(01/10/2016) Called, The 2nd Adam?

Scripture points are shared, today, on Jesus Christ being  spoken of as “the second Adam.”  In the birth, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus believers are able to see the completion and fulfillment of multiple divine operations to establish divine utterance.  Included are covenant law, proclamation, promise, and prophecy.  Mankind has yet to be shown all the hidden and invisible things required from Deity for all that GOD has accomplished.  Many different operations and works on a cosmic and infinite scale have been performed by the same Spirit that brought about Creation, the existence of Adam (the male), and the creation of Adam (the female) from his rib.  Divinity has interwoven and united diverse streams of existence and life (i.e., both flesh and spirit) to continue unchanging eternal purposes.  It is written:  Revelation 21:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:  for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:  for the former things are passed away.  5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write:  for these words are true and faithful.  Thus, as surely as we honor Jesus naming him the Son of GOD, we also honor him as the Second Adam.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Daniel” (Level 2 with 286 points, a member since October 21, 2015) posted the following:


If Jesus is supposed to be the second Adam, why didn’t God just appear in human form as an adult…?

…. instead of wasting 30 years before he could become baptised, then start his magic tricks as God?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.  Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.  The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.  As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy:  and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  (1st Corinthians 15:  45-50, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Cain and Genealogy? (11/27/2015); Asked To Teach On Adam? (10/30/2015); Ye Are Abraham’s Seed (07/10/2015); A Creator No Longer Needed? (02/19/2015); The New and Living Way (12/12/2014); A Fallen Nature? (09/01/2014); In the Likeness of His Resurrection (09/02/2014); Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014)


“Daniel”, among mature Christian believers the appearance of divinity upon the earth in the person of Jesus Christ is more than a sacred event, or miracle centered upon fulfilling promises to Abraham, and intended to satisfy covenant with Israel.  Jesus is “born” as a human child (we say, Son of man) and a “holy thing” born of a virgin.  The Son of the Most High intervenes to serve as “father” to spiritual offspring, and to establish mankind as a “new creation.”  Death, mortality, natural law, priesthood, and multiple aspects of potential for relationship to Deity are awakened, applied, and transformed.  Included are atonement, judgment, love, repentance, reconciliation, sacrifice and sanctification.  Through the same Spirit that produced and populated both heaven and earth there is an outpouring of revelation from GOD to created beings and living creatures.  More than simply secular knowledge regarding mercy in judgment, and forgiveness of sin, Christ makes actual a process for humanity to receive divine substance, and eternal life.  Through water baptism, there is death of ones inborn spirit along with “rebirth” from divine DNA, so to speak.  Those who are “born again” all must learn and “grow up again” to become mature (we also say, perfected).   Those in the new covenant through Jesus may be spoken of as “saved, sanctified, and Holy Ghost filled” to distinguish them as chosen, elect, and the instrument of GOD for transforming existence, life and the universe.  Consider the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Hebrews 1:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

(2.)  1st John 4:  8-10, KJV:  8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  20-21, KJV:  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.

(4.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  17-19, 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.

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

There are many other verses that should be carefully examined, correctly understood, and applied as power against error.  (For example, (6.)  Luke 3:  23-24 through 37-38, KJV:  23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,  24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,….37 Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,  38 Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.)  Even so, I trust these fragments will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/08/2016) The GOD Of All?

Today, Scripture points are shared showing the GOD of Israel is the Deity worshiped by followers of Jesus Christ.  Throughout the holy writings acknowledgment, confession and reverence appear identifying the One revealed as Creator to be the only deity who maintains eternal covenants while ruling as perpetual sovereign.  Included are such Bible verses as:

Nehemiah 9:  6-8, King James Version (KJV):  6 Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.  7 Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;  8 And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:

Jeremiah 32:  26-27, KJV:  26 Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,  27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh:  is there any thing too hard for me?

Psalms 103:  19-22, KJV:  19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.  20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.  21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.  22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion:  bless the LORD, O my soul.

Hebrews 1:  1-5, KJV:  1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:  4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.  5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

1st Corinthians 8:  5-6, KJV:  5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)  6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “yahoosucks” (Level 1 with 60 points, a member since August 26, 2015) posted the following:


What GOD do Christians pray to, because they clearly are not praying to THE GOD OF ISRAEL in the HOLY BIBLE?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.  As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;  So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm.  Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD.  Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:  That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.  (Psalms 83:  13-18, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Bad GOD, Good GOD? (01/03/2016); We Call Him Jealous? (10/25/2015); No Other gods? (08/14/2015); Secular Israel? (04/08/2015); About Knowing the Name of GOD (09/21/2014); About Deluding Yourself? (09/22/2014); Three Covenants? (06/09/2014); Let Us Make Mankind? (06/10/2014)


“yahoosucks”, it is the faith of mature Christian believers that the deity revealed through covenant as “the God of Israel” is also the one, true GOD, who has created heaven and earth; who has appeared to mankind in flesh as Jesus Christ; and is acknowledged in new covenant as “the Father.”  Through Israel GOD has shown himself a deliverer, a judge, a healer, a ruler, even, one who raises the dead.  Bible-believing Christians embrace the GOD who is recorded as having operated among those who entered covenant with Moses.  The guidance and instruction in the holy writings have been examined and confirmed through thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years.  Consider then the clear doctrine, prophecy, and teachings that proclaim GOD in the following verses:

(1.)  Revelation 14:  6-7, King James Version (KJV):  6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,  7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come:  and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

(2.)  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.

(3.)  1st Timothy 3:  16, KJV:  16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:  God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

(4.)  1st Chronicles 29:  10-13, KJV:  10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation:  and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.  11 Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty:  for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.  12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.  13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

(5.)  Matthew 6:  9-10, KJV:  9 After this manner therefore pray ye:  Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

There are many other verses that should be carefully examined, correctly understood, and applied for power against error.  (For example, (6.)  Ephesians 5:  1-2, KJV:  1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;  2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/07/2016) Salvation Only Through Christ?

Focus, today, is upon the ministry of rebirth and repentance for sin through Jesus Christ that is the only provision from GOD that actually produces new life, prophecy, resurrection, salvation, and eternal life that begins before ones death.  No other comprehensive system exists upon the earth for full acknowledgement, belief, permanent change, cleansing, healing, restoration, service to divinity, and continuous solemn worship.  Readers are encouraged to consider the following from Scripture along with the comments below:

Isaiah 53:  2-6, King James Version (KJV):  2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground:  he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.  3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:  and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows:  yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:  the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.  6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Ephesians 2:  8, KJV:  8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:

Isaiah 43:  25-28, KJV:  25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.  26 Put me in remembrance:  let us plead together:  declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.  27 Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me.

Romans 8:  31-34, KJV:  31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.  34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Acts 4:  12, KJV:  12 Neither is there salvation in any other:  for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Dfasdf” (Level 1 with 128 points, a member since May 23, 2015) posted the following:


Only Christians can go to heaven, all others go to hell, is that a fact? Only Jesus can save a person.?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  Every man’s work shall be made manifest:  for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss:  but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.  (1st Corinthians 3:  11-15, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Repentance and New Life? (12/30/2015); Offspring of GOD? (12/23/2015); Relationship With Our Creator? (03/16/2015); Jesus Rose? (11/08/2013); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013)


“Dfasdf”, many are offended at the thought of being denied, rejected, and tortured for eternity by GOD on the basis of whether they have read a book (the Bible), how popular, well-known and wealthy you are, or what appears to them as favoritism and partiality.  Those who disbelieve that GOD has made an answer for all time and to all mankind by appearing in the earth as Jesus Christ often express anger, bitterness, and resentment against having to answer divine law, and submit to sacred judgment.  They even say that GOD is the one who should be held accountable for their lack of covenant relationship, their failure to have within themselves the imparted character and nature from Deity (we say, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit), and their confusion or ignorance regarding sacred knowledge.  In their understanding, GOD is at fault, and the one to be blamed, for the Almighty has remained aloof, distant and invisible.  Some account that sin has been created by GOD, and should be allowed as natural and normal.  It remains, belief among Christians is very different; for they become anchored as the children of GOD and joint-heirs with Christ through such guidance and instruction that includes the following:

(1.)  John 14:  6, King James Version (KJV):  6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:  no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

(2.)  John 1:  11-13, KJV:  11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

(3.)  1st John 2:  15-16, KJV:  15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

(4.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, KJV:  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  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

(01/06/2016) A Note On Spirit Warfare

Today, Scriptures are shared responding to a question on spirit warfare.  Properly understood, destruction and death are not the highest manifestation of divine glory.  The most sublime display of supernal glory is incarnation, where divinity takes on carnal form, or operates from within created beings and living creatures as an imparted, indwelling, Spirit from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  As those in warfare under the authority of GOD, believers do not decide who is the enemy, or what is their target, any more than those in secular forces may choose the flag to be raised, or the uniform to be worn.  Christian believers do not embrace any teaching on jihad that identifies divine warfare where mankind is set in opposition to mankind.  Because cleansing, the works of faith, eternal life, healing, and salvation are the primary purposes revealed by divinity through Jesus Christ, Christian warfare does not center in the usual carnal objectives of conquest, conscripting laborers and slaves, expanding territory, and seizing the property and wealth of others.  The Holy Spirit empowers and enables operations to prepare a harvest from the earth of those who are spiritually ripe.  No works in the name of GOD—including those to carry out divine judgment and wrath against sin—are driven or fueled by the finite human tools that typically ignite and maintain deadly conflict such as anger, bitterness, spiritual confusion, envy, error, ethnic arrogance, hatred, immaturity, malice, racism, and revenge.  Readers are encouraged to think about the following verses from the Bible as they review the comments below:

2nd Timothy 2:  23-26, King James Version (KJV):  23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.  24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2nd Timothy 2:  3-5, KJV:  3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.  5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Romans 13:  11-12, KJV:  11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:  for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand:  let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

2nd Timothy 4:  6-8, KJV:  6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:  and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Romans 8:  35-39, KJV:  35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

One of several fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (required profile data not shared) posted the following:


What if God gave you some spiritual weapons, like a translucent glowing bow, a sword covered in fire, or a bible that shoots lasers?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  (1st Peter 5:  6-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Different From ISIS/Daesh? (12/11/2015); Agents of Allah? (01/26/2015); Holy Wars? (11/06/2014); Crimes Christ Crucified For? (11/07/2014); Prince of Peace? 07/18/2014); War and Peace? (07/17/2014); A GOD of War? (03/12/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Suppose I Am Wrong? (09/28/2012)


“Anonymous”, the Deity a Christian serves is a god of Judgment, and one who never separates from anger against and opposition to sin.  The serious language of conflict and spiritual warfare is used among those who are disciples of Jesus Christ to establish awe (i.e., the correct awareness of divine authority and power as eternal and matchless; we also say, fear of the Lord) and humility as well as to complete baptism (i.e., death of ones inborn spirit; rebirth from divine seed) and sanctification (i.e., being isolated, or set apart for sacred service).  What we endure here, now, gets us ready to be fully transformed at the appearing of Jesus.  Until then, multiple works are being carried out by divinity to make permanent changes in a believers character, spirit content, and living nature.  Those born again must gradually “grow up again” while living upon the earth, and becoming mature and perfected through growing pains that may include bereavement, life challenges, disappointments, duties, obstacles, losses, repentance, reversals, sacrifice, and sufferings.  Consider again the following Scriptures:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 15:  50-56, King James Version (KJV):  50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

(2.)  2nd Corinthians 10:  3-5, KJV:  3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

(3.)  Ephesians 6:  10-12, KJV:  10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/05/2016) On Controlling Lust

A response to a teenager’s question on human sexuality is featured, today.  While the council shared is from a Christian to an Islamic believer, the substance provided pertains to life for all.  More often than not, the confusion in our lives is not coming from our Creator; yet, there is no “easy way out.”  Given their duty as life companions entrusted with each other’s secrets, parents ought not expose one another to the censure of their children; and so they may not always speak freely to their own children regarding the common challenges, errors, and shortcomings from their younger days.  Just as we are careful to select food and drink to nourish our bodies, we must be careful selecting ideas and relationships to nourish our feelings and thoughts.  Many Christian believers have paid dearly for life lessons, and to arrive at the same points of truth shared among Muslims by first attending “the school of hard knocks.”  Because they continued to be immature, were stubborn, and lacked correct knowledge, they repeated basic mistakes in their attitudes and their sexual behavior for many years before being recovered from error through the operations of GOD.  Where a mother uses drugs during pregnancy, her child may be born addicted.  Similarly, where either of the parents practice fornication, their child may be born spiritually defiled and unclean.  While we are young we must be encouraged to understand that—just as ability to recite passages from the holy writings come only through practice that may seem dull, monotonous, and tedious—self-discipline, self-mastery, and self-control also come only through deliberate and painstaking practice.  Consider the following Bible verses, and the discussion below: 

Proverbs 16:  32, King James Version (KJV):  32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. 

Proverbs 25:  28, KJV:  28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. 

Mark 10:  6-8, KJV:  6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.  7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;  8 And they twain shall be one flesh:  so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

Micah 6:  8, KJV:  8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

The young writer at “Yahoo! Answers” posted the following:


Ramadan: How do I control my lust?

salam, I am a 16 year old brother…I find myself unable to lower my gaze….I stare at women, girls, and even boys in public with lust, masturbate all the time, even fantasizing about boys, and rape….I sometimes watch porn, and I just want to know, how do I control my lust? salam, Mustafa


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.  Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously:  yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.  And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.  (Malachi 2:  13-15, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Wife of Your Youth? (12/22/2015); All Sin Is Willful? (10/20/2015); The Mistakes In Youth? (08/24/2015); Sermons About Good Sex? (08/25/2014); About Good Sermons? (08/26/2014); Pornography from the Bible (11/26/2012); More Than Salvation (11/27/2012)


“Mustafa”, as salam alekum.  When it comes to sex, no one has all the final answers; and we all must depend on some specific guiding principles.  The council a Christian father must give his son regarding a boy developing into manhood includes a number of serious warnings that help to bring balance into his thinking on, and acting out sexual desires.  As carnal beings (we say, flesh and blood), young people increasingly experience sexual arousal as they are growing up.  This is partly because of mechanical operations of their body (e.g., activity by glands; muscular growth; changes in height and weight).  As we learn and grow, we all experience sexual appetite the same way we repeatedly have hunger and thirst.  Using logic, reason, and thought, does not make hunger and thirst go away.  Humans must discipline both their body and mind to respond to appetite in ways that are healthy.  We avoid eating, or drinking any and every thing around us, because they may be poisonous or things to bring about sickness and death.  Similarly, we must limit ourselves regarding sex, and because we will be held accountable for our communication, exchanges and interactions within intimate relationships.

Sexual contact occurs on multiple levels:  the physical the  emotional, the psychological, as well as the spiritual.  Thus, sex is held to be dangerous for those who are young and unprepared.  There are always unexpected outcomes of a sex act.  This makes it that sex should be understood as unpredictable and unreliable.  Even adults who maintain the same pattern of attitudes and behavior for many years can become confused and damaged through adultery, casual sex, and extra-marital sexual relations.  Sexual intercourse may be unexplainably painful; there may be disease; there may be unwanted pregnancies; and there may be dissatisfaction with oneself and ones partner.

For those seeking to become spiritually adult, and present themselves to GOD in purity, warnings must be shared against fornication.  Just as girls and guys who think that oral sex will not do as much harm as full intercourse are mistaken, young people are mistaken who think fornication means sex before marriage, or too much sex, with too many partners (promiscuity).  With every sexual contact (be it as simple as holding hands or a kiss on the cheek—oral sex) there is a joining of spirit content for the two sexual partners.  In marriage, the two “become one flesh,” and GOD is the other.  Even so, because her spirit now is within him, and his within her, they must respond to a second spirit inside themselves, and make multiple adjustments to have contentment and inner peace.  Where the male has had sex with 10 girlfriends before marriage, his wife will be joined to at least 11 spirits.  Where his wife had relations with 8 guys, she brings 9 spirits to the marriage.  Do the math:  where the 10 girlfriends knew 8 guys each (80), and the 8 boyfriends 11 girls each (88), the total of spirits begins to number over 200 because of additional contacts among the 8 and the 11.  In some ways, both partners may be strengthened, and made to feel more capable as adults.  However, the battle is for the mind.  Conflict among the spirits of unseen partners can result in the married couple experiencing fear, despair, depression, divorce, and uncertainty that suddenly seems to come from out of nowhere.  The inborn spirit may be weakened by the unseen influences and unclean spirits.  The opposition it must face for control over combinations of spirits (say 50 to 1 or 75 to 1) could become overwhelming.

The serious bonds, connections, and habits established through our animal nature and sexuality can not be immediately broken or removed using our finite human tools  (e.g., isolating ourselves; moping; weeping; moving to a new city; trying to make new friends; exercising self-will).  Christian believers turn to GOD for rebirth and new life that is possible through Jesus Christ.  Once born again, believers must “grow up again” to become disciplined and mature as spiritual persons joined to divinity.

Mustafa, there is far more to be learned, properly understood, and correctly put into action.  Make every positive effort you can.  Through our submission to GOD, men and women should expect to acquire sacred knowledge, and undergo continued change and growth.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the power in your spirit that connects you to GOD, your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/04/2016) From Cover to Cover?

Reading the Bible from “cover to cover” is the topic, today.  For many, the Scriptures are merely an artifact from ancient times, an old, old book, and an historical relic.  They must begin to “see with new eyes” and recognize that the Scriptures are a record of deeds performed by GOD, and words spoken from divinity to benefit all created beings and living creatures.  Included are sacred law, proclamations, promises, and prophecies that deposit the divine nature within mankind.  Consider the following verses from the Bible:

James 1:  21-25, King James Version (KJV):  1 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Titus 2:  11-13, KJV:  11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

2nd Timothy 3:  15-17, KJV:  15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Romans 10:  13-17, KJV:  13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Chris C” (Level 2 with 636 points, a member since June 13, 2006) posted the following:


Which books of the Bible are best skipped when reading the Bible cover to cover?

When we do Bible study we restrict ourselves to certain books of the Bible. I was considering reading the Bible cover to cover but have been told that it is better to skip a few books, as they may be unhelpful. Which ones do you think are best avoided and can you say why?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:   All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.  And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.  And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.  Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.  Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.  (Deuteronomy 8:  1-5, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Bad GOD, Good GOD? (01/03/2016); By Faith, Not By Interpretation? (12/31/2015); In Times of Progress? (12/21/2015); Sacred Events Were Dismissed? (11/05/2015); A Correct Church? (10/05/2015); To Study the Book of Judges (09/09/2015); The Apocryphal Books? (08/07/2015); Those Who Read? (02/17/2015); Points on Bible Study (06/28/2014)


“Chris C”, I recommend you read the entire Bible at least once; however, that will serve as only a first step in your acquiring full sacred knowledge.  You may then do as many others who read and re-read the Scriptures, even exploring multiple language versions and translations.  Many Christian believers are asking “How much knowledge from the Bible do we need to be saved?” and some even ask, “Do we need the Bible at all…?”  The ancient holy writings are available to us as a fixed, and unchanging resource that can be used to bear out the continuing operations of divinity in our own lives, today.  Believers are to trust that the Scriptures have been provided by Deity as a sacred device for revelation (i.e., making divinity known, present, and visible).  Spirit content from the makeup of GOD is to be imparted to the believer.  Included are awe (we say, fear of the Lord), faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Many want to approach the Scriptures using their skills and tools for gathering secular knowledge.  They center their growth and learning upon finite elements such as human history, intellect, logic, philosophy, science, and technology.  As yet, none of those things have been sufficient to overcome and remove sin as a condition for life among created beings and living creatures.  The holy writings do provide information important for communication, exchange and interaction within the community of faith; however, we are not saved on the basis of how many books we have read, how many verses we may quote.

All in positions of leadership and trust should have a complete and comprehensive knowledge of the things from GOD for the benefit of mankind.  Included are parents, teachers, and elected government officials.  Those who will lead and share within the church are specially correct to seek a full and thorough experience of the word.  In addition to discussion and study of the Bible, they also should embrace baptism, confession, contemplation, praise, prayer, repentance, and worship.

Believers are correct to sing, “Just as I am, without one plea….”  At best, what we can know of GOD while we are still upon the earth is limited, and merely a small piece from a huge universe.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/03/2016) Bad GOD, Good GOD?

Today, topics include death and mortality, divine immutability, and the singleness of revelation.  Comments are shared on the frequently repeated error that the GOD who appears in the Old Testament of the Bible is not the same as the one who appears in the New Testament.  In our coming to know GOD according to the Scriptures, divinity is usually introduced as Creator, then shown to be a Law Giver and Judge.  Wrath and terrible punishments are brought against all who exist in the earth.  Later, GOD appears as a loving Father who protects and supports his Son in human form, who operates as a friend, a teacher, and a Savior.  For careful and thoughtful readers, two different descriptions for the workings of divinity are not provided.  Even so, many Christian believers insist they see a change or shift within the substance and workings of the GODhead.  The first GOD is cruel, merciless, rigid, and vengeful; the second GOD is compassionate, kind, and loving.  The first bullies and threatens mankind with hellfire, senselessly destroys and slaughters helpless livestock upon his altar, and maintains invisibility.  The second appears in Flesh; cancels punishments, sicknesses, and sins; and encourages and rewards with eternal life and heaven.  The incorrect view must be seen as stemming from the flaws within human consciousness and self-will, for those following the Lord who are double-minded also doubt, hesitate, lack zeal, pursue vainglory, question, and resist the Gospel.  The errors that arise in how we see divinity do not exist within GOD, and are projected upon the Creator from the created.  Included are thirst for blood, coldness, contradiction, corruption, favoritism, hostility, imbalance, imperfection, perverseness, uncontrolled rage, lack of restraint, slackness, violence, and weakness.  Consider again the Scriptures that follow, and the presentation below: 

Ezekiel 33:  17-20, King James Version (KJV):  17 Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal:  but as for them, their way is not equal.  18 When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.  19 But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.  20 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.

Psalms 102:  9-12, KJV:  9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping.  10 Because of thine indignation and thy wrath:  for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.  11 My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.  12 But thou, O LORD, shall endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.

Hebrews 10:  28, KJV:  He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

1st John 5:  20, KJV:  20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Hebrews 13:  8, KJV:  8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings:  their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman.  Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it:  And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries:  according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.  And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land.  But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.  Therefore say unto the house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.  And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.  For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.  Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean:  from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you:  and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.  And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.  (Ezekiel 36:  17-27, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); Accountability and Challenge, Not Blame (09/03/2015); What Is Life? (02/06/2015); Mortality Is Required Because of Sin (12/29/2014); Stoning in the OT? (06/07/2014); Suffering Circumcision? (06/08/2014); Immutable GODhead (03/10/2014); Only One GOD (09/14/2013); Weed and Godly Wisdom (09/15/2013); Two Different Testaments? (01/05/2013); The Place for Eternal Life? (01/06/2013)


I recently encountered, again, the widely-spread error that the Bible records the existence of two totally different experiences of divinity:  GOD in the Old Testament is cruel, harsh and strict while GOD in the New Testament is kind, loving and merciful.  For the living, three different streams for logic and order promote confusion, here:  (1) the framework of time and space used to organize all information (e.g., data and signals to the brain from the network of nerves throughout the body as well as emotions, imagination, and thoughts throughout the mind) also declares everything must change; (2) the independent existence of the Son apart from the Father declares there must be differences in their authority, character, form, nature, power, and purpose; and (3) created beings and living creatures now are developed, experienced, and evolved to a level where they are justified when declaring they may judge all the things of their own life experience, including divinity.

There is only one revelation of divinity to mankind, however, it has been provided through multiple agents, devices, processes, and relationships.  For humanity, life unfolds through discrete cycles, phases and stages that also may entail inner conflicts, individual differences, forgetting, human error, lapses, and underdevelopment.  Divinity may not be made known to finite mankind through a one-time event or single occurrence.  Divine revelation must be understood as a continuous, eternal, and ongoing process begun before Creation of the earth and its inhabitants.  Revelation proceeds through sacred operations that include deliverance, election, Incarnation, judgment, proclamation, prophecy, rebirth, vision, and visitation.  The things recorded as the Testimony of Jesus and the Book of Revelation have their beginning in those of Genesis, and predate both the Nativity and the cross.  Thus, we should not think of revelation as an ad hoc reaction, or result of an afterthought.

There is only one GOD described by the Bible, and he has always pursued the same eternal purposes to establish existence, life (all things that exist are not alive), and to maintain the present Creation.  Divine law must appear, and with it, the mechanics for sacred process that include assigning value, correction, establishing equity, punishment, rebuke, resolving conflicts, and settling disputes.  Thus, it is a further aspect of revelation that we have the display of divine affection and care wherein GOD exalts himself above sinners, and breaks the spirit (we say, humbles, humiliates) of those who are disobedient, disrespectful, proud and unrepentant.  GOD’s purpose continues to be their cleansing, healing, recovery and salvation.  The alternative to destroy sinners out of hand, or simply ignore them would be more agonizing and terrible for Creation than the final destruction of corruption in the Lake of Fire.

Just as love from GOD is not a one-time event, death is not a one-time event.  GOD is not free to reject death as an expression of divine love, and as the correct sacred solution to oppose the operations of sin.  So to speak, the divine choice to employ death is not upon the basis of affections, anger, other feelings that come and go, or even upon intent.  Death is required on the basis of necessary conditions for perpetually continuing life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word), and for the required tasks to counter the operations of sin without also resorting to the removal of existence.  Death is taken up and altered to be a tool for crafting life, and when seen with dispassion and the proper fullness of mind, its use is a further expression of divine commitment, goodness, and love in action.

There is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, the teaching that there is “one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one GOD and Father of all” reaches back as well as forward, and is to be understood as operating within all that has been provided as sacred knowledge.  Sadducees (e.g., Caiaphas, Ananias) and those insisting upon supremacy for ceremonies, formalities and traditions of law (Pharisees) usually do so denying a place to prophecy, and to the imparted Spirit from GOD that is to indwell the believer.  Those who disbelieve have been given the same revelation, however, they choose to apply it responding to the dimensions of flesh, not those of a boundless Creator.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC