(02/04/2019) Divine Dominion Over Nature

Balaam’s Angel With Sword (reference below)

Today, the reply is on the divine use of animals and things in nature that appear in sacred accounts, prophetic demonstrations, and divine instruction for mankind. Included are angels, birds, great fish, rivers, storms, winds, animals speaking with a human voice, and divinity appearing in human form as in the Incarnation. The process of GOD to reveal the character, makeup and nature of divinity uses both comparison (i.e., showing sameness or similarity) and contrast (i.e., showing differences and how things are unalike) to expose the hidden aspects of mankind; of created beings, living creatures, and objects as well as of the inseparable persons within the Godhead. Divinity also uses glory, miracles, mystery, rebirth, transformation, and visions. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Does bible really say donkeys & snakes can talk?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 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: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 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. (Romans 8: 1-9, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Hardened Minds and Hearts? (07/28/2017); Knowing GOD and Sin? (02/03/2017); When the Donkey Speaks? (11/03/2016); Knowing The Divine Voice? (09/02/2016); Balaam (10/15/2013); About Sabbath (10/16/2013); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)

“Anonymous”, because the GOD we serve as mature Christian believers is also a God of judgment, redemption and salvation, who rules and has dominion over all that exists and all that have life, the holy writings include many accounts that proclaim and reveal the authority, majesty and sovereign will of God extends over both the natural world, and the spiritual world. It is reasonable to accept that the GOD of Creation would examine and interact with all to whom integrity of being is attributed. While there are mechanical and natural laws that regulate the function and process for the things of the natural world (e.g., domestic animals; fire; fish; insects; water; weather events), there may be sacred events (we also say, miracles) that appear in accordance with divine law, sacred substance, and consecrated process (e.g., faith, holiness, prophecy, rebirth, resurrection). Ordinarily, things of the natural world do not respond to the will of God except through the processes of mechanical and natural law; and it is in this sense that secular knowledge, carnal reason, and the material world are at enmity against the law of God. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Genesis 3: 13-19, King James Version (KJV): 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 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. 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

2. Numbers 22: 28-34, KJV: 28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? 29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. 30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay. 31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. 32 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: 33 And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. 34 And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.

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. 1^st Kings 19: 5-12, KJV: 5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. 6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. 7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. 8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. 9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? 10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.) 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

(02/03/2017) Knowing GOD and Sin?

 

Today, focus is on the importance of understanding “spirit” for Christian belief and genuine experiences of divinity.  Sinners are encouraged to “hear the voice of GOD” by developing a consciousness of sacred spirit, rather than by listening for audible voices and other experiences through their flesh (e.g., seeing, tasting, touching).  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Canada)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Do you actually hear God? Question about faith?

I don't understand how some people, if they don't actually hear God for themselves how they can just believe in the bible because it has things like talking snakes in it, and other fairy tale like qualities.

And also just blindly follow (in my opinion) silly rules like wives should submit to husband in everything, and never divorcing.. (I don't like divorce but I feel sometimes it's just necessary.)

I would follow and defend those silly rules if I actually could hear him. And yes I have prayed a billion times before but never get an answer. I don't do it sarcastically either. I do it sincerely, but I don't hear a thing.

So my question is... Do you personally hear Gods actual voice ( not words in a book ) and if not, why do you follow the bible?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:  as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,  (Romans 1:  16-22, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Presence and Spirit (01/18/2017); How To Know GOD? (12/12/2016); As Newborn Babes.... (10/13/2016); How To Get Faith? (10/10/2016); Knowing The Divine Voice? (09/02/2016); Knowing GOD For Yourself (07/13/2016); Knowing? (05/24/2015)

 

“Anonymous”, in many ways the process for knowing GOD by faith is the same as that for correctly knowing Sin.  Because the daily living routines for mankind heavily rely on objects and things that are carnal, material, sensual (related to hearing, seeing, touching, etc.), and social, men must undergo permanent changes through operations by divinity before they understand that GOD is a spirit who is only knowable, known, and present within ongoing relationships that allow exchanges and interactions of spirit substances that are from the makeup of GOD.  Inseparable aspects of divine existence must be present such as duration, faith, forgiveness, grace, holiness, hope, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, person, presence, purity, sovereign will, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Sin also exists—has direction, effect, and a form of presence—yet, is not an object we may hold in our hand, or put in our pocket.  Sin is no thing created by GOD, opposes the continued existence of divine law, and promotes return to the conditions that were in place before the Creation.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will within the living, therefore, sin appears as blindness and ignorance.  Given sin appears as an aspect of ones own true being, many respond to sin as natural, normal, and ordinary.  Sin is not correctly recognized, rejected and resisted as contrary (we say, foreign, strange, unresponsive) to law, life, and love.

The finite human tools of emotions, intellect, logic, philosophy, science and technology do not allow mankind to eliminate sin (and so, we have scholars and scientists who also are sinners).  Sin is made known to created being and living creatures through multiple devices and mechanisms only provided by GOD.  Included are conscience; discernment; sacred law; divine order; sacred events (we say, miracles); fellowship through the imparted, indwelling spirit; and sacred knowledge shared through the holy writings.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, becoming mature as one who operates under the influence of divine Spirit in place of sin, is a gradual process that takes a “lifetime” not measured by secular devices (calendars, clocks, carbon dating).  More than simply behavior must be altered.  Affection, appetites, attitudes, desires, goals, impulses, instinct, intuition, motives, all must come under Christ.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/02/2016) Knowing The Divine Voice?

Topics today include certainty, faith, hearing the voice of GOD, and the revealed will of GOD.  Complacency, pride, selfishness, and skepticism are the greatest obstacles to believers realizing all the benefit and power of their status as a new creation through Jesus Christ.  Only before they are revealed does GOD say, “my thoughts are not your thoughts.”  Without hesitation, the followers of Jesus who have been endowed with sacred knowledge should be able to correctly affirm that they now have the mind of Christ.  (See 1st Corinthians 2:  14-16, King James Version (KJV):  14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.)  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (Malaysia)” using the ID “Brendan” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since February 22, 2016) posted the following:

How do I know if it is God's voice I am hearing or jus tny thoughts?

When I ask a question to God I don't expect audible answers and I never have had audible answers. I do however get thoughts. But I have a really hard time differentiating between my thoughts and His. Like sometimes when I ask a question, I'll say please give me a dream to make it clear. And when I ask him for something, sometimes when I got to bed and then wake up the next day I feel like a bad feeling in my gut that I fear always means no. But I'm so confused as to what truly is his voice.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:  therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:  for sin is the transgression of the law.  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.  Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not:  whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.  Little children, let no man deceive you:  he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him:  and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil:   whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.  (1st John 3:  1-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Learning From A Spirit? (08/25/2016); Use Spirit From GOD? (08/15/2016); Knowing GOD For Yourself (07/13/2016); The Silence of GOD (01/31/2016); Knowing? (05/24/2015); Knowing the Spirit is Inside? (10/07/2014); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)

“Brendan”, our goal as Christian believers is perfection established by GOD that first appears as maturity (i.e., balance, completeness, consistency, and stability).  All “born again” believers in Jesus Christ must endure “growing up” again, and becoming “ripe” for harvest to be taken from the earth at the coming of Jesus (we say, Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  Just like when they were committed to sin, believers all face a full kaleidoscope of carnal, material, and social elements.  Now, however, they are required to (1) acknowledge total dependence upon GOD for such benefits as redemption, repentance, salvation, resurrection, and eternal life; (2) continually establish clarity for the things from GOD; (3) develop and encourage fellowship with GOD by means of confession, humility, praise, prayer, service, truth-speaking, and worship; (4) maintain sacred focus; (5) promote obedience and respect to covenant, divine fidelity, and sacred law; and (6) practice discernment (i.e., applying ones own spirit content to recognize and respond to spirit substance from the makeup of GOD within events, oneself, other persons, prophecies, purposes, Scripture, etc.).  To hear the voice of GOD is to have an awareness or consciousness that expresses the will of divinity.  Thus, knowing (being certain, confident, sure) concerning the voice of GOD is accomplished on the basis of discerning spirit content within products put forth by the Holy Spirit (e.g., commands, dance, images, instruction, music, proclamations, discursive thought, utterances), rather than merely having sense experience of the audible sounds and tones of speech.  Certain elements may be immediately and repeatedly be dismissed such as blasphemy, complaining, and slander.  The body of believers and the holy writings containing the revealed truth of GOD are the reliable standards for determining authentic communication from divinity, for they both include detailed demonstrations of divine process, eternal purpose, and sacred outcomes (we say, his word, his will, and his way).  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 12:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:  5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

(2.)  Ephesians 5:  17-20, KJV:  17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.  18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

(3.)  Colossians 3:  16-17, KJV:  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.

(4.)  John 10:  14-18, KJV:  14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:  and I lay down my life for the sheep.  16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.  17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.  18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

(5.)  John 10:  26-28, KJV:  26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.  27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/31/2016) The Silence of GOD

Hearing the voice of GOD, and the absence of direct communication between Deity and mankind are topics, today.  The disciples of Jesus are not taught to “listen” for an audible voice.  Rather, we are taught to discern and recognize sacred truth that expresses the character, nature, active presence, eternal purposes, and sublime will of divinity when it appears through such devices as warnings, events, guidance, instruction, divine law, prayer, sacred objects, and other persons.  Consider the following Bible verses, and the presentation below:

2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, King James Version (KJV):  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2nd Corinthians 5:  11, KJV:  11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

2nd Corinthians 5:  13-15, KJV:  13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God:  or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.  14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:  15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Ephesians 2:  19-21, KJV:  19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “《☆ThE C00L B0Y★》” (Level 6 with 10,873 points, a member since May 03, 2013) posted the following:


Why won't God talk to us like he used to talk to people in the ancient times?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice:  and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.  And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;  And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire:  we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.  Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us:  if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.  For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?  Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say:  and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.  And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee:  they have well said all that they have spoken.  O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!  (Deuteronomy 5:  22-29, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  ...Ears That Hear Not? (01/18/2016); To Study the Book of Judges (09/09/2015); The Apocryphal Books? (08/07/2015); Malachi (01/02/2015); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2014); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)


“《☆ThE C00L B0Y★》”, GOD does speak to us now, and is about to speak to you through me; however, you have to be willing to acknowledge that what is here is for you from divinity.  According to the Bible accounts, the “silence of GOD” should be understood on the basis of the most needed messages and sacred revelation to mankind having been completed in the appearance of GOD upon the earth in human form using flesh and “person” as Jesus Christ.  Other aspects of divine process also explain the present dispensation of anointing, endowments, gifts, and tools provided to mankind.  For example, a covenant agreement has been made where divine spokespersons (e.g., apostles, evangelists, priest, prophets) are to be used in place of direct proclamation by divinity that was found to be awesome, overwhelming, and terrifying.  Similarly sacred events (we say, miracles) that suspend natural law and material order often generate doubt, fear, questions, and uncertainty instead of conviction, faith, peace of mind, and stability.  Wrath against sin is a continuing and permanent aspect of divine makeup.  (So to speak, it is a crucial part of what makes GOD eternal and sovereign.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the universe generated through sacred law).  Wrath has been softened and tempered through many mechanisms that include incarnation, judgment, mercy, the withdrawal of approval, communication and sacred gifts as well as requiring men to grow, learn, and wait.  For more than 400 years following Malachi, no prophet serving as Moses did was sent until John the Baptist.  Consider the following Bible verses that have given light to many Christian believers:

(1.)  Genesis 3:  7-9, King James Version (KJV):  7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.  8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day:  and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.  9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

(2.)  Deuteronomy 18:  15-17, KJV:  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.  17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.  18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.  19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 12:  27-28, KJV:   27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Ephesians 4:  11-15, KJV:  11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:).  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/14/2013) Why A “Spokesperson”?

     The divine use of agents and intermediaries is the topic today; and there is more against Confusion 2013. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Terry” (Level 1 with 148 points, a member since December 14, 2012) posted the following:


Christians, if god really existed wouldn't he be the one telling me, not you?


THE BATTLE AXE: Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013)—Rightly understood, GOD is NOT a man; however, the correct declaration of who and what GOD is (1) must proceed from GOD, (2) must acknowledge that mankind is in the image of GOD, and (3) must respect that the person of GOD embraces all that mankind was, is, and ever shall be. The immortality, incorruptibility, and sovereign majesty of GOD make it that GOD is, in fact, exalted and separate from mankind. Even so, in the manifesting of divine grace, GOD has become knowable and recognizable to all Creation. Truth is the only foundation for trust; however, faith is the only foundation for right relationship with GOD, where faith is an aspect of divine person that may be imparted to created beings and living creatures. Rightly understood, faith is inseparable from such other features of divine makeup as grace, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, purpose, wisdom and wrath against sin. Sacred truth and correct understanding of the holy writings will not be “common knowledge” until after the close of judgment. They are aspects of an inheritance only given through the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD to those who believe, and who accept the duty, obligation, and privilege of priests and kings through Jesus Christ.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2nd Corinthians 5: 19-20, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Hero or Zero? (12/04/2012); Signs of a Prophet (03/14/2012); The Rules for Sharing Christ (03/15/2012); Girdle 27: The Glory of Love (12/12/2011); A Healing Word (01/13/2011); Romance? (01/14/2011); Prophets? (10/28/2010); Speaking of GOD (10/20/2010); Eat and Run? (10/21/2010)


     Your question is one most believers in Jesus have asked at some point in their spiritual growth, and prayer life; and what many really wanted to say was, Why doesn’t GOD answer, and speak to me when I need him. The following is not as “well spoken” as I would like, yet, I think it may help clarify some points:

There are several sacred processes used by GOD to make divinity known and visible to created beings and living creatures. In addition to Creation itself (see Psalm 19: 1-14, KJV), there are such provisions as covenant, forgiveness, judgment, law, prophecy, redemption, resurrection, revelation and salvation. GOD has made promise to those who are his people (through the assembly that gathered with Moses) that he would not again speak directly to mankind using an audible voice. Given shortcomings and sin in the lives of men, the voice of GOD ignites fear and spiritual confusion (see Genesis 3: 8, Exodus 20: 1-22, Deuteronomy 4: 9-20 and 32-39, KJV).

     The appearance of GOD in human form (we say Incarnation) has been absolutely necessary for the reconfiguring of the earth as well as the renewal of heaven. The enigma of sin challenges the existence of our universe, for sin opposes the existence of divine law, divine person, and all that is. Sin was first realized in heaven among the holy angels, and later was discovered upon the earth. Sin is not created by GOD, yet, may dominate self-will in created beings and living creatures. While sin is not a spirit, has no material or physical being, lacks dimension, and has no sacred content, sin nevertheless has direction, effect and presence. None living can eliminate sin, for (in effect) sin is no thing, and does not exist. Divine will is not subject to sin; and through Jesus Christ men may receive endowments of divine substance to reinforce the provisions for our being that were established at Creation. Without the operation of GOD, mankind cannot correctly discern and recognize sin, or resist sin’s erosion of human willpower.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, when petitioning for access to GOD, various issues of self-awareness, trust and understanding demand resolution. There is an advantage to being in fellowship with others who have been granted readiness and preparation by their access to the holy writings, and their continuing practice of things from GOD. For balance and completeness, in addition to spirit substance from the Person of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, wisdom, wrath against sin) there must be elements from human substance as well. By all being held in the common bonds of humanity, compassion should be amplified along with confidence, cooperation, and insight upon the human condition.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC