(02/19/2018) The Goodness of Pharaoh?

Today, points are shared on why the revelation of divinity to created beings and living creatures also used judgments and plagues against Egypt, and the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart.  The hardening of ones heart is the closing out and rejection of expressions of love.  For the one-time work that GOD would do on the earth by creating a new nation as a peculiar and a holy people, the lukewarm heart of Pharaoh had to be crystallized and made firm in its opposition to true Deity.  One of the many fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Why did god harden pharoah's heart, was he afraid pharaoh might let his people go before he could punish them with all those plagues?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot:  I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:  be zealous therefore, and repent.  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:  if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.  (Revelation 3:  15-22, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sacred Law and Practice (02/12/2018); Hardened Minds and Hearts? (07/28/2017); Divine Law Expresses Love (05/10/2017); Kingdom and One-world Empire (09/08/2016); More Than Conquerors? (01/04/2015); Harden Not Your Hearts? (09/08/2014); Why Believers Fear (09/09/2014)

“Anonymous”, as sinners, we attribute the goodness of GOD to chance, luck, other people, etc.  Thus, we also often overlook and fail to see many important points of divine truth that are needed to correctly apprehend the sacred meaning of the Exodus from Egypt.  Consider the following points:

1.  Israel was sanctified, and separated from a one-world culture and empire that was dominated by a single human ruler, Pharaoh.  As keepers of livestock, and those who maintained ancient traditions of worship that had been given to Adam by GOD, the sons of Jacob were to receive atonement for sin by making offerings and sacrifices of animal blood; and this was forbidden by the Egyptians as being an abomination.

2.  During the years of famine, the Egyptian people sold their livestock, their land, and themselves as slaves to Pharaoh.  However, Joseph and his people remained free.  Egypt did not allow the Hebrews to fully assimilate into their society, and eventually many forms of bias, discrimination, and prejudice were practiced against the Hebrews.

3.  Among Christian believers, ancient Egypt continues to be a symbol of idolatry, occult practices (i.e., magic, sorcery, witchcraft), and spiritual confusion.  In the same way, without divine law and apart from GOD, men fail to realize that the operations of sin are contrary to the continued existence and makeup of humanity, few among the Egyptians were able to realize the wickedness of Pharaoh ruling as the source of all law, as one having absolute authority over life and death, and as one accounting himself a divine person.  Had Pharaoh released and supplied the Israelites, showing them favor, there would have been endorsement of the impression that sin is harmless, has great benefit, and a man on the earth who is a “good leader” may reign in the place of Deity.  The arrogance, cruelty, exaggerated pride, selfishness, and weakness of Pharaoh had to be demonstrated and revealed.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 4.  The divine process for mankind has to be one of transformation and undergoing permanent changes throughout ones inner makeup.  Divine law must be internalized within a focused consciousness and process of self-will that acknowledges the continuing presence of eternal purpose and divine substance (we say, breath, life essence, spirit, Word).  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/24/2017) The Sin of Witchcraft?

The Prophet Samuel Called from the Dead by the Witch at Endor

Today, focus is on obeying GOD, the fall of King Saul, and the sin of witchcraft.  All sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the divine order that maintains Creation.  More than this, sin challenges the holiness and purity of divinity, and vilifies the name of GOD.  Counterfeits of sacred knowledge, divine operations, and prophecy can be fashioned and used to deceive, however, the finite self-will of sinners can not produce, put forth, or otherwise bestow existence, repentance, and resurrection from the dead.  King Saul, the first King of Israel, visited a witch at Endor asking her to call from the dead the spirit of the prophet, Samuel.  Like the first pair, Adam, magicians, mediums, spiritualist, witches, and wizards seek special knowledge and power without having to rely upon continuing in correct relationship with the Creator.  They assign value (we say, judge) incorrectly, assume authority presumptuously (i.e., arrogantly and without permission), and they intrude into, misapply, and trifle with the things of GOD.  The peculiar abilities and power they may display are not derived from GOD, and do not accomplish eternal purposes or provide the sacred gifts that give and support new life such as forgiveness, healing, hope, prophecy, and rebirth.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers (Singapore) using the ID “Shadowfire” (Level 4 with 2,989 points, a member since January 08, 2015) posted the following:

Is it true the Bible says witches are supposed to get stoned?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.  Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy:  for I am the LORD your God.  And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them:  I am the LORD which sanctify you.  (Leviticus 20:  6-8, King James Version,  KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Living Baptized for the Dead? (03/27/2015); Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2015); Miracles Are From GOD (03/14/2014); Giving Forgiveness? (03/15, 2014); Hero or Zero? (12/04/2012); The Adversary? (12/05/2012); Magick and Prayer? (10/29/2012); The Fear of GOD (10/30/2012)

“Shadowfire”, witchcraft centers on desire and lust for power using death and life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word).  GOD has revealed himself as a deity who operates using law and who executes judgment.  Covenant relationship with GOD established through the Ten Commandments and various other laws granted to Moses and the mixed multitude who accompanied him required exclusive devotion, obedience, and reverence to Jehovah.  Appealing to idols, occult figures, and supernatural influences had been practiced in Egypt.  During the time of famine there, Pharaoh purchased the land, their belongings, and the people themselves, and was eventually worshiped as a god.  Pharaoh enforced his authority using astrologers, magicians and those practicing “black arts” as well as by having an army equipped with the most advanced weaponry of the day (horse-drawn maneuverable chariots).  Christian believers are to maintain sacred practices (we say, sacraments) that acknowledge and display the active presence of divinity; and all are cautioned to discern (i.e., use the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD to recognize and respond correctly to) the spirit content within events, other people, the holy writings, themselves, etc.  Fallen angels, demons, deceiving spirits, and devils do exist; and while they no longer have lawful authority and power, many are still capable of making counterfeit displays and illusions that copy or imitate divine power.  In addition to making perverted and unintended applications of natural laws and materials provided by divinity for the fulfillment of sacred purposes, sorcerers (male witches) and female witches promote spiritual confusion by their efforts to gain knowledge of coming events, influence the outcome of events, and have control through enchantments, magic, and necromancy (i.e., seeking to communicate with the dead).  Consider the following:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 5:  8-10, King James Version (KJV):  8 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:  9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them:  for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,  10 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 18:  9-11, KJV:  9 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.  10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.  11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

(3.)  Exodus 22:  18-21, KJV:  18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.  19 Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death.  20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.  21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him:  for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

(4.)  1st Samuel 15:  22-24, KJV:  22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.  23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.  24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned:  for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words:  because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Samuel 28:  6-8, KJV:  6 And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.  7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.  8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night:  and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/20/2016) Half Empty, Half Full?

Today, Excalibur (the sword of King Arthur), the Sword of Truth, deception, discernment, and judgment are in view.  Before sinners become committed as those who are reborn through Jesus Christ, there are many vain elements (i.e., features lacking sacred substance; things that should not be taken into account) from the flesh and the world that determine what they will focus upon and perceive as causes, explanations, justifications, and priorities among life experiences.  Those who are deceived attribute to the Adversary (Satan) authority, majesty, power and rule over duration, obedience, and worship.  Yet, the Adversary and his followers in heaven are created beings, who are neither mortal nor immortal, and continue having access to divinity, knowledge, and existence only at the discretion and prerogative of GOD.  Eternal life, glory, perfection, and sovereignty over all that exists should be regarded as belonging exclusively to GOD.  Thus, it is written:  James 2:  19, King James Version (KJV):  19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:  the devils also believe, and tremble.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anthony” (Level 1 with 102 points, a member since October 14, 2016) posted the following:


Why do people blame God for all of the trouble and deaths that's going on today I thought it was SATAN?

Isnt it SATAN, I think he should be the one to BLAME!!


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.  Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.  Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so:  thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.  Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.  By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned:  therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God:  and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.  Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness:  I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.  Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.  All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee:  thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.  (Ezekiel 28:  12-19, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:   About Lucifer in Scripture (02/18/2016); The Greatest Weapon? (12/17/2015); Holy Garments? (09/24/2015); Satan Should Stand Trial? (02/16/2014); The Right Place to Get Knowledge? (02/17/2014); Does Satan Know? (11/06/2013); Unguarded Chocolates? (11/07/2013)


“Anthony”, those who blame, condemn, and seek to contend against GOD are in error.  Such persons may have been deceived (we say, manipulated, tricked) by the Adversary; influenced by those who disbelieve (e.g., family, peers, and society); or their awareness and self-will may be dominated by sin.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all Creation.  The will of GOD is not subject to sin, therefore, those created beings and living creatures among the angels and mankind who are overthrown by sin must regain the indwelling divine essence (we say, breath, spirit, word, utterance) that permits an eternal existence as a companion to divinity.

Often what people take to be the truth, or trust to be correct regarding divinity is anchored in popular culture, secular knowledge, and their own private expressions of creativity and mind.  Through “baptism” (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), and various other sacred operations that can be completed only by GOD, sinners become “born again” and must “grow up again.”  Christian believers must acquire sacred knowledge along with new ways of assigning value, displaying and expressing their own spirit content, making choices, resting, speaking, and thinking.

Error and sin express more than simply a person’s likes and dislikes, their personality, or individual qualities and traits.  Aspects of cosmic and transcendent order come into view including unseen elements from ones character, nature, and substance.  While what appears upon the surface truly is an authentic indication of what is beneath, the frameworks of time and space always generate dimensionality so that, what you see now is not always what you get later.  A classic  example of this was shared through the 1981 motion picture, Excalibur, that centered upon King Arthur, who established a tradition of courtliness and knighthood in a territory where idolatry, elements from the Roman Empire, witchcraft, and Christian belief all coexisted in conflict.  Camelot became a model for nations throughout Christendom.  Sir Mordred was the king’s nephew and son; a bitter, impatient crown prince (like Absalom, son of King David) yet heir to the throne; and the king’s greatest enemy (the Black Knight).  Preparing to go into battle, we see the assassin choosing to wear a golden armor, and dressed to kill as “an angel of light.”

Among mature Christian believers the Adversary is acknowledged as one at the level of a servant, while the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are exalted and preeminent.  The Adversary was created to serve the GODhead, even through peculiar roles in the atonement, judgment, redemption and salvation of the entire earth and mankind.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/27/2015) The Living Baptized for the Dead?

Today, various actions carried out by the living on behalf of the dead are in view.  In Scripture, the dead are buried or mourned, and there are no mentions of ceremonies and rituals for their salvation.  The living may become anointed, committed, consecrated, dedicated, devoted, and sanctified.  The living may memorialize, respect and venerate the deceased, yet may not change the status of the dead in divine judgment.  Trusting that nothing is impossible with GOD, many have advanced teachings that the Church can issue indulgences and pardons for sins committed by both the living and those deceased (e.g., www.theguardian.com › World › Pope Francis The Guardian Jul 16, 2013 - Papal court handling pardons for sins says contrite Catholics may win 'indulgences' by following World Youth Day on Twitter.).  Contrary to the serpent’s word, Ye shall not surely die, the dead are not alive in a place of torment where they may receive the ministry of Jesus Christ (suggested by 1st Peter 3:  18-20, King James Version, KJV).  More correctly, focus should be upon faith that is to be seen as an eternal living element of divinity imparted to the living.  Black arts, occult practices, exaggerated remembrances for the dead, and necromancy (communicating with the dead to influence and predict events among the living) are forbidden.  Christians do not accept the account of King Saul calling up the spirit of the Prophet Samuel as a genuine example of operations by GOD; rather, it is spiritualism and witchcraft (1st Samuel 28:  9-19, KJV).  Even so, mature believers firmly hold that the dead in Christ shall be transformed as they are resurrected and lifted up to be with the Lord at his coming to harvest the earth (1st Thessalonians 4:  16-18, KJV).  In his blog A CHRISTIAN VIEW published at WordPress.com, Steve Finnell regularly provides a brief bible-based consideration of issues and questions that pertain to Christian belief.  On Thursday, March 26, 2015 (1:41 AM), Steve shared the following:


What is the meaning of baptized for the dead?

1 Corinthians 15:29 Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?

I am not the first, nor will I be the last to admit I do not know the meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:29, however, I do know what Paul was not trying to communicate. He was not implying that the dead can be baptized, by proxy, using a living person.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood:  neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.  Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.  Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you:  I am the LORD.  (Leviticus 19:  26-28, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Harrowing of Hell? (02/10/2015); The Sin Covered By Salvation? (12/28/2014); Only While We Live? (12/02/2013); Reveal Himself To All (12/03/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); If You Are Sent…? (06/08/2013); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012); Opportunity to Repent (11/02/2012)


“Steve”, I agree with your point that there is no baptism by proxy taught in the Scriptures.  Here are a few points that were stirred by the Spirit within me as I began to reflect upon your testimony:

(1.)  In responding to a question by the Sadducees (regarding a woman married to seven brothers, and whose wife she will be in the resurrection) Jesus declared that the Father is a god of the living.  GOD maintains eternal promise to the dead through their offspring, the living.  Consider again:  Matthew 22:  31-33 (KJV):  31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,  32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.  33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

Isaiah 63:  15-16 (KJV):  15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?  16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not:  thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.

Romans 4:  12-14 (KJV):  12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.  13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.  14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

Galatians 3:  6-8 (KJV):  6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.  7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.  8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

(2.)  While Abraham is said to be alive, David is not; and the curse he incurred appears in Solomon and Rehoboam.  See again Acts 2:  29 (KJV):  Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

(3.)  A prayer in the holy writings that was offered by the Prophet Daniel is often respected as a model like that of the Lord’s Prayer.  Daniel’s supplication includes confession of need and sins committed by those already dead.  However, Daniel does not petition on behalf of the dead so much as for the divine Name.  See once more Daniel 9:  16-17 (KJV):  16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain:  because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.  17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.

(4.)  The dead are all given opportunity to respond to the claims of divinity only while alive.  See Psalms 115:  16-18 (KJV):  16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s:  but the earth hath he given to the children of men.  17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.  18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.

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

Ecclesiastes 9:  5-6 (KJV):  For the living know that they shall die:  but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.  6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

(5.)  Because the acknowledgment of GOD is not dependent only upon the specific statements of doctrine and law that were generated and developed through the covenant of Moses, those who died before Deity appeared upon the earth in the person of Jesus Christ, also have place with GOD through the provisions of the cross.  Salvation is the acknowledgement that their actions, attitudes and behavior continued to display the righteousness that identifies the divine nature.  Consider again Romans 8:  3 (KJV):  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:

Acts 13:  38-39 (KJV):  38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:  39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

1st Peter 4:  3-8 (KJV):  For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:  4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:  5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.  6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.  7 But the end of all things is at hand:  be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.  8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:  for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  The full provisions and teachings for salvation have been revealed gradually over time.  Yet, divinity has remained immutable and unchanging.  See Romans 6:  16-18 (KJV):  16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  Also Romans 8:  8-10 (KJV):  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/14/2014) Miracles Are From GOD

Deception, discernment, magic and miracles are topics, today, along with more on faith that is given by GOD.  A “Yahoo Answers” writer using the ID “Maurog IV” (Level 7 with 73,842 points, a member since May 24, 2011) posted the following:


What's the difference between magic and miracles?

If you see someone do it, can you tell if it's magical or miraculous?

Additional Details

If I see someone walking on water, or multiplying groceries, how do I check if he's God-powered or magic-powered, I mean. Do I just ask or something?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Faith Given By GOD (03/13/2014)—(5.)  In the same way a believer’s personal (we say, private) opinion, or viewpoint has no value as the “official” divine doctrines and teachings from Christ, ones own heartfelt beliefs, convictions and passion do not have the same importance and worth as faith that is imparted from the GODhead.  Divinely supplied faith is spirit matter, rather than the products of emotion, imagination, intellect, and reason.  Until they “grow up again” believers reborn through baptism operate with faith as an added or optional feature within a full mix of their own finite, and human attributes.  Thus, their faith at first expresses mostly carnal desires, doubts, worthless goals, vain hopes, self-will, and uncertainty, that does not carry out, demonstrate, or display the will of GOD.  Even so, GOD does not deny or reject the faith that may reside within believers, for it is his own sacred person, and substance (we say, the divine nature, the image of GOD).  See Genesis 1:  26-28, Matthew 26:  42, Luke 11:  2, Romans 10:  13-17, Hebrews 11:  6 and 1st Peter 1:  18-21, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite:  and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.  And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.  And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.  And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites:  have not I sent thee?  (Judges 6:  12-14, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Miracles and Visitations? (03/03/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Miracles are Sacred Events (12/20/2013); Resisting Sin (12/21/2013); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21/2013); Magick and Prayers? (10/29/2012); The Fear of GOD (10/30/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012); Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012)


“Maurog IV”, here are a few points to consider that have been useful among Christian believers to avoid deception and spiritual confusion:

(1.)  In addition to covenants, genealogies, judgments and promises, the divine record shared among believers (i.e., the Bible) documents instances of magic, sorcery, and witchcraft along with notable miracles performed by the agents and witnesses (we say, apostles) sent by GOD.

(2.)  In the Book of Acts, Simon Magus, a powerful sorcerer of Samaria, was so impressed by the preaching and miracles of the evangelist (Deacon Philip), he was baptized and joined the early church as a member.  Later, when Peter and John appeared, laying hands on the believers that they might receive the Holy Ghost, the sorcerer was so awed, he offered Peter money for the secret to the trick.  The unsanctified former wizard could not tell the difference between magic and miracles.

(3.)  Miracles are sacred events in support of divine operations such as atonement, covenant, judgment, prophecy, rebirth, revelation and sanctification.  Miracles must be discerned (i.e., examined and legitimated) by using spiritual things to focus upon all the genuine spirit content an event may impart.  Both the holy writings, and the Spirit from GOD that resides within believers then are sacred tools and standards for assessing life experience, identifying divine process, and recognizing eternal purpose.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example (4.)  Miracles appear in association with faith, yet, are not spirit substance as is faith.  Miracles appear using flesh and material objects in open and “public” settings.  Faith is itself an aspect of full divinity, and continually affirms and interacts with such other spirit matter as holiness, longsuffering, love, divine wisdom, and wrath against sin.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.  Amen.  (Ephesians 6:  23-24, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/04/2012) Hero or Zero?

      Both a judge and a king of Israel are in focus as “Bible heroes” (Samson and Saul, respectively), and there is more on how we, today, may see Jesus serving the poor. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer, “the Olmec” (Level 2 with 603 points, a member since October 8, 2012), posted the following:


Why was samson such an idiot and yet he is considered a hero and not Saul?

Saul who was the king of Israel and samson were both similar idiots,but samson is considered a hero in the bible.


THE BATTLE AXE: On Seeing Jesus Serve the Poor (12/03/2012)—Those whose hearts and minds are hardened against GOD are “blind” as were the adversaries of Moses; and no way exists for them to see what GOD presents of himself “in plain sight.” Not only did Pharaoh and the men of Egypt refuse to acknowledge that the Holy One was present and active among them, they also refused to believe that GOD was working through Moses as his agent and spokesperson. When all but two from the army of Israel (Joshua and Caleb) denied the apparent truth that GOD was present and active among them, and repeatedly denied Moses as a visible agent of the Most High, GOD proclaimed they would die in the wilderness, and that he would fulfill his word to them by blessing their children and grandchildren, who were their lawful agents and substitutes. The problem is not that GOD has abandoned mankind, or is no longer present upon the earth; it is that, to see the image of GOD, that in fact is visible through one another, men must use vision that is an operation of faith, and not any organ of the flesh. Sacred content, godly function, and divine process must be their focus; and divinity is acknowledged by its resonance with the power of ones own inner spirit. Those who “see” do not look for carnal, material and social phenomena. They realize connection, wholeness, and unity among beings, events, purposes and sacred substance. The holiness for many spirit-filled acts that comfort the poor remain unrecognized because there is no display of ceremonies, costumes, and rituals; and they do not center upon giving food, clothing, money or shelter. For many who viewed the viral photo of the NYC police officer giving shoes and sox to a homeless man, an observance of Christ’s Passion and Crucifixion was shown, the act of humility (called foot-washing). By sharing their endowment of such gifts as humility, joy, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin, believers and the poor are able to see, follow Christ, and enter the Promised Land that is the Kingdom of GOD.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. (1st Samuel 15: 22-24, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Thoughts Upon A Warrior’s Fall (11/15/2012); The Slave to Law and Sin Made Free (11/16/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Lion of Judah (01/10/2011); Known by GOD (10/16/2010)


      For many mature Christian believers, Samson son of Manoah and Saul son of Kish are both tragic heroes after the morbid fashion of Greek drama, as opposed to role models and “pillars of faith.” As a divinely promoted judge for the still developing covenant nation, Samson was to serve as a deliverer, one who would be a visible expression of divine wrath against their enemies, and who would recover the people of GOD from bondage and servitude. As a divinely anointed king, Saul was to serve as the highest judge and leader within the covenant nation, who would intercede to resolve disputes, and defend their common interests. Neither of these men were called to serve as priests, those consecrated to make the sacrifices of atonement that would secure the divine covenant before GOD.

      While Samson was prepared for service by his parents through a strict upbringing and continuous devotion to GOD following a “miraculous” birth, Saul’s preparation to be king was primarily through examples from surrounding nations. Not surprisingly, much of Samson’s behavior appears as arrogance, disobedience, hubris (i.e., pride), and the rebellious, self-promotion of a youngster who wants to throw off authority, duty, and parental restraint. By contrast, Saul first behaved as one who lacked ambition, however, had no self-confidence or sense of duty. When called to the public ceremony that would affirm him as king, Saul hid himself with the baggage handlers.

      Saul did not begin his administration as did Solomon by humbling himself to GOD. Almost immediately, Saul was given his first “test” as the new king, and had to rally the armies of Israel for the defense of a city, Jabethgilead (1st Samuel 11, KJV). So to speak, Saul’s kingdom was begun through warfare, and that set the pattern for all that would follow. When commanded to carryout divine judgment against the Amalekites, Saul’s behavior displayed arrogance, disobedience, hubris (i.e., pride), idolatry, rebellion, presumption and, finally, witchcraft.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, images in action movies and popular culture often describe a man’s struggle to achieve romantic, political and social goals as heroic. However, given such purposes depict only issues of material reality, self-will, and social process, viewers receive little spiritual instruction or nourishment for their indwelling Spirit from GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC