017); Resurrected With The Lord (04/16/2017); Dead While We Live? (02/02/2017)

“James”, the Scriptures acknowledge death as a condition and process for ones flesh as well as for ones spirit. Divinity continues to use mankind’s consciousness of human mortality to establish the authority, character, purpose, and substance of GOD as Creator. Using the concepts of judgment, death and restoration, freedom from sin has been defined along with resurrection, new creation, salvation and eternal life. The following verses from the Bible have provided balance with the continual consciousness of death intended through Jesus Christ:

1. Ecclesiastes 9: 3, King James Version (KJV): 3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

2. 1^st Timothy 5: 3-7, KJV: 3 Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

3. Psalms 115: 16-18, KJV: 16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. 17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.

4. Isaiah 38: 18-20, KJV: 18 For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. 19 The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth. 20 The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.

5. Romans 6: 3-7, KJV: 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

6. Romans 8: 3-11, KJV: 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 7. Revelation 3: 1-3, KJV: And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 6:37 PM, June 27, 2019 @ 4.bp.blogspot.com/-LX_pzDLy_Ts/VoJDCeowygI/AAAAAAAAByc/ZwsWHriVJm4/s1600/cbbb74c6342377b1b8d7c0aac9ed396c.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/08/2018) Challenged To Explain Resurrection

Today, the reply is on explaining the details of divine resurrection from death. Salvation from GOD that acknowledges the demand for, yet, circumvents death among the living is accomplished through divine operations whereby there is a separation and rejoining of flesh and spirit. The course of eternal life now may be accounted as uninterrupted through the inclusion of a pause or rest (we say, sleep). A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “mathdad” (Level 1 with 173 points, a member since May 24, 2012) posted the following:

Resurrection of the Dead?

Explain the resurrection. What happens in the grave? We are destroyed by worms. We turn to dust. Cremation destroys the body. No one has been resurrected after years of death. So, explain the resurrection, if you can. The Bible talks about two resurrections:

1. Resurrection of the saved

2. Resurrection of the lost

Tell me, how does dust become a brand new, resurrected body?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 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. 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: 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1^st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Fulfillment of Proclamation (06/01/2018); The Elimination of Death? (05/13/2018); Incurring “The Second Death” (04/02/2018); Yes, Jesus Did Die (04/01/2018); Christ Is The Firstborn (12/26/2017); Bereavement, Death and Suffering (11/10/2017); About Revelation not Punishment? (11/25/2016); Ghosts (09/02/2012); About Conversion (09/03/2012)

“mathdad”, your question on resurrection of the human body as a process carried out and performed by GOD requires a detailed description for the out-workings of authority, sacred power, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will that appeared in the Creation, and will attend the Advent of Jesus Christ (we say, the harvest; the Rapture; the Second Coming). The operations of divinity among developing Christian believers include imparting spirit substance from the makeup of the Creator that enables existence and life as well as continuing communication, exchange, and interaction (we say, ongoing relationship). Inseparable spirit content from GOD is required when sharing sacred knowledge in place of finite secular knowledge. Included must be faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

While the process of divinity through Jesus Christ is one of disclosure and revelation, there remain many divine mysteries and secrets that never will be exposed to created beings and living creatures. Where answers may appear to be lacking information there often is no need because the process of sharing truth is by acceptance, affirmation, faith, and trust. The living are to apprehend divinity by existing and by living, rather than by death, dying, ignorance, or ungodliness. Becoming “born again” grants sinners a fresh endowment of Spirit from GOD that will serve as a seed for their growth as offspring of GOD who will eventually display commitment, discernment, fellowship, obedience to divine law, ministry, the fulfillment of promise and prophecy, reverence, unselfish service, and the endurance of hardship and suffering.

Consider again the following that uses language from the holy writings:

(1.) Deuteronomy 29: 29, King James Version (KJV): 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 15: 12-23, KJV: 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

(3.) 1^st Corinthians 15: 35-44, KJV: 35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Isaiah 55: 10-11, KJV: 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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

(11/10/2017) Bereavement, Death and Suffering

Today, a special reply is shared on three divine tools GOD uses when endowing mankind to exist as the new creation.  As part of the inheritance for joint-heirs with Christ, developing believers are to be aware that there are strong prophecies and warnings that encourage maintaining readiness and vigilance in anticipation of an end to the world as we now know it.  For example:  Revelation 22:  8-13, King James Version (KJV):  8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.  9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not:  for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.  10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book:  for the time is at hand.  11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:  and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still:  and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still:  and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.  Probably because of their inconsiderateness and irreverence, two separate questions were removed from the Yahoo! Internet sites, and neither could be answered online.  I was challenged to minister by responding to “Anonymous” at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” who asked, “Why didn't God protect the people in the texas church before they were shot. Doesn't God want to show he cares about thoses who pray?” when the system would not allow response to “ElmsofTaste” at “Yahoo! Answers” (Level 1 with 2 points, a member since November 08, 2016) who had posted the following:


Why did the Good Lord scramble their brains on the floor of First Baptist Church?

Update: Just like 26 abortions :'( 26 more Angels

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  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.  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:  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.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.  (1st Thessalonians 4:  13-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Having Consciousness of Death (11/03/2017); Undergoing A Sacred Transformation (10/24/2017); Accepting Christ, Accepting Change (10/20/2017); From Dust Thou Art (09/07/2017); The Nature of Death (04/25/2017); Life Is GOD’s Intent (11/15/2016); Comfort? (09/06/2014); We Become Comforters? (07/19/2014)


“ElmsofTaste”, among Christian believers, bereavement, death, and suffering are to be understood and accepted as divine operations that are managed and carried out by the Holy Spirit, for they are events having sacred consequences that pertain to more than carnal, material, secular, and social situations governed by natural law.  Inseparable aspects of the spirit fullness within the makeup of GOD must be imparted, engage, exchange, interact, and be permanently changed.  Included are faith, forgiveness, holiness, lovingkindness, mercy, mortality, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Through the divine device of death the living are led to manifest and impart otherwise hidden depths of love, respect, sacrifice, and unselfish service.

Developing believers often focus on death as the punishment for sin, and must be lifted through the Holy Spirit to attain higher levels of edification where they can correctly grasp that the provisions of their own salvation include appearing in judgment now as an ongoing aspect of our being alive on the earth before our decease; comfort and peace during testing and trials; and resurrection from the dead as well as escape and exemption from annihilation of the wicked (the second death).

In the same way, Adam was set apart, preserved and protected during the Creation of Eve using “sleep”, many members of the body of Christ (we say, the church) and those who are saints within the kingdom of GOD will complete their own mortality (die) before the Savior returns.  Their “falling asleep” before the harvest (we also say, Advent, his appearing, the Rapture, the Second Coming) will in no way alter or cancel their divine inheritance as joint-heirs with Christ.  As divine tools, death and sleep are applied to fulfill eternal purposes that include establishing and maintaining created beings and living creatures as companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity.  Thus, death may be discerned as preserving the church through times of crisis, persecution, and tribulation.  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 57:  1-4, King James Version (KJV):  1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart:  and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.  2 He shall enter into peace:  they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.  3 But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.  4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood.

(2.)  2nd Peter 3:  8-14, KJV:  8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

(3.)  1st  Peter 4:  1-8, KJV:  1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind:  for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;  2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.  3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:  4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:  5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.  6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.  7 But the end of all things is at hand:  be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.  8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:  for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own spirit makeup.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 15:  50-57, KJV:  50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC