(10/13/2020) The Foreskin And Circumcision?

A depiction of the parents of Jesus affirming his inheritance and offering their child to GOD through circumcision.

Today, the reply addresses the meaning and value of the foreskin and circumcision to thoughtful Christian believers. Through the household of Abraham, circumcision was a token of accord, covenant, and loyalty; even so, through the household of Jacob, circumcision became a token of condemnation, injustice, lawlessness, and wrath. As an aspect of the perpetual covenant shared by divinity with the Jews, circumcision continues to be acknowledged by many as a sign of divine commitments and promises to mankind, rather than a device for flawed judgment that expresses bias, partiality and prejudice, that accuses and condemns ones enemies, or that will reveal who is righteous before GOD and who is not. Through the life, death, and resurrection ministry of Jesus Christ, the meaning and value of circumcision has been transformed and made new. Consider again the following Scriptures that use language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps that appears below. It is written: Colossians 3: 9-14, King James Version (KJV): 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Why was god bothered with foreskins in the old testament?

If he hates foreskins so much, why did he create it?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6: 14-16, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Abraham In Divine Judgment (03/10/2019); Abraham Demonstrates Spiritual Growth (05/30/2018); The First “Chosen” People (05/03/2018); A Circumcision of Hearts (01/22/2018); Circumcision of Infant Boys (12/11/2017); Ye Are Abraham’s Seed (07/10/2015)

“Anonymous”, the covenant of circumcision began with the household of Abraham further signaled the divine transformation wherein mankind is to exist as the new creation. Many thoughtful Christian believers understand that removing the foreskin of the male penis is a representation of divinity refusing to depend on mechanical process among the living or that divinity must rely on natural law. Circumcision affirms the inheritance from divinity to mankind, and that man is to exist having continuous communication and interaction with the divine fullness. To that end, humanity is to receive fresh deposits and endowments of life essence (breath; spirit; word) and divine law imparted from the makeup of GOD. Circumcision serves as an assurance and sign that GOD is committed to those who bear this or other marks of his authority and image, and that divinity will fulfill all divine promise and prophecy. Created beings and living creatures are to exist as life companions to divinity, sacred offspring, and living vessels who contain divine substance. Removing the foreskin to identify those in covenant relationship with divinity makes visible their embodiment of spirit substance, and involves a mutual sharing of otherwise hidden revelation. Properly understood, circumcision foreshadows and is a step to the Incarnation where divinity appears on the earth using human form and life-process as Jesus Christ.

(1.) Genesis 18: 17-19, King James Version (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.

(2.) Genesis 34: 24-30, KJV: 24 And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city. 25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males. 26 And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went out. 27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister. 28 They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field, 29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house. 30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.

(3.) 1^st Samuel 18: 25-29, KJV: 25 And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son in law: and the days were not expired. 27 Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king’s son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife. 28 And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul’s daughter loved him. 29 And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually.

(4.) 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO2Jj2Bff_4.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:22 PM, October 13, 2020 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DWHbKcmMYbE/hqdefault.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Abraham, Christian Beliefs, Circumcision, Covenants, Incarnation, Inheritance, Revelation, Signs, The Flesh, benefits, blood, embodiment, foreskin, injustice, offerings, new creation, presence, testimony

(10/12/2020) Awe Confused With Fear?

 

Today, reply is on the revealed character and nature of sacred judgment and the widespread, yet not commanded expectation of divine wrath against sin that long has appeared among mankind. Anger, cowardice, and fear are human emotions and feelings displayed through the flesh while acknowledging the awe, greatness, holy boldness and divine wrath of GOD are inseparable aspects of their divine fullness along with such features as balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: Psalms 145: 3-13, King James Version (KJV): 3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. 5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. 6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. 7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. 8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. 9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. 10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. 11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; 12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. 13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Nightwolf” (Level 5 with 817 points) posted the following:

Christians why are people afraid of God the Father?

Is it because they believe he is angry?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21: 7-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Angels Appearing As Men (04/09/2020); Grace Abounds Much More (04/02/2020); Miracles and Christian Belief (01/30/2020); Will You Lose Family? (01/20/2019); In Fear To GOD? (12/05/2019); You Will Receive Power? (12/28/2018); Awe Through Sacred Revelation (12/05/2018)

“Nightwolf”, some confuse being in awe with being afraid. Mankind may not rely only on finite human intellect, carnal reason, and science for a right knowledge of divinity. Here are some points that are to be shared among Christian believers who are preparing to meet Jesus Christ at his coming. Mankind has not been fashioned to be cowardly and to cringe before divinity, yet, all who exist and live throughout the universe are to be conscious that GOD is awesome in every aspect. Rather than acceptance, forgiveness, and divine lovingkindness, many on the earth expect to meet GOD in a judgment that is filled with divine destruction and loathing against mankind. Divinity has appeared and operated in the Creation of heaven and earth, and is to be known as those having dominion and ownership over all that exist and all that have life. In addition to displaying authority, oneness without sameness, power and sovereignty through sacred law and acts of GOD (we say, miracles), divinity is embodied within the life-process and living routines of mankind (e.g., birth, aging, becoming mature, death). Divinity practices judgment (i.e., assessment; assigning meaning and value on the basis of ones content of the spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD; determining ones eternal duration) as a divine prerogative, an eternal purpose, and a necessary expression of celestial majesty. More than a crude and cruel demonstration of divine disfavor, judgment privileges Creation to realize multiple aspects of the character, makeup, and nature of divinity such as balance, impartiality, mercy toward those found guilty in tribunal, restraint, and consecrated righteousness. As creatures from the dust, men cannot apprehend the full breadth and depth for relationship with GOD, yet, numberless provisions have been made to embrace, guide, instruct, and sanctify humanity as companions to the Holy. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection, Draw Me Close To You, from the music ministry of Bishop Marvin L. Winans:

(1.) Hebrews 12: 6-11, King James Version (KJV): 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

(2.) Revelation 3: 18-22, KJV: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsKYmkHWxeM.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:40 PM, October 12, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/32/c9/86/32c9865b0be34d4f77ae49415b4897e7.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/11/2020) Why Are Sinners "saved?"

 A depiction of a seraph from the vision granted to the Prophet Ezekiel.

Today, reply is on divine salvation to preserve sacred content within the living, and the idea that men are granted wings and become angels when they die. Properly understood, sinners are not “saved”, rather the divine substance that remains within them is to be saved. The present process of GOD for mankind upon the earth provides forbearance, grace, reconciliation, and renewal through Jesus Christ. Among Christians the continuous worship of angels as equals or substitutes for Jesus is accounted as little different from the keeping of idolatry, the practice of occultism, or plain superstition. Divinity is the origin and source of all that has existence or life; and despite the transgression of sacred law committed by the first pair (Adam), mankind continues as an authentic expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Sinners are to practice repentance, and mercy is bestowed on those found guilty in judgment in keeping with their identity as the offspring and vessels on the earth that embody divine substance, yet, that require cleansing, death, the Incarnation of divinity as Jesus Christ, and the gifts of resurrection life. Continuing with counsels intended for the people of GOD through Jesus Christ, it is written: 2^nd Corinthians 5: 14-20, King James Version (KJV): 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “N Harmonia” (Level 2 with 870 points) posted the following:

So why should you sinners be saved? You wouldn't be free without wings?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work. I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? (Ecclesiastes 3: 15-21, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Death Normal For GOD? (10/05/2020); GOD Can Forgive Us (09/13/2020); Always Connected By Spirit (08/30/2020); Divine Forgiveness Ministers Grace (07/20/2020); Forgiveness A Sacred Practice (05/28/2020); Demonstrating Dependence on GOD (04/20/2020); The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020)

“N Harmonia”, among mature Christian believers salvation for sinners who acknowledge GOD through repentance appears as an immutable and unchanging aspect of the makeup, process, and eternal purposes displayed by divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Judgment is the assignment of value, and the examination of created beings and living creatures for their content of spirit-matter imparted from GOD as life essence (we say, breath; spirit; utterance; word), or as a fresh endowment of the divine nature made possible by Jesus Christ. The image of GOD is to appear within mankind and be a stamp upon all Creation. Multiple divine operations are carried out to acknowledge, preserve, recover, and restore the sacred content provided to Adam in the Creation. Included are balance, commitment, faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While on the earth, the followers of Jesus are to exist as the new creation, and are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus. Just as dogs do not become cats or goats become horses, where men complete their mortality (die), they are not made by GOD to become angels or any other living creature. Rather, those chosen through judgment will become perfected as humans who are immortal companions to GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Acapeldrige, High Above the Seraphim:

(1.) Ezekiel 1: 1-10, King James Version (KJV): 1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. 2 In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity, 3 The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him. 4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. 5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. 6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. 7 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. 8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. 9 Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. 10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

(2.) Colossians 2: 6-12, KJV: 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 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.

(3.) 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, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzVaX3wwUyE.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:10 AM, October 11, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/df/72/6b/df726b0ee2507a22f7644a26ce80fde3.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Angels, Christian Beliefs, Creation, Death, Ezekiel, Incarnation, Judgment, Salvation, The Flesh, The Godhead, existence, integrity, mortality, provisions, repentance, seraphim, self-will, sinners, transformation, wings

"NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU SHALL PROSPER. YOU HAVE A FRIEND IN THE FI...

(10/05/2020) Death Normal For GOD?

 A depiction of the crucifixion by Salvador Dali

Today, reply is on the integrity of divine fullness being in a continuing relationship with created beings and living creatures on the earth along with whether it is “normal” to believe that GOD may die. The death of Jesus Christ on behalf of all divinity was a sacred event that must exist as a one-time act of GOD never to be repeated; and that must be apprehended and received through faith. Among developing and mature Christians, to manifest grace is “normal” for divinity. Because GOD is understood as the origin and source for all material things that exist including the full universe it is in line with human intellect, logic, and carnal reason to assume that divinity is all-powerful, immortal, and invincible. It remains a result from the operations of sin and of the flesh that divine process and sacred substance are required whereby mankind receives the appearance of GOD on the earth (we say, Incarnation) using authentic human form and life process (e.g., birth, aging, maturation, death). It is written: 1^st John 4: 7-11, King James Version (KJV): 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 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. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “kei” (Level 1 with 43 points) posted the following:

Christians believe that Jesus died. As a God, is it normal. ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2: 20, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Matter Of Self-will? (10/04/2020); Incarnation, Death and Resurrection (05/11/2020); The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020); Grace Abounds Much More (04/02/2020); Born Mortal or Immortal? (03/11/2020); Entered Into Divine Glory (09/03/2019); That Not Of Yourselves (08/13/2019)

“kei”, among Christian believers divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Creator; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) are active and present within the existence and life of all living creatures and created beings. Divinity resides within a special sphere of life (we say a celestial, sanctified, and set-apart realm; heaven), yet, communicates, has exchange, and interacts with those who are alive on the earth. There is a divine connection between GOD and the living. Mankind has received life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; utterance; word) from the makeup and substance of GOD that includes inseparable aspects of the divine nature such as balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Even so, the Creation has come under the influence of divine sanctions (i.e., statements within the law of GOD that require consequences both for obedience and for transgression that is understood as sin). The first pair (Adam) became subject to death as a result of transgression, and could only be preserved by operations of divinity that include an extensive array of sacred provisions. Included are atonement, forbearance, forgiveness, inheritance, mercy granted to those found guilty in judgment, justification, rebirth, redemption, restoration, resurrection for the dead, salvation, sanctification, the completing of mortality, the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross, and the second death. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Romans 6: 3-14, King James Version (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. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

(2.) John 3: 16-21, KJV: 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

(3.) Romans 14: 7-9, KJV: 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

(4.) Hebrews 10: 12-21, KJV: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge1axMPsN-g.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:00 PM, October 04, 2020 @https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e0/ef/1d/e0ef1dcd03c3efb7de853e30165e09b7.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/04/2020) A Matter Of Self-will?

A depiction of Jesus Christ acknowledging GOD the Father at Gethsemane.

Today, reply is on the opposition against divinity that resides within mankind through self-will. Human obedience, respect, reverence, and submission to GOD often appear to be predicated on mankind’s willful acceptance and insistence that human traits appear within the divine fullness. It is more consistent with the holy writings that mankind be recognized as a vessel containing divine deposits and endowments from the makeup of GOD. It is by mutuality of a divine character, consecrated presence, and a sacred nature that there are opportunities and possibilities for clear accord, and ongoing communication between the Creator and the created. Discussions of the sacred duty, sacrifice, and unselfishness carried out by Jesus Christ also require affirmation of divinity demonstrating consecrated grace, expressing divine prerogative, fulfilling eternal purpose, suppressing self-will, and manifesting the sovereign will of GOD. Within Christ, sacrifice is no longer a matter of formal ceremony and ritual, rather it is an act of dedication, lovingkindness through judgment, sanctification, and voluntary surrender. It is written: Psalms 40: 5-10, King James Version (KJV): 5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. 6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. 9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest. 10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

'Jesus was a willing sacrifice': can anyone please explain what this means?

Did he feel he was doing something good by allowing people to execute him?

Was it not a pre-decided or predetermined outcome, just some events, and a guy accepting that he will be executed, and not trying to avoid it, even though he could have?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (Matthew 26: 42, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Character Must Appear (08/13/2020); Divine Process and Substance (06/24/2020); Spiritual Integrity and Maturity (05/12/2020); Divine Fruit From Suffering? (12/19/2018); Yes, Jesus Did Die (04/01/2018); Comparing Sacred and Secular (03/15/2018); His Suffering At Gethsemane (03/12/2018)

“Anonymous”, the focus must be on self-will and its place in determining the integrity of human existence. Among mature Christian believers the transgression (i.e., violation of sacred law; sin) committed by Adam should be seen as an expression of the life essence and sacred substance imparted to mankind from the makeup of divinity as well as a display of the content of human consciousness and self-will (willpower). Inseparable aspects of divinity were provided to man that included balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Although GOD has not put forth any aspect or spirit of sin, divinity shares in the accountability humanity must acknowledge for the origins of sin. The male and female existed as an appearance of divine authority and power, and as an expression of sacred love, yet, the pair were subject to mechanical process and natural law. Following the sin of Adam, the priesthood being carried out within heaven then was made available on the earth using divine operations for atonement, expiation, remission, and sacrifice that made visible the otherwise unseen operations of GOD through divine grace and the Holy Spirit. Divinity appeared on the earth using the form and life process of humanity (we say, the Incarnation as Jesus Christ) to demonstrate to mankind the authentic process and substance for fulfilling the demands (sanctions) of divine law (death) as well as for human repentance, rebirth, reconciliation, and for man to exist as the new creation. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Romans 5: 10-15, King James Version (KJV): 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

(2.) Romans 5: 18-21, KJV: 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

(3.) 1^st 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.) Hebrews 10: 12-18, KJV: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVAh6OSrtfE.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:10 PM, October 03, 2020 @ http://blog.peacebewithu.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Matthew-26-42.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/01/2020) Do We Follow Paul?

 A depiction of Christ appearing to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus

Today, the blog reply not shared in the Yahoo forum is that the Apostle Paul is not the primary source of doctrine among Christian believers; the essential teachings of Christianity are contained in the four Gospels and the single, authoritative revelation of Jesus Christ appearing throughout the Bible (i.e., Genesis through Revelation). Jesus insisted on the integrity of the Law and the Prophets, for the earlier holy writings provided the necessary guidance and instruction for mankind to apprehend the depth and fullness of divinity appearing on the earth using human form and life process (we say, the Incarnation). The gifts and operations by the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) that were promised to mankind would appear as a fresh endowment of the same life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; utterance; word) that resided within Jesus. Sacred substance is imparted from the inseparable makeup of divine fullness (divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Included are balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Therefore properly understood, those living on the earth are being transformed and joined to GOD through their own content of spirit substance from GOD. It is written: 2^nd Peter 1: 16-21, King James Version (KJV): 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Anonymous” (no profile was shared) posted the following:

@Christians Is this true? You are Paul's followers?

Because Christians (Paul's followers), were mostly Greeks who would not submit to absurd Jewish dietary regulations.

Jesus's followers (Followers of the Way -see Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22) were and remained Jews, like Jesus, who evidently observed kashrut ("Kosher" dietary laws).

But Paul was trying to convert Greeks and Romans to his new religion.

So Paul had to find a way to make his religion more "palatable" to his target audience.

Hey presto - - suddenly Paul gets a vision from Jesus saying exactly what Paul needed to get more bums on pews. More followers, more money and more power.

The church leadership realized that in order to grow they needed to make converts from non-Jews. However, requiring a change in diet and a circumcision was a barrier to making those converts, so they decided to drop the requirements that non-Jewish converts to Christianity follow the Old Testament laws. Eventually, there were more non-Jewish converts than Jewish and so the OT laws were dropped entirely. (Anyone who claims there is a Biblical justification is ignorant of the history of their own church... Jesus explicitly says, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets." Matthew 5:17)

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1: 20, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Meat That Perishes (01/13/2020); Proof of The Resurrection (12/01/2019); The Testimony From GOD (10/22/2019); Following The Apostle Paul (09/24/2019); Prophets After Jesus Christ? (06/04/2019); A Single Sacred Revelation (01/09/2019); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016)

“Anonymous”, developing and mature Christian believers are not to confuse the testimony of Paul’s conversion with the revelation of Jesus Christ as divinity Incarnate (using the flesh and life process of a man on the earth). The things proclaimed by the apostle are in the nature of corroboration and light that clarify practices and teachings from Jesus that are spirit rather than law in their character, makeup, process, and substance. Necessarily, many points to manifest things invisible are conveyed using things carnal, social, and traditional as the stepping-stones and baby-steps on a path of permanent change and eternal transformation. Thus it is written:

(1.) Matthew 22: 29,King James Version (KJV): 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

(2.) 1^st Peter 2: 1-3, KJV: 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

(3.) Revelation 1: 1-3, KJV: 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

(4.) Acts 20: 32, KJV: 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, We Have Seen God's Glory from the music ministry of Steve Green (7.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvP19V3FmiU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:45 PM, September 30, 2020 @ https://alfredntiamoah.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/500-paul-damascusroad22881.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC