(11/25/2019) Moses Appearing Having Glory

Today, reply is on accounts in the Bible indicating that Moses continued to have favor with GOD, despite having been denied the privilege of entering the land of Canaan. Moses did not appear as one having place among divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit); and Moses was called to serve. There is no record that Moses was seen in vision seated or standing at the right hand of GOD as was Jesus Christ. Jesus used the parable in Luke of the rich man and the beggar to endorse the prophetic ministry of Moses. When the rich man asked that Lazarus be sent to warn his five brothers at home declaring to father Abraham, if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. Jesus affirmed, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Also, the Gospel of John declares that the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. It is written: 2^nd Peter 1: 16-21, King James Version (KJV): 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. A fighter in “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID Tracy (Level 2 with 1,130 points) posted the following:

Did Moses die still having God's favor since he did not make it to the Promised Land?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. (Luke 9: 28-35, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Testimony From GOD (10/22/2019); Moses Was Not Divine (04/24/2019); The Divinity of Peter? (01/21/2019); Holy Fire From GOD? (04/27/2017); The Transfiguration of Christ (11/14/2016); Anointed, Consecrated and Installed (08/04/2016); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); GOD Permits Evil? (05/12/2014)

“Tracy”, the apostles of Jesus could have claimed they were eye-witnesses to the forgiveness granted Moses, and the majestic love of GOD. Many Christian believers trust that Moses continued to have favor with GOD on the basis of the fact that, before his death, Moses was permitted to see the features and qualities provided by GOD for Israel within the Promised Land (e.g., the plains and prairie land; the hills and valleys; the rushing streams and standing pools of water) just as Moses was allowed to see the train of glory that followed GOD. Others are convinced that Moses continued to find grace on the basis of his appearing with the Prophet Elijah during the Transfiguration of Jesus that provided further witness to Jesus as the Son sent from the Father. As part of the vision revealing the Promised Land, we also see Moses alive and receiving the fulfillment of his own proclamations of a prophet who would come; for Moses was permitted to acknowledge Jesus as the Prophet, Sceptre, and Star who would come, raised up from among the brethren in the Transfiguration to reinforce and strengthen the Lord for his trial, and death on the cross. In his excitement and spiritual confusion from the scene, Peter immediately acknowledged the divinity of Jesus and the two prophets by proposing that three tabernacles be established at the spot so that each one might be worshiped. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

(1.) Deuteronomy 18: 14-16, King James Version (KJV): 14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. 15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.

(2.) Numbers 24: 16-18, KJV: 16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: 17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. 18 And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

(3.) Romans 8: 29-31, KJV: 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

(4.) Exodus 34: 28-35, KJV: 28 And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. 29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. 30 And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. 31 And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. 32 And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in mount Sinai. 33 And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face. 34 But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. 35 And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OzpQF97zU8.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/24/2019) The Sovereignty Of GOD

A depiction of divine fullness enthroned with the 24 elders, 4 seraphim, the host of heaven, and 7 spirits

Today, reply is on Moses, Pharaoh of Egypt, and the revelation of sovereign divinity to the 12 tribes of Jacob who were the heirs of Abraham. Nomads do not receive or provide land and territory as an inheritance to their own offspring. Entry to the Promised Land would be denied to Moses as well as to everyone except 2 (Caleb & Joshua) from the army of more than ½ million men who had left Egypt. Believers are given an account that goes beyond the correction and punishment of Moses for losing his temper. Israel was in a process of transformation whereby they would exist as a peculiar people displaying inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that included faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: Numbers 20: 7-12, King James Version (KJV): 7 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. 9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. 10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? 11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. 12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. A fighter in “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID "Tracy" (Level 2 with 669 points) posted the following:

Why didn't God allow Moses to enter the Promised Land?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt: And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us? And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD. (Exodus 16: 4-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Moses Was Not Divine (04/24/2019); Sacred Characters, Not Fictional (12/12/2018); Lost For 40 Years? (09/17/2018); Judgment Against The Canaanites (08/01/2018); The Goodness of Pharaoh? (02/19/2018); The Generation That Wandered (06/14/2017); The Need For Divine Rule? (08/27/2015)

“Tracy”, when GOD sent Moses to them, the sons of Jacob were in covenant through Abraham, yet, did not continually acknowledge the governance, power, presence, and sovereignty of GOD as a unified people. Because we mistakenly focus on Moses as important along with other human figures spoken of in the holy writings, many of us fail to realize that the Scriptures primarily are provided to give us a clear “picture” (revelation) of divinity who is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible. The Bible is a record of divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) appearing on the earth using thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. Many think that Moses was denied the privilege of entering the Promised Land because he incurred the wrath of GOD by expressing finite human anger, frustration, and exaggerated pride, rather than speaking in a manner to exalt divinity. More correctly, we are to see that Israel had endured for hundreds of years within Egypt, a land that existed as a one-world empire under the rule of Pharaoh. From the time of Joseph and the famine, the people of Egypt, their livestock, and their land were purchased, and became the personal chattel (i.e., material goods; private property; slaves), estate, and inheritance of the Pharaohs. Not only was it necessary for Israel to be separated from Egypt for the heirs of Abraham to own property and goods maintained and transferred to their descendants by operations of law, their acknowledgment of GOD following the example of Abraham (e.g., building altars; circumcision; digging wells; herding animals for offerings and sacrifices of blood in atonement for sin, and for thanksgiving) could not be safely continued. Divinity would separate the twelve tribes and mixed multitude (we say, various Gentiles) by an exodus from Egypt that would fulfill the promise and vision granted Abraham, and break both the long-standing patterns and traditions of “man-made” government (we say, the world), and of those of heathen worship that included exalting the Pharaoh. GOD himself, not Moses, was to be acknowledged as the one who led, created, and formed Israel as a new kingdom among the nations. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the selection from the music ministry of The Barnes Family:

(1.) Genesis 15: 8-14, King James Version (KJV): 8 And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? 9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. 10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. 11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. 12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. 13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; 14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

(2.) Exodus 13: 17-19, KJV: 17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: 18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. 19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

(3.) 1^st Samuel 12: 6-7, KJV: 6 And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. 7 Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

(4.) 1^st Samuel 10: 17-20, KJV: 17 And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; 18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: 19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug6fv8KRuCM.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/28/2019) That Divinity Is Jealous

Today, reply is on divine grace, the holy name, and the reputation of divinity as Jealous. No gods actually exist, however, the operations of sin may dominate consciousness and self-will within created beings and living creatures such that they become corrupted and consumed. Like forbearance, forgiveness, grace, and restraint, divine jealousy appears in line with the personhood whereby the Creator continues communication, exchange, and ongoing relationship within the Godhead, and throughout the universe. For mankind, jealousy is to be acknowledged as a manifestation of divinity in a process of crafting relationship, and is more than an expression of human emotion and inordinate affection. Divine character and the wrath of GOD are not directed against created beings and living creatures so much as against all transgressions of sacred law; idolatry; extending to man-made objects glory, praise, and worship belonging to GOD; and the practice of worship to graven images, false gods, or devils and beings lesser than the divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). The jealousy of GOD must exist because GOD is the summation of all divine substance. Despite being deposited within multiple physical and visible forms, the existence, life, and spirit substance throughout Creation remain an inseparable aspect of GOD; and GOD will be active and responsive to his own content unlimited by time and space. What some call “the doing” is not our believing, our paying the mortgage, our getting the kids to school on time; rather, “the doing” is judgment, redemption, resurrection, salvation, and the second death. It is written: Ezekiel 39: 24-29, King James Version (KJV): 24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them. 25 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name; 26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid. 27 When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations; 28 Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there. 29 Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD. The writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “norine” (Level 1 with 27 points, a member since July 12, 2019) posted the following:

Is GOD a jealous GOD because HE finds it insulting when we "DO" because after Holy Spirit baptism; it's HIS JOB to do all the "DOINGS"?

Update: EXODUS 20:5 SAYS

"GOD IS A JEALOUS GOD" AND WE KNOW THAT HE DOESN'T WANT US WORSHIPING OTHER GODS BUT SINCE HE MADE HIMSELF AVAILABLE TO US (JOHN 14:18) TO "DWELL IN US" (ROMANS 8:9) AFTER THE CROSS OR AFTER HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM (ACTS 1:5) BY WHICH IT BECOMES "GOD WORKING IN US" (PHILIPPIANS 2:13) DO YOU THINK HE IS JEALOUS IF WE TRY AND HELP HIM (ACTS 17:23-25)?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; (Acts 17: 24-26, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: They Forgot His Name (08/11/2019); That GOD Is Judge (11/01/2018); Transgression of Sacred Law? (10/25/2018); We Call Him Jealous? (10/25/2015); Divine Jealousy? (09/11/2015); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012)

“norine”, among mature Christian believers, jealousy is an inseparable aspect within the full makeup of divinity (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Jealousy exists as spirit substance within the divine fullness along with faith, holiness, impartiality, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. With or without the existence of mankind, jealousy will exist through the active presence who is GOD. Jealousy pertains to accountability within the relationships of the Creator and the created, and to the fullness of commitment by divinity. The jealousy expressed by divinity is a response to human errors and idolatry, violations of covenant, and transgressions of sacred law, rather than a human reaction to betrayal in a love relationship. Jealousy appears on the basis of lawful dominion, ownership, and the imperatives of sovereign rule by GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Ephesians 2: 8-10, King James Version (KJV): 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

2. Romans 11: 5-6, KJV: 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Romans 10: 1-9, KJV: 1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/26/2018) The Divinity of "Word"

Today, reply addresses whether “word” is the divine person we speak of as “God”.  Many who believe in GOD are comfortable saying that divinity existed as the Word in the beginnings of Creation, yet, these same folk often are very troubled by the teaching that the Word became incarnate, and appeared embodied within another person on the earth using human form, Jesus Christ.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “LOVE” (Level 4 with 4,011 points, a member since May 11, 2011) posted the following:


Is the word same as God? Why?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.  John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me:  for he was before me.  And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.  (John 1:  11-17, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  “New Creation” and Life (01/01/2018); The Device of Incarnation (10/18/2017); The Word of GOD (09/05/2017); “and without Him nothing” (08/14/2017); Also Called “The Amen” (01/29/2017); Jesus Known As Word (01/17/2016); GOD Appearing As Word (01/14/2016); The Preeminence of the Word (08/23/2015)


“LOVE”, where developing Christian believers grasp the notion that “GOD is a spirit” who imparted aspects of himself to Adam and Eve (the male and female figures he had fashioned to exist as vessels containing divine content) they also are challenged to accept that the material or substance from GOD that established life within the pair may be spoken of as breath, life essence, spirit, utterance or Word.  The figures existed before the infusion of divine content that established life. 

GOD is knowable and known through the objects divinity has put forth and manipulated as the spheres of life and all that they hold.  With that said, GOD is no mere abstraction, intellectual creation, or hypothetical construct.  Because the inseparable aspects of the Word may be known to created beings and living creatures operating as active presence, the Word is described as having and conveying such features of Deity as accountability, authority, commitment, direction, duration, focus, grace, and personhood (i.e., ability to communicate, exchange, respond, and interact in continuing personal relationships) as well as power to express compassion, divine love, purpose, truth, and value.

The Word is to operate within the consciousness and self-will of the living through their immeasurable dimensions of spirit substance (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, purity, wisdom, wrath against sin).  Thus, the Word appears in multiple forms or incarnations such as blessings, covenants, curses, divine law, instruction and parables, proclamation, promises, and prophecy.  The Word is acknowledged as on a higher plane than features of the living that present as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sex), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mental functions (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall).  Consider again the following that use language from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 55:  10-12, King James Version (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.  12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:  the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

(2.)  Psalms 107:  17-20, KJV:  17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.  18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.  19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.  20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

(3.)  Romans 10:  12-17, KJV:  12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek:  for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 1:  18-25, KJV:  18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.  22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;  24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/27/2017) The Practice of Love

Today, thoughts are shared on the human practice of divine love.  Because we are encouraged repeatedly to think of love as being in connection with premarital courtship, dating, and romance, the reality that love is a spirit substance within the full makeup of Deity has become difficult for us to accept and grasp.  Properly understood, sacred love is never expressed by carnal desire, fantasies of home-making and marriage, or recurring lust and sexual imaginings.  Sacred love is more than attraction and affection; and sacred love is more than feelings of being sexually aroused and stimulated.  The most important feature for building and maintaining close personal relationships that fulfill our need for intimacy, respect, and reciprocity will be the visible acts used to express and show the depth and richness of our otherwise unseen spirit.  Trust is developed through acknowledgment of accountability, forgiveness, risk-taking, self-exposure, and the sharing of truth.  Saying this another way, romantic love is what we do (not merely what we say) to reveal who we are, and to be joined to others for as long as possible; and sacred love is what we do to reveal GOD, and to help others who are seeking to be joined to divinity forever.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Nadia” (Level 5 with 6,234 points, a member since July 25, 2010) posted the following:


How to love his neighbor...?

When we know that he will go to hell for his non-belief in jesus ?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Sanctify them through thy truth:  thy word is truth.  As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.  Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me:  for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.  O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee:  but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.  And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it:  that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.  (John 17:  17-26, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Who Deserves Divine Love? (06/23/2017); Marriage Is A Sacrament? (06/11/2017); No Fear In Love? (05/17/2017); Divine Law Expresses Love (05/10/2017); Saying "GOD is Love" (12/18/2016); Believers Are To Love (12/07/2016); Herein Is True Love (10/21/2016); Divine Jealousy? (09/11/2015)


“Nadia”, love is made understood and visible through unselfish action.  For mature Christian believers, the meaning, purpose, and substance of love have to do with how the existence, integrity, and presence of GOD are established, recognized, and consistently responded to as residing within the makeup and life experience of created beings and living creatures.  While the holy writings proclaim that “GOD is love,” we also accept that GOD is the origin of everything and everyone having existence; and the Creator is the owner and sovereign authority over all that exists now, has ever existed before, and that ever will exist.  Love, therefore, pertains to continuing both existence and life, oneness without sameness, and the multiple ongoing exchanges and interactions among the aspects of divine spirit appearing as full divinity and GODhead.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

The love of GOD appears through divine acts that manifest inseparable aspects of divine spirit (we also say, breath, “life essence, sacred utterance, word).  Mechanisms and operations carried out by divinity allow love to have visible form through features such as accord, agreement, creation, duration, eternal life, friendship, giving, mercy that appears only by judgment, obedience, reconciliation, reproduction, sacrifice, salvation, sharing, truth, and unselfish service.  Consider again the following points using language from the Bible that speak to the practice of love within the new testament church:

(1.)  John 15:  12-17, King James Version (KJV):  12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.  13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.  15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth:  but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.  16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:  that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.  17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

(2.)  1st John 4:  18-20, KJV:  18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:  because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.  19 We love him, because he first loved us.  20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar:  for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

(3.)   John 4:  7-11, KJV:  7 Beloved, let us love one another:  for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

(4.)  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.

(5.)  Colossians 3:  12-17, 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.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  Romans 13:  7-10, KJV:  7 Render therefore to all their dues:  tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.  8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another:  for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.  9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour:  therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/26/2017) Divinity Appears Using Form

Today, Incarnation, invisible spirit becoming known as present, and the unchanging existence of GOD are topics.  The fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead) reveals themselves as 3 separate persons, (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and as a single active presence who communicates, exchanges, and interacts with and through created beings and living creatures.  Through the Incarnation of divinity in the person of Jesus Christ, such divine tools as angel visitations and miracles would become less relied upon, for often they would foster fear, spiritual confusion, and uncertainty, rather than impart godliness and faith.  The new creation introduced through Messianic covenant and holy blood would include rebirth, endowment of spirit content from the makeup of GOD, forbearance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (Level 1 with 106 points, a member since December 27, 2016) posted the following:


Do you believe that God has a human form?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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:  16-20, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  GOD Revealed As One (07/12/2017); What Can Canvas Show? (07/10/2017); One Complete Divine Revelation (07/09/2017); Redemption Through Ordinary Flesh? (04/20/2017); Divine Presence and Spirit (01/18/2017); Divine Appearances Using Form? (12/20/2016); Divine Appearances Using Form? (12/20/2016)


“Anonymous”, many mature Christian believers agree that Jesus Christ is an Incarnation (i.e., appearance; manifestation) of GOD using flesh and blood.  Through operations of the spirit content that we receive from the makeup of GOD as created beings and living creatures, and as fresh deposits of spirit content from the makeup of GOD through Jesus Christ, mankind is capable of knowing and responding to the Creator who is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible—even without sense experiences (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching).  “Ordinarily”, GOD exists as a spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, spoken word, utterance) who has no measurable dimensions (e.g., height, size, weight, etc.), yet, has authority, power, and sovereign will whereby he puts forth objects and things that have material or physical form.  Included are animals, angels, mankind, and their diverse spheres of life.  

Before the birth of Jesus, divinity had used multiple devices that were audible and visible to communicate with mankind.  However, many of these had created confusion, fear, and doubt, rather than true sacred knowledge.  Included were animals gifted to speak; deliverers (judges) like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson; families, tribes, and kingdoms; Patriarchs like Adam and Noah; prophets like Moses and Samuel; sacred events (we say, miracles); tables of stone written on by the finger of GOD; and angelic visitations.  The ministry of Jesus as the Son of Man and the Son of GOD demonstrates that divinity is far more than an abstract idea from finite mankind, or a product of human imagination.

Christ served on earth in such roles as exorcist, healer, judge, prophet, redeemer, and provider of a new testament in blood between mankind and divinity.  In heaven, the Savior is completing the construction of the Holy City, New Jerusalem.  He will preside over the tribunals of final judgment, will determine the rewards for those who have served while on the earth, and will allot dwellings and portions of the City (inheritances) to those who are “ripe” (mature) that will be taken up when he comes to harvest from the earth those who belong to him (we say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  As the dead are resurrected and the living are lifted to meet him in the air, their transformation to exist as eternal companions of divinity will be completed.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, in heaven, Christ continues to use the image and form of a man from the earth.  The savior also serves in the Temple of heaven as an High Priest who makes atonement for sin, who cleanses the sanctuary by the sprinkling of holy blood, and who purifies the throne of Glory (the Judgment Seat).  Once final judgment and the second death are completed, and the New Jerusalem descends to the earth, there will no longer be death and mortality.  Divinity will live with mankind upon the earth; however, GOD will still be sovereign over all that exists.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/27/2015) The Need For Divine Rule?

Today, Scripture points are shared on the eternal sovereignty of GOD over Creation.  The rod of iron wielded by divinity will be sacred law (the expressed will of GOD), that does not bend or alter under pressure.  All the forms of government among men and angels that foster decision-making that is arbitrary, cruel, irreverent, lawless, oppressive, and violent must be replaced by those that continue godliness, divine love, respect, righteousness, and stability.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “RICK” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since June 26, 2006) posted the following:


Christians dont need tobe ruled so who does jesus rule with a rod of iron if all the wicked are dead during the millennium.?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.  And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.  (1st Corinthians 15:  21-28, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Authority, Dispensation, and Unity? (08/20/2015);  Oneness, Not Equality or Rank? (07/16/2015); GOD Rules (07/07/2015); Prince of Peace? (07/18/2014); 7 “Godly” Sins (02/24/2014); The You GOD “Knows” (02/25/2014)


“RICK”, all rule among men and angels must be put down under divinity.  The argument that Christians do not need to be ruled has been depicted in the holy writings as the rebellion against Moses and Aaron by those who left Egypt.  On several occasions, the Prophet and High Priest given by GOD were rebuked and scorned by those insisting that the two were merely ambitious, power-hungry, superfluous and unnecessary, for all the people in covenant with GOD were now holy.  Because the operations of sin among created beings and living creatures are able to dominate their awareness and self-will, many now hold carnal, twisted and warped ideas of authority, government, law and rule.  Even Lucifer and other holy angels who serve in the host of heaven continue in disputes regarding sacred duty and privilege as well as postures of defiance, disobedience, and pride.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the entire Creation that responds to sacred law.  The divine processes to eliminate and remove all sin involve multiple detailed and far-reaching subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning and value).  Included are atonement, confession, correction, death, forbearance, forgiveness, final judgment, incarnation, mortality, rebirth, repentance, sanctification, and the second death.  Hierarchy appears among the living in service to divinity consistent with differences in abilities, accountability, and functions.  The nature of rule by GOD who is immutable and unchanging is not grounded in temporal events or appetite, emotion and feelings.  Divine rule may be described as administration (we say, ministry, priesthood), harmonization, and judgment (i.e., resolution of conflict and settlement of disputes through application of divine law).  Also, consider these points from the holy writings:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 2:  7-10, King James Version (KJV):  7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  8 Which none of the princes of this world knew:  for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

(2.)  Revelation 20:  4-7, KJV:  4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them:  and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:  on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.  7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

(3.)  Revelation 5:  6-10, KJV:  6 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.  7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.  8 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.  9 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;  10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:  and we shall reign on the earth.

(4.)  Revelation 12:  7-12, KJV:  7 And there was war in heaven:  Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,  8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.  9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world:  he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.  10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ:  for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.  11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.  12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example (5.)  Revelation 19:  11-16, KJV:  11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:  and his name is called The Word of God.  14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations:  and he shall rule them with a rod of iron:  and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/20/2015) Authority, Dispensation, and Unity?

Differences among the three persons that describe the full GODhead come into view, today.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “louis” (Level 2 with 854 points, a member since September 09, 2011) posted the following:


Can you explain 1 Corinthians 15:24, 28?

Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
1 Corinthians 15:24

When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
1 Corinthians 15: 28

Why does Jesus have to had over the authority to the Father, as they are one?
Why does he have to subject himself to God in the end, as he is God?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.  For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:   and these three are one.  (1st John 5:  5-7, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Oneness, Not Equality or Rank? (07/16/2015); Christ Brought A New Nature? (07/15/2015); To Express the Fullness of GOD? (07/09/2015); Power Against Sin? (04/12/2015); A Kingdom Now and One To Come? (09/05/2014); Comfort? (09/06/2014); Hierarchy (11/14/2013); The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013)


“louis”, there are many things that have to be fitted together, here.  For thousands of years, now, Christian believers have wrestled with the many concepts that describe Deity by using the idea of GODhead.  Mankind has been emanated and put forth by divinity, yet, existence and the makeup and substance of divinity are very different from that for created beings and living creatures.  The living are to rely upon the awareness of divinity that is being imparted from GOD as revelation.   With this in view, Deity may be described as the combination of immortal, incorruptible, and inseparable aspects of spirit content (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin).  Also, Deity may be understood and described by multiple appearances as active presence, and expressions of eternal purpose (e.g., atonement, forgiveness, incarnation, rebirth, salvation, sanctification).

While GOD is a spirit—and believers must worship (acknowledge, praise, reverence) him in spirit and in truth—GOD also is the origin, source of, and exalted sovereign who governs and rules over all that pertains to continued existence for whatever is carnal, material, natural, and spiritual.  (Instead of human attitudes, behavior and conduct, focus for GOD is upon life experience (e.g., birth, death, reproduction, joining of spirits through sexual activity), divine operations, and sacred process.)  As exalted and sovereign with authority and power over all, GOD is free to be in relationship using agents, diversity, flesh, form, personness, sacred events (we say, miracles), spokespersons (we say, messengers, prophets), immaterial things, things natural as well as things supernatural.

Christian believers accept that GOD has appeared and operated in the creation of heaven, earth, the holy angels, and the many other forms of life that appear such as animals, birds, insects, and the sacred beasts of heaven.  We therefore speak of the Holy Spirit as an irreplaceable aspect of the GODhead.  In addition to the Holy Spirit (known as the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Spirit of Truth), followers of Jesus Christ are to acknowledge the Savior as “the Word,” “the Everlasting Father,” and a peculiar appearance of “the Almighty Father” upon the earth to resolve conflicts and disputes through judgment (application of divine law).

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, with the conclusion of judgment signaled by the Lake of Fire and the second death, various dispensations established to buttress sacred law, maintain cosmic order as well as to address the specific attributes and needs of the created will be completed, ended, removed and replaced.  Included are decay, mortality, rebuke, redemption, separation from GOD, and shame.  What remains will be recognized as accord, peace and unity.  The actions and formal proclamation that the former things are finished will appear as “the handing over of the kingdom.”  In fact, it will be the celebration of Sabbath, and Creation’s return to Divine Rest.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/04/2014) Separation of Church and State

A few points are shared on America as “one nation under GOD,” today, July 4, 2014.  Without fully realizing it, many Americans are celebrating an error:  They believe America is a unification of Church and State within a system of democratic governance.  However, by its principles insisting upon separation of secular and divine power, America has been a peculiar champion for the purity of genuine Christian belief.  Once again, citizens throughout the Nation are re-affirming the principles for life that have been developed through centuries of worship as well as human political struggle.  However, most correctly understood, America is a human accomplishment that serves GOD as a setting for the jewel of otherwise invisible divinity.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.  Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.  For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?  And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?  Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life:  but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;  (Deuteronomy 4:  5-9, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  God Bless America? (09/12/2013); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013); Numberless (08/28/2013); The Return in Glory? (07/04/2013); GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013); A Godly Take on Guns  (01/18/2013); It Is Finished (01/19/2013); Hellfire and Brimstone Preaching? (12/27/2012); The Dove (12/28/2012); The Crux of the Matter (10/26/2012); Women Ordained to Minister? (10/27/2012)


(1.)  The Earth Created by GOD, the World by Mankind.  The earth is a material creation of divinity that serves as a sphere of existence for mankind, and for a broad array of other created beings and living creatures.  The earth is also used to make known and visible the active presence of divinity (we say, the revelation of GOD).  The World is a major belief system that also determines meaning and value for behavior, conduct, ideas, and self-expression both in competition with and in opposition to Christian belief.  Thus the World promotes its own standards for what is godly/ungodly, good/bad, true/false, logical/illogical, real/imaginary, right/wrong, scientific/unscientific, wise and foolish.  Aspects of the World system appear as culture, currency, customs, government, history, social organizations, language, broadcast media, science, and tradition.

(2.)  Sovereignty and Jurisdiction.  A State is a self-perpetuating feature within the World system, and a man-made device to continue and promote material and social aspects of human existence such as common goals and interests; discovery, distribution, increase or storage of limited resources (including tools and weapons); gathering and producing food; ownership of property; safety and security as well as prosperity and survival for humankind.  In such matters as commerce, trade, treaties, and the making of war, the State must have the cooperation and submission of its population that registers as uninterrupted access to information, full authority over shared property, and unobstructed transit through all its sovereign territory.  The State may establish and maintain order, resolve disagreements, and settle a broad range of conflicts including regulation of public agencies, violations of contracts, and cases that enter the public forum as disputes over child custody and the dissolution of marriage (i.e., divorce).

(3.)  Religious Liberty.  It is a significant human accomplishment when a State acknowledges its limitations with regard to matters of conscience, and provides legislation to protect the right for all its citizens to determine for themselves the forms for their acknowledgment, reverence to, and worship of divinity.  Additionally, any obstacles to lawful behavior expressing and pursuing religious liberty will be banned as well as every official action that may support intolerance, oppression and persecution of religious believers.  Freedom to participate as full members of the State can be granted, along with access and opportunity within the Commonwealth.  However, the State can not cleanse, purify and set apart believers for divine service (we say, sanctify); eliminate and remove sin, or equip believers to resist corruption with all its consequences; exempt or protect any from divine judgment; guarantee forgiveness, or restoration of divine relationship and trust; establish and maintain eternal life.

(4.)  America is Not the Kingdom of GOD.  All the nations of the earth are challenged to demonstrate and embody the principles that comprise the kingdom of GOD.  However, the kingdom of GOD is not a geographical region or territory within the measurable frameworks of space and time.  The divine kingdom is the totality of created beings and living creatures (thus, men, angels, and the sacred beasts of heaven) who respectfully acknowledge the sovereign rule of GOD over their own existence and over all that is.  The kingdom is not a nation, product of political consciousness, or State.  The kingdom is a peculiar pattern in awareness and self-will that allows the living to operate having shared relationship with divinity, and a unified spiritual condition.  America, other nations, and the World, are not the kingdom of GOD; yet, by close contact and continual interaction with those having part within the kingdom, America and all others may have benefit (we say, blessing) from GOD.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  For example, (5.)   Christian Belief is Only By Divine Spirit.  While America has been built up through some of the highest and noblest expressions of humanity such as courage, duty, industry, patriotism, and unselfishness; Christianity is only built up from aspects of the makeup of Almighty GOD such as faith, holiness, joy, love, longsuffering, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The illusion of sameness for the Church and the State results from their use of the same language and words communicating to their participants, however, the intent and meaning conveyed is often totally different.  Christian believers appear as material beings and products made up from flesh (we say, incarnate) through operations that result by the active presence of GOD in his form as an imparted Spirit.  Because Christianity and the Church exist to accomplish the revelation of divinity, and resistance to a nonmaterial, non-spirit influence (we say, sin) their origins, operations, process and purposes must be known through discernment, and ones own endowment of divine substance.  Finite human tools such as emotion, intellect, logic, mathematics, reason, and science can no more generate the imparted Spirit than they can eliminate and remove sin.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC