(05/08/2018) Called "The Anointed One"

The painting depicts the first acknowledgement of Jesus of his divine anointing as the promised Messiah.



Today, reply is on why Jesus is called “Christ” [Greek, Khristos; Latin, Christus].  The word origin is traced to 12th century usage of Christ as “the anointed one” associated with khriein [anoint].  (See Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.)  Multiple proclamations, promises, and prophecies throughout the holy writings speak to mankind receiving divine deliverance, governance, judgment, restoration, and salvation through a single, permanent, consecrated ruler.  On the basis of faith and other imparted spirit content he displayed while ministering on the earth, Jesus of Nazareth is acknowledged as the fulfillment of all those eternal purposes for mankind and Creation that had been gradually revealed over the course of thousands of years.  One of the many fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who use the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:



Why was Jesus called Christ?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.  Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks:  the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.  And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself:  and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.  And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week:  and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.  (Daniel 9:  24-27, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  His Enemies A Footstool (05/08/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); Christ Is The Firstborn (12/26/2017); Jesus Called “Almighty GOD?” (12/21/2017); The Title of “Savior” (01/27/2017); Exalted By The Father? (01/26/2017); As An Anointed Body (10/04/2017); Become Like Jesus Christ? (10/27/2016)



“Anonymous”, Christians are those committed to apprehending a mature relationship with divinity through Jesus Christ who has been anointed by Almighty GOD to serve as a cornerstone to a divine temple, an immortal high priest, judge, king, prophet, savior, shepherd, and steward.  The operations of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) to overspread the earth with sacred government using mankind has required multiple consecrated devices.  Included have been family and patriarchs; covenants and divine law; kingdoms and monarchs; personhood and incarnation; priesthood; promises; sacrifice and suffering.

For the benefit and perfection of created beings and living creatures, divinity has appeared and imparts (we say, displays; reveals) sacred knowledge and spirit content (i.e., the inseparable aspects of divine character and makeup) that establish the image of GOD who is spirit.  Included are authority, balance, dominion, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, restraint, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Fragrant oil that lingers in a room after its bearer has gone is used to depict the active, invisible presence of divine spirit.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Psalms 45:  6-8, King James Version (KJV):  6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:  the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.  7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness:  therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.  8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

(2.)  Isaiah 11:  1-5, KJV:  1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:  2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;  3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD:  and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:  4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth:  and he shall smite the earth:  with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.  5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

(3.)  Luke 4:  14-21, KJV:  14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee:  and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.  15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.  16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.  17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,  18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,  19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.  20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.  21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

(4.)  John 18:  33-38, KJV:  33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?  34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?  35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me:  what hast thou done?  36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world:  if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews:  but now is my kingdom not from hence.  37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.  38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  2nd Corinthians 1:  21-22, KJV:  21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;  22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/07/2018) Speaking According To Faith

Today, reply is on the state of the dead, the difference between angels and spirit content from men, and Christian ministry to children in their bereavement.  At death the spirit content that projects the character, personality, and spirit makeup within the living is removed, and separated from the flesh.  The lifeless body (we say, cadaver; corpse) may be buried or interred; while the spirit matter returns to GOD.  The tool Christian believers have been given for comforting one another during their bereavement is called “prophecy”.  How sacred truth is presented and shared with children may vary from how the same truth is shown to adults, however, there is only one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of all.  There is no teaching from the Bible that says spirit content that leaves a human body and goes to live and interact in heaven among the angels and other sacred creatures there.  The dead praise not GOD; do not watch over and protect the living; and the dead have no carnal, mental, and social abilities (e.g., communication, talking, exchange).  The dead must be restored to life (i.e., there must be resurrection) for judgment according to divine law.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:



Religion- I told my son his late mom is now with the angels when he asked me. Am I deceiving him?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  Which none of the princes of this world knew:  for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  (1st Corinthians 2:  6-14, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Lower Than The Angels? (09/12/2017); Signs From The Dead? (01/15/2017); Life Is GOD’s Intent (11/15/2016); On Really Seeing Angels (10/09/2016); Spirit, Spirit Beings, Spirit Persons? (10/13/2015); Getting It Right About Angels (05/10/2015); Comfort? (09/06/2014)



“Anonymous”, non-biblical teachings on the angels often result in spiritual confusion; this is also true during times of bereavement when honest expressions of ones developing belief and faith may contain and impart errors and misunderstandings.  Expressions of our own individual affection and feelings of love can not replace, or accomplish all the sacred work required to be done within the household of faith by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the love of GOD.  Among Christian believers there also are specific sacred things that are to be shared as comfort with those who endure bereavement.  Believers are to minister to one another from what they themselves have received as deposits and endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD through Jesus Christ.  Included are expectation (we say, hope), faith, gratitude, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, purpose, resilience, regeneration, and renewal of the mind.  Such consolations are effective during grief and mourning because a believer’s consciousness is centered on, and interwoven with streams of prophecy and divine revelation.

The Creator has made it that every man, woman, and child must be prepared to endure the completion of their own mortality and separation(s).  Loss of a parent, a child, a spouse, and other loved ones will be experienced throughout every aspect of the emotional, material, psychological, social, and spiritual order fitted together within ones own person.  Thus, many experience bereavement as a form of temporary insanity.  The sudden introduction of absence and imbalance should not be met by dismissing reality and truth, or relying on exaggeration, fantasy, and extremes of imagination.  Regaining balance, self-discipline, firmness, purpose, and stability are reasonable goals and practices.  Existing as “born again,” finite, and mortal, children and adults who belong to Christ are continually challenged to “grow up again” (mature/ripen) on the earth before being harvested by Jesus Christ at his appearing (we also say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).

Where we counsel children and those who are only beginning the long journey to fullness and maturity in their bereavement we must acknowledge the existing level of their grasp and understanding; and it is not incorrect or unkind to speak to them using (1) their own language, (2) the shared language within relationship as well as (3) the new language provided from GOD intended to carry them forward in the divine will.  Often, where children mistakenly appear to be lying by adult standards, the young ones are answering with responses that correctly and sincerely express their heartfelt desire, their faith imparted from GOD, their intent, their perseverance, and their efforts to apply and focus their own self-will (willpower).

Even within the communities and families of Christians those enduring a loss may operate as though it is acceptable to use commonly held and familiar doctrine and teachings that are not found within the holy writings.  Some feel they are justified on the basis of the importance of behaving as accepting, non-judgmental, supportive, and understanding.  Others feel that children may be weaned from the devices used as short-term solutions while they are being brought gradually to the fullness of Christ.  Because there are many subtleties (barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning, quality, and value) involved, those who take up alternatives to Christ should be cautioned, for in effect they say, “I am right when I am wrong, because….”  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 12:  25-27, King James Version (KJV):  25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.  26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.  27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

(2.)  Matthew 18:  10, KJV:  10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

(3.)  Colossians 2:  8-12, KJV:  8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:  11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:  12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

(4.)  Colossians 2:  18-19, KJV:  18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,  19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Thessalonians 4:  13-18, KJV:  13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/06/2018) Salt of the Earth

 

Today, reply is on mankind’s use of the earth, and the divine commission that mankind preserve Creation by behaving as the “salt of the earth.”  Animal and human efforts to control access to choice locations, resources, and settings on the earth have resulted in abuse and destruction of the earth as the dwelling of mankind.  Through Jesus Christ, men are yet to be a new creation, and the sacred servants and workers who will continually purify and preserve life on the earth.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the  ID “noway_1no” (Level 1 with 169 points, a member since December 20, 2013) posted the following:


When did Jesus tell his fellows they were the salt?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.  Salt is good:  but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it?  Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.  (Mark 9:  49-50, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Mankind’s Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); Bible Borders and Walls (08/29/2017); Where Will Believers Go? (10/26/2016); Why Was Lot Spared? (12/20/2015); Salted With Fire?  (09/24/2013); A Halo Upon Jesus? (09/25/2013); Circumcision and Promise? (07/16/2013); The Bible and Stupid People (07/17/2013)


“noway_1no”, here are some points intended for mature Christian readers:

(1.)  In the holy writings salt is used as a medicine when closing open wounds, as a form of currency, as a flavoring for foods, and as a powerful poison that would be sown  to destroy the fertility of an enemy’s land for many generations (40 year periods).

(2.)  In keeping with the divine plan that mankind should populate and cover the earth, the Patriarch Abraham was made a nomad whose household may have included thousands of workers and their families.  Abraham sought a “city of GOD” (yet to come as the New Jerusalem).  Every where they traveled he acknowledged the living GOD, and established and left behind altars and wells of water.  Abraham also established a permanent burial place (we say, cemetery) for internment of his own family members.

(3.)  GOD commanded a sabbath of rest for the earth; every seven years, the land was not to be planted and seeded to produce a crop.  The creation of “the city” by mankind and the creation of “the farm” (fixed areas developed and maintain for growing crops) have resulted in men seeking to secure and exploit the land for extended periods (decades; their whole life time; permanently).  Home, farm, and property ownership tie men to the land, and sees the land in continual works. 

(4.)  Where mankind has defiled the land, and refused to let the soil lay fallow, divinity often has purged the earth using earthquakes, natural disasters, warfare, and wildfire.  GOD also uses weather events to remove the blood of battle and crimes such as murder as well as insecticides and chemical additives intended to increase the production of the soil, and that become a permanent feature of the land.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Mankind is to exist on the earth as a peculiar fruit of a divine planting.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:  1st Corinthians 3:  5-11, King James Version (KJV):  5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?  6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.  7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.  8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one:  and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.  9 For we are labourers together with God:  ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.  10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.  11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/04/2018) Life And Divine Purpose

Today, focus is on baptism and spirit rebirth to make reply to an atheist wanting to understand features of Christian belief, Creation as an exercise of self-expression by divine fullness, why judgment must appear as well as specific eternal purposes for mankind.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Blocked By The Weak” (Level 6 with 14,210 points, a member since May 25, 2017) posted the following:


Why did God create life?

I've been a lifelong atheist but lately have been exploring Christianity more and trying to understand and interpret what it all means and where we, as humans, fit into the mix.
One question I get hung up on is why did God create life to begin with? As Christianity teaches, God looked out into an infinite void and decided to create the universe within the void. He created the stars, planets, comets, asteroids, ect....He created the Earth and on it he created human beings with Adam and Eve.
Being an all powerful, all knowing God, he would have known what would become of mankind. He would have known about the Garden of Eden, about the torture and murder of Jesus, about the suffering of mankind, about all future wars, murders, violence, and pain.
He then calls on humans to worship him so we may go to heaven and live in eternal happiness forever. If we fall short and don't follow him we're destined to burn in hell for all of eternity.
So I wonder then why make us in the first place? Why not leave that void empty? Why create human life with the sole purpose of worshiping him so he may later choose to reward or punish us based on our efforts? The entire idea of human life seems very self-serving.
Update: I'm getting some odd answers here....to clarify, I'm not a hardcore devout Christian looking to challenge other peoples' beliefs. I'm an atheist who is interested in learning more about Christianity because I'm not totally against the idea of religion. I don't need posts telling me Christianity is wrong, or that science says this or that....believe me, as an atheist I know this already. I'm just looking for a different perspective on things from people who have studied the Bible more than me.
Update 2: Another point of clarity on my last update.....wasn't trying to say I know Christianity is wrong even though that's exactly how it reads. I did a poor job of typing that sentence out :)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:  Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.  But ye have not so learned Christ;  If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:  for we are members one of another.  Be ye angry, and sin not:  let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  Neither give place to the devil.  (Ephesians 4:  17-27, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  With A Divine Eye (05/02/2018); We Establish Covenant Relationship (05/01/2018); The Origin And Source (04/26/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); Incurring “The Second Death” (04/02/2018); The Meaning of “Faith” (03/28/2018); We Begin Within GOD (02/06/2018); There Must Be Rebirth (01/21/2018); Proper Training For Belief? (01/10/2018)


“Blocked By The Weak”, here are some points to consider that address Christian belief as a comprehensive and closed system providing multiple streams of sacred truth that are intended for priests, kings, and those serving in various roles of anointed leadership (e.g., advisers, judges, parents, pastors, prophets, stewards) within a consecrated community.  Simply put, You must be born again.  Christianity is a relationship with Deity that emerges through divine operations that include baptism (death, burial, and resurrection of ones inborn spirit); discovery; gradual growth; the acquisition and application of sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge; and fellowship with those acknowledged as anointed and ordained Christian believers.

The divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) must reveal themselves for unseen divinity to be knowable, known, accessible, and  approachable.  Thus, the image of GOD (we say, the character, makeup, and substance of GOD) has been made “visible” and documented through the holy writings that present divinity operating through thousands of events occurring within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.  Those who become born again must practice and develop discernment (the use of divine sprit imparted from GOD as a standard to recognize and respond to Spirit as it appears and is active within and around them).

Both existence and life may be understood as expressions of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, sacred utterance (breath, spirit, word), and sovereign will.  As aspects of the manifestation of divine fullness these elements appear along with such features as balance, beauty, completeness, direction, diversity, divine law, judgment, incorruption, and oneness without sameness.  The following uses language from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 29:  29, KJV:  29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:  but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

(2.)  John 3:  1-11, KJV:  1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God:  for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.  3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.  9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?  10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?  11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.  12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

(3.)  Romans 6:  3-7, 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:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Galatians 3:  26-29, KJV:  26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:  for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/03/2018) The First "Chosen" People

Today, reply is on the divine use of a “chosen” people as a sacred nation to continue personal relationship by the Creator with mankind on the earth.  Abraham is called “the Friend of God,” and this strongly suggests that the relationship the two shared was the kind of close, personal bond characterized by such elements as mutual acceptance, affection, dependability, helpfulness, loyalty, respect, steadfastness, unselfishness, and trust.  However, viewed in the light of Jesus Christ, it is more correct to understand that the bond shared by GOD and Abraham was spirit substance found only within the makeup of GOD that also existed within Abram.  While we are not told that the “spirit of the Lord” came upon Abram as it did, for example, upon Samson, one of the judges of Israel, we know Abram was privileged to receive a vision that included the 400-year sufferings of his descendants among the people of Egypt.  We rarely say that Abraham was anointed or endowed with the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth), yet, Abraham displayed the peculiar oneness without sameness seen in the apostles and spokespersons of Jesus Christ.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “?” (Level 3 with 1,1728 points, a member since November 24, 2016) posted the following:

Did God have a chosen people before Abraham?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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;  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:  And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;  And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land:  for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.  (Nehemiah 9:  7-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  With A Divine Eye (05/02/2018); We Establish Covenant Relationship (05/01/2018); Possibilities Through “Active Presence” (04/30/2018); The Origin And Source (04/26/2018); A Descendent of David? (03/18/2018); A Circumcision of Hearts (01/22/2018); The Heir To Abraham (10/23/2016); Few Are Chosen (07/06/2015)

“?”, most Christian believers regard the beginnings of “a chosen people” to have been with the promises of GOD to Abraham.  The priesthood granted directly to Adam and continued through his line did not establish a “chosen people” per se, yet, provided record of the Patriarchs, many of whom lived and continued witness for nearly 1,000 years.  The seven tribes that occupied Canaan before the covenant of Moses was established are sometimes spoken of as having been the “original” chosen ones; however, they would be replaced by Israel.  Relying on the accounts recorded as the five Books of Moses, Christians may comprehend the development of covenant relationship as first appearing in the form of priestly service, inherited accountability and sacred duty (such as we see with Noah), and transforming to appear as personal commitment and sanctification expressed in ones own lifestyle and regular routines.  Included would be atonement, communion, faith, praise, prayer, sacrifice, unselfish service, trust, and worship.  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  James 2:  19-23, King James Version (KJV):  19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:  the devils also believe, and tremble.  20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?  22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?  23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:  and he was called the Friend of God.

(2.)  Genesis 18:  17-22, KJV:  17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;  18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?  19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.  20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;  21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.  22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom:  but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.

(3.)  Romans 4:  16-25, KJV:  16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,  17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.  18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.  19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:  20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;  21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.  22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.  23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;  24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;  25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, it is written:  (4.)  Deuteronomy 7:  1-10, KJV:  1 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;  2 And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:  3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.  4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods:  so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.  5 But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.  6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God:  the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.  7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:  8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.  9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;  10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them:  he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/02/2018) With A Divine Eye

Today, reply is on respect and reverence for divinity as the correct expression of godly knowledge and wisdom that were to be shown by Adam and Eve.  Following their disobedience, human potential to display a human and divine nature also increasingly began to appear expressing an animal nature.  The value for mankind of knowledge and wisdom was to increase through communication, exchange and interaction in continuous relationship with the Creator; and both the flesh and spirit were to be edified.  Asking, humility, and need would promote displaying the divine image, sharing, and oneness without sameness.  The first pair were to utilize frameworks of time and space to acknowledge divine fullness while acquiring diverse and new information in agreement with the manifestation of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD.  Human history has shown that the mistaken emphasis on knowing “good” and “evil” carried mankind away from the eternal purpose of GOD, that Adam would be a close companion to immortal, incorruptible divinity.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Spirituality and Religion forum using the ID “🕳🕴” (Level 5 with 8,487 points, a member since June 16, 2013) posted the following:



Wouldn't it be calling God evil to say that Adam and Eve had no knowledge of Good and Evil?

Remember when they covered themselves? (Gen. 3:7) Wouldn't you be saying God was evil if you claim they knew good and bad only after they ate from the tree. Because they covered themselves only after they ate, did they not? They saw this evil thing after they ate, right? God had them walk around naked. What happened?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?  Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?  (Matthew 7:  7-11, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Origin And Source (04/26/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); Opposing The Divine Will (03/30/2018); The Coming(s) of Christ (03/11/2018); Comparing Sacred and Secular (03/15/2018); Sin No “One-time” Event (01/03/2018); Did GOD Lose Control? (03/23/2017); Our Beginnings Were Perfect? (12/14/2015); Presumption, Pride and Sin? (11/24/2015)

“🕳🕴”, here are some thoughts to consider:  where “good” and “evil” are known by mankind through comparison and contrast of earthly things, the divine consciousness defines them both with an eye to chaos, flux, pre-existence, the present, the future, and eternity as well as to the humanly inconceivable.  Unlike the process for holy angels whereby they received full knowledge from their beginnings, the operations of GOD for mankind have included the imparting of knowledge and wisdom to humans through discovery, gradual growth, learning, reflection, and revelation.  It is no offense to GOD that men have curiosity (like that shown by Moses that resulted in his approaching the burning bush), or that the living lack and seek greater knowledge and wisdom.  However, there are many responses the living may make that are in the nature of sin such as arrogance, defiance, impatience, exaggerated pride, presumption, rebelliousness, and stubbornness.

When sinners turn to Jesus Christ for forgiveness, rebirth, and life as his new creation, most start out having multiple concerns, doubts, questions, and uncertainties.  All who become “born again” must also “grow up again” by facing life challenges, sacred duties, “growing pains,” hardships, and suffering.  As new offspring and vessels containing spirit content from the makeup of GOD (we say, the children of GOD; sons and daughters of GOD; joint heirs with Jesus Christ), developing believers are to become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his second coming (we also say, his appearing; the Advent; the Rapture). 

Integrity of being was established by GOD for mankind by providing the pair, Adam, with independence, self-government under GOD, self-will (we also say, willpower), and separation.  Even so, since the time of Adam, finite consciousness and self-will in created beings and living creatures may be dominated by the operations of sin that oppose the continued existence of sacred law, the Lawgiver, and divine order appearing as the universe.  Sin is an influence that has not been created by either divinity or mankind; and sin is no material or ordinary substance that can be destroyed, eliminated, or isolated from the living.  Adam underwent a profound transformation wherein the fullness and purity of their divine spirit content shifted and was altered through multiple, simultaneous actions that resulted in reconfiguration for aspects of their internal order (e.g., expectation, desire, intellect, potential, recall, recognition).

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, it is written:  James 1:  5-6, King James Version (KJV):  5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/01/2018) We Establish Covenant Relationship

Today, points are shared on faith, divine law, and covenant relationship with divinity through Spirit.  The apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ initially understood their work as one of declaring and demonstrating the fulfillment of promises and prophecies received as their inheritance through the covenants of GOD with the Jews.  Eventually, all were guided by the Holy Spirit to center on proclaiming new provisions and the new creation covenant through the atoning blood and testament of Jesus Christ.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:



Christians/JW/Mormons/RC/SDA: when Paul said we "establish the Law" what did he mean?

Update: Folks, it's not hard, Paul who many Christians claim supported the establishment of God's 10 Commandments said the Apostles were ESTABLISHING the Law. What's your take on that Scripture please?
Update 2: GTower, yes, but you've actually not answered the question's premise, which is that the Law of God, His 10 Commandments, aren't abolished.
Update 3: Paul, true, so go find it and make an informed opinion, it's in Romans.



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.  And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.  For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise:  but God gave it to Abraham by promise.  Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.  Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.  Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid:  for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.  But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  (Galatians 3:  16-23, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Law Is Demanding (04/10/2018); Whoso Keepeth His Word (03/09/2018); Sacred Law and Practice (02/12/2018); Secular History, Sacred Revelation? (01/11/2018); Deeds Of The Law? (09/10/2017); Continuing A Perpetual Covenant (08/03/2017); Operations of Christian Faith (04/28/2017)



“Anonymous”, here are some points on faith, divine law, and Spirit that mature Christians have found useful to avoid spiritual confusion.  By being “born again“” and receiving a fresh endowment of life essence (breath, spirit, word) from the makeup of GOD that includes faith, we are established in covenant relationship with GOD:

1.  The word “law” has multiple applications and meanings throughout the holy writings and does not always refer to the Ten Commandments (we also say, the Decalogue) that were spoken by GOD himself to proclaim divine authority through  covenant relationship with mankind using the Hebrew tribes and Gentiles who traveled from Egypt with Moses.

2.  The law declared at Sinai continued the ongoing revelation by the invisible Creator to the created beings and living creatures of the earth that is provided to make divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable.  This law also was given to transform a collection of nomadic tribes into a sovereign state, and addressed the regular communication, exchange, interaction, and lifestyle required among men for living together as a godly community.

3.  The covenant relationship (also called “the law”; the covenant of Moses; the Mosaic covenant) for GOD and Israel is to be understood as permanent, stable, and unchanging.  Israel pleaded that GOD employ chastisement, correction, punishment, and even death to enforce the agreement, and to freely express divine disfavor and wrath against sin, yet, never annul or cancel the sacred accord.

4.  Israel developed its own culture, institutions, political process, and social practices for expansion, trade, and survival.  When Israel again became subject within global empires (like that of Egypt) that legislated co-existence with idol-worshiping and heathen peoples, efforts by those within the Nation generated pressure to demystify “the law and the prophets,” and replace sacred knowledge with secular knowledge.  Doctrine became centered on declaring and enforcing the law in a way that did not also acknowledge that GOD is a spirit whom we must worship in spirit and truth. 

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 5.  Repeatedly, the argument that the perpetual covenant may only be maintained by strict obedience to the letter of the law granted through Moses has been made in ways that deny operations of faith and righteousness also fulfill the intent and purpose of the law, and ensure continuing, correct relationship with the Lawgiver.  Interpretations that speak to the indwelling of divine spirit rather than flesh open the qualifications for covenant relationship as also being for those who are not Hebrews, and are not of Israel as a nation.  Also, because spirit endowments from divinity contain inseparable substances from the makeup of GOD, wherever faith and righteousness appear aspects of Deity also will be active and present such as forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC