(10/28/2018) The Answer Jesus Shared

The image depicts a tragedy among the Jews at Siloam where a tower fell killing 18 (see reference below)

Today, reply is on the process of GOD for mankind, eternal purpose, and the instruction of Jesus Christ on human tragedies. Ones salvation is a spiritual condition that is to remain unaltered despite changes in their material, physical and social circumstances, and conditions. Divinity and the operations of sacred law are not the cause or origin for every observable event appearing on the earth. Many occurrences are the result of exchanges and interactions among created beings, living creatures, and material objects displaying as patterns and regularities in accordance with mechanical and natural law, rather than on the basis of obeying the will of GOD. Thus, believers are to understand that the recent mass shooting within a house of worship in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA) was not carried out in accordance with divine law, at the command and direction of GOD, as a punishment and verdict of divine judgment, or through the operations of the Holy Spirit. The blessings of GOD can not be annulled, diminished, or eliminated merely through the workings of created beings and living creatures who pursue ignorance, self-will, violence, and wickedness. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Why didn't God protect the Jews yesterday?

Update: Or was God not there at all?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 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. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (Romans 8: 5-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Anything We Ask For? (09/12/2018); Time and Chance Happen... (02/27/2018); An Act of GOD? (12/20/2017); Existence, Mortality and GOD? (08/31/2017); The Administration Of Death (07/11/2017); That Mortal Children Die? (12/15/2013); Going It Alone? (12/16/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013)

“Anonymous”, the holy writings report that on one occasion, Jesus was asked and responded to a similar question. His reply at that time, coupled with other scriptures, show us that the process of divinity for mankind insists there be accountability, autonomy, integrity, and mortality among all those living on the earth, and throughout all Creation. This is consistent and in agreement with mankind having authority over himself and dominion while yet on the earth, and that men be subject to their own errors, faults, and infirmities as well as subject to chance occurrence (we say, accidents). While Jesus did perform healing and miracles during the course of his ministry among the Jews, the higher focus of his work included atonement for the sin of Adam and all mankind; bestowing and imparting sacred gifts through the Holy Spirit; correcting errors of doctrine among the Jews that resulted from man-made customs and traditions being respected as though they were also the dictates of divine law; the fulfillment of obligations to divine law through the workings of faith and righteousness; continuing covenant relationship between divinity and mankind through the sacrifice of holy blood as well as completing full works of judgment, resurrection from the dead, salvation, and the second death. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Luke 13: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

(2.) Ecclesiastes 9: 10-12, KJV: 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. 11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. 12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) Psalms 115: 12-18, KJV: 12 The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. 13 He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. 14 The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. 15 Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

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(09/12/2018) Anything We Ask For?

Today, reply topics include authority, natural disaster, divine power, prayer, and the will of GOD. Few divine objectives are accomplished simply by believers expressing accord, agreement, and unity among themselves. Neither the will of a full congregation nor that of the full church are sufficient to alter or overturn the unchanging will of GOD. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Matt85” (Level 4 with 4,274 points, a member since September 18, 2016) posted the following:

Will someone agree with me to pray this hurricane won't reach land?

Jesus said: "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven."

So please agree with me.

Update: With the majority of your attitudes, you will never get round to agreeing for something. Agreeing means you really need to agree. To united in will. Yes an entire church of people can miss the point.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4: 31-33, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Gift(s) From GOD (04/08/2018); As An Anointed Body (10/04/2017); Storms to Punish America? (09/08/2017); From Dust Thou Art (09/07/2017); Existence, Mortality and GOD? (08/31/2017); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013)

“Matt85”, as you know, prayer is not intended to manipulate, pressure GOD to make changes, or subordinate divinity; and the primary revelation by the Son of GOD has been so that mankind will acknowledge and extol the Father. Even so, in their beginnings and while they are developing, Christian believers often focus on the material, natural, and social world. In those stages of edification and growth, they also repeatedly dismiss the arguments from Scripture that the proper focus of mankind as the new creation of Jesus Christ is the eternal purpose, substance, and sacred operation of divinity, rather than our ongoing human infirmity.

Consistent with the truth that divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) contains all the inseparable aspects of spirit substance that will ever exist, becoming “born again” and the transformations of mankind through baptism, resurrection and the Second Coming (we also say, his appearing; the Advent; the harvest; the Rapture) must impart such features as faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Christians are encouraged to gather and ask for such spirit matter from the makeup of GOD; however, believers are not instructed to ask for anything and everything human appetite, consciousness, and self-will may fix on through desire, or for interruptions of earthly events and operations,

Many things in human experience are not designed, or intended to endure as expressions of divine will, and may only proceed or respond to mechanical sequences and natural laws. Thus the prayer for inner peace during a hurricane and the time of recovery to follow can be more appropriate than the prayer to stop, or turn the wind away. Our expectation (we say, hope) is most godly where we seek the application of spirit substance to accomplish change in aspects of sacred order that are not immutable and unchanging. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Romans 8: 5-9, King James Version (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.

(2.) Philippians 2: 2, KJV: 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

(3.) Romans 8: 27-29, KJV: 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 1st John 5: 13-15, KJV: 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/05/2013) Unless You Repent

     Today’s post addresses the lessons and warnings from Jesus when asked about a recent slaughter of Hebrews by the Romans, and an accident resulting in more than a dozen deaths that was commonly known to have occurred nearby.  The “Yahoo! Answers” Top Contributor using ID “Bruce” (Level 7 with 92,590 points, a member since August 12, 2007) posted the following:


What did Jesus mean about tragic deaths by saying, "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish"?

Luke 13:Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? 3 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”


THE BATTLE AXE:  Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013)—A need for knowledge, relationship and right standing with GOD exits within all created beings and living creatures as an aspect of their makeup and substance that pertains to their completeness, perfection and quality as the handiwork of GOD.  By the revelation of himself through flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, the son of GOD from heaven, GOD has further prepared and transformed human awareness so that mankind may eventually display aspects of divine being that include incorruption and immortality.  While the existence of GOD does not result from any thing that has been created, the realms of existence (both heaven and earth) and all they contain are useful (yet unnecessary) as artifacts of divine existence that also make known the extent and continuing operation of divine power, presence and sacred purpose.  (See Psalms 19:  1-6, Revelation 21:  1-8 and Revelation 22:  1-5, King James Version.)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  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.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  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?  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.  (2nd Peter 3:  9-14, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); Translation, Please… (01/11/2013); The Price of Humanity? (12/13/2012); Remembering the Holocaust (12/14/2012); According to the Eternal Purpose (11/20/2012); Henceforth, Of This Fruit (11/21/2012); Before the Fruit? (11/10/2012); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); The Common Danger (01/02/2013); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); Tragedy? (10/23/2010)


Bruce, may I share a few points that should be helpful?  The many lessons taught by the account from Saint Luke include warnings against those who believe in GOD for salvation becoming complacent, presumptuous, sedentary, and self-satisfied.  For the most correct understanding, a believer should be aware of various issues having influence at that time:

(1) Divisions among the people of Jesus’ day included longstanding ethnic arrogance and racism displayed as enmity between the Jews (i.e., those from the Southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin) and those of the ten tribes to the North that included Galilee.  The separation was not merely on political lines that came by the revolt against the house of David through the person of Rehoboam, son of Solomon.  Following dissolution of the Unified Kingdom, there were many efforts to replace Jerusalem as the center for observances and worship, including the establishment in the North of worship for the Golden Calf from Egypt.

(2) That men should be slaughtered while worshipping GOD was thought to indict their worship (i.e.,  could be taken as evidence that their beliefs were false and their practices idolatrous), cast a light of contradiction, and endorsed spiritual confusion regarding divine judgment, salvation, and other sacred operations of GOD.  Unlike anger and emotions that come and go or frequently shift, the wrath of GOD against sin must be understood as a continuous and permanent aspect of divinity that makes GOD who he is in relationship with all Creation.  Notwithstanding this, the divine provisions for atonement and propitiation of sins also emerge from eternal, unchanging aspects of divinity.

(3) GOD was identified as a direct cause and active agent in all the collective life experience of the covenant people(s).  Birth, death, inheritance, sickness and war were all regularly “explained” as actions by GOD independent of all input from mankind.  The accountability of mankind was thought to go no further than counsels, desires, petitions and prayers.  More than this, human condemnation was seen the result of bad behavior, poor choices and faulty decision making.  Jesus demonstrated that human substance (i.e., such elements as faith, holiness and Spirit) is correctly the primary element determining the life conditions and experience of mankind as well as the duration of human existence.

(4) The purpose of death as the tool of GOD was widely understood as only for the destruction of sinners and the punishment of sin.  Endorsing those teachings that spoke to the completion of human mortality and divine resurrection for the dead, Jesus manifested the use of death to complete judgment and establish eternal life through mechanisms of rebirth and resurrection.  Rather than concern for the recent tragedies, Jesus warned the multitude to have concern for the second death, the lake of fire and the total termination of ones existence.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, emotionalism, excitement and sensationalism are often our focus and response to events in the flesh.  Our salvation may be rightly embraced only where we yield to the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD.  Repentance for sins is not the product of human cravings, feelings, regrets, thoughts and self-will so much as by operation of the Holy Spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC