(04/23/2020) Sacred Law Promotes Relationships

 

Today, reply is on whether a child who undergoes parental neglect or other abuse must still honor their father and mother in response to the Ten Commandments. Sacred law promotes fruitful relationships with divinity; and laws that are righteous promote industry, security, and stability. Just as Christians are neither justified by their own sins nor by their own good works, in divine judgment the behavior and conduct of children are not justified by their own sins, nor by the sins of their parents. Grace, reconciliation, redemption and salvation are aspects of being in correct relationship with divinity through Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit. While divine law establishes a knowledge of sin and transgressions that otherwise would not exist, the law also provides a framework and structure that allow the living to acknowledge sanctification, resurrection life, and relationship with GOD as the new creation. It is written: Deuteronomy 7: 1-10, King James Version (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. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile was shown) posted the following:

 

Since I hate my Dad and he has wronged me terribly through emotional neglect do I have to still honor him like the 10 commandments read?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. (Deuteronomy 4: 3-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Grace Abounds Much More (04/02/2020); While We Are Growing (03/09/2020); Mankind A Divine Instrument (02/16/2020); GOD Also Uses Children (12/19/2019); More Required Than Crucifixion? (12/10/2019); Anger Against Our Parents? (01/10/2019); What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); Who Deserves Divine Love? (06/23/2017)

 

“Anonymous”, more than establishing and maintaining a correct relationship with your own parents, the law from GOD is provided to ensure your correct relationship with divinity. The Creator does not call children to act as judge, jury, and executioners against their own parents; and few offspring become connected to their caretakers as though their parents are equals, peers or playmates. Even so, for a child to become a complete person, a full adult, and someone who is emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually healthy before GOD, both their connection to mankind on the earth, and their connection to divinity must be sound. Things that have no meaning, and that seem only to be negative and wicked while we are minor children must become part of what we grasp in our maturity in order to experience the full release that comes through forbearance, forgiveness, and understanding of our shared human predicament.

The sacred law spoken to mankind as the Ten Commandments can be thought of as a divine tool used to transform the 12 tribes of Jacob and the mixed multitude of Gentiles and heathens that left Egypt along with Moses to serve as a new nation under GOD. In Egypt, the Pharaohs had dominion and ownership of the livestock, the land, and the Egyptian people; and only the Pharaohs could bestow or receive any inheritance. The law proclaimed to Israel was an infrastructure to guide Jacob as they would exchange, interact, and respond to one another through their lifestyles and daily routines; and was to serve as a framework for their ongoing relationship with divinity. Israel was to exist as an heir and a son to GOD who would carry out divine judgment against the seven tribes that occupied Canaan as the first covenant partners to GOD. More than this, Israel was to fulfill divine promises and prophecies that were not to be broken or forgotten that had been shared with the Patriarchs Adam, Noah, and Abraham.

Sinners who turn to GOD acknowledging Jesus Christ as their redeemer and savior are to receive a fresh endowment of the same life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) that was in Christ. Those who become “born again” and will exist as developing believers are to “grow up again,” become mature/ripe while living on the earth, and be harvested by the Lord at his appearing (Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming). The inborn spirit must undergo death, burial, and resurrection (rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak). This occurs through operations among the inseparable aspects of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Included are balance, faith, forbearance, gratitude, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Believers undergo permanent change within their own spirit through discovery, gradual growth, sacred practice (e.g., discernment, forgiveness, praise, prayer), study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and suffering. In addition to acknowledging accountability, maintaining godly commitments and performing ones duty, mature Christian behavior will display the image of GOD, and will resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Ezekiel 18: 19-24, King James Version (KJV): 19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? 24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

(2.) Colossians 3: 2-13, KJV: 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 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.

(3.) Titus 3: 1-7, KJV: 1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7j10za_3gQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 10:16 PM, April 22, 2020 @ https://darrellcreswell.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/titus-3-7-justified-covered-by-grace.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/16/2020) Mankind A Divine Instrument

 

Today, reply is on GOD’s use of mankind to perform the sanctions against sin that are proclaimed through divine law. GOD promised Abraham that, following a sojourn among the Egyptians, the Patriarch’s descendants would someday occupy Canaan. The seven tribes that first occupied Canaan were to be totally destroyed because of their betrayal, rebellion, and sin. The Amalekites also were among the tribes that opposed the occupation of Canaan by those who left Egypt under Moses to become the new covenant partners with GOD. In the judgment of GOD, evil and wickedness are not determined by gender; and the wickedness of children and females can be as great and greater than that of adult males. As the instrument of GOD, men are not only appointed officers of the divine court to carry out judgment on the earth (i.e., executioners), mankind is also the expression of consecrated balance, comfort, grace, impartial justice, mercy, and righteousness. It is written: Romans 13: 1-4, King James Version (KJV): 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shown) posted the following:

 

Why did God command humans to wipe out the Amalekites, rather than just do it himself?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley. And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. (1^st Samuel 15: 5-7, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Accountable for Spreading Disbelief (02/02/2020); Judge Not The Appearance (01/12/2020); Do Not Spare Them? (12/15/2019); A Death Penalty Necessary? (11/27/2019); The Sovereignty Of GOD (11/24/2019); Eternal Judgment With Mercy (11/19/2019); Judgment Against The Canaanites (08/01/2018)

 

“Anonymous”, mankind is not merely a divine creation to populate and serve as a caretaker for the earth. Mankind is to exist as a divine instrument and sacred tool that makes otherwise immortal, incorruptible, unseen divinity known, “visible”, and approachable. Mankind displays the image of GOD, and is to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Through humanity there are expressions of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) that include sacred dominion, active presence, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. The divine order and sacred law required for balance and stability of the universe must be acknowledged, carried out, and observed by mankind. The work of eliminating the operations of sin can not be accomplished through the finite tools of mankind such as intellect, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, science, and self-will (human willpower). The operations of GOD must appear that include atonement, correction, death, forgiveness, judgment, mercy, rebirth, resurrection, 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.) Psalms 115: 15-17, King James Version (KJV): 15 Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. 16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. 17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.

(2.) Lamentations 3: 39-45, KJV: 39 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? 40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. 41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. 42 We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned. 43 Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied. 44 Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through. 45 Thou hast made us as the offscouring and refuse in the midst of the people.

(3.) Ezekiel 16: 49-50, KJV: 49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

(4.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ-iXt14nrg.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:22 AM, February 16, 2020 @ https://godanautobiography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1525208_570526823034082_431575956_n.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/15/2019) Do Not Spare Them?

 

Today, reply is on divine wrath against sin, the duty of covenant partners to enforce covenant law, and the faithfulness of GOD as a covenant-keeper. Mankind has ongoing relationship with divinity only through the character, makeup, and operations of GOD, rather than through finite human abilities and self-will. Man must rely on sacred elements that include divine forbearance, grace, faithfulness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, eternal purpose, and wisdom. Correction and punishment from GOD are not arbitrary, capricious, lawless, or imposed without warnings. Those guilty of offenses are granted a season of grace wherein guidance and instruction are available along with opportunities to change, gradually grow, learn, and display improved attitudes and behavior. It is written: Hebrews 12: 3-10, King James Version (KJV): 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 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. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

“Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey” – Is this a command to commit genocide?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the Lord God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you. (Joshua 7: 11-13, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sin Opposes All Existence (12/13/2019); A Death Penalty Necessary? (11/27/2019); Those Who Prefer Evil (09/02/2019); A Divine Covenant Partner (06/11/2019); Blaspheming the Holy Spirit (05/08/2019); Transgression of Sacred Law? (10/25/2018); Judgment Against The Canaanites (08/01/2018)

 

“Anonymous”, the conditions for covenant agreement with GOD include both accepting correction, and cancellation of the relationship with divine fullness. The words you ask about are not being spoken to a gang of liars, thieves, and murderers by a criminal boss to exhort and give license to violence. Rather, they are words from GOD as a jealous, yet, righteous judge spoken against his marriage partners on the earth (the 7 tribes of Canaan) who have betrayed him, entered into adulterous worship with idols and lesser gods, and have scorned all his displays of forgiveness, lovingkindness, and mercy in judgment. GOD speaks to the anointed and ordained officers of the court (we say, the executioners) who are lawfully authorized to carry out sentence against those who repeatedly attack divine order. They are not being surrendered to destruction because of their existence as carnal, finite, and material; because of their ethnicity, race, and national origin; or because of their human limitations and struggles resulting from gender and sexuality. It is not that divinity is pursuing blood because of bias, discrimination, partiality, or prejudice. It is that behaving as incorrigible, their own commitment, process, and substance contradict and oppose the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the universe that makes manifest the invisible person of GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

(1.) Deuteronomy 7: 1-10, King James Version (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.

(2.) Leviticus 26: 13-21, KJV: 13 I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright. 14 But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; 15 And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant: 16 I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17 And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. 18 And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. 19 And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: 20 And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits.

(3.) Hebrews 10: 26-29, KJV: 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvwyLnHtXZ8.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 8:00 PM, December 14, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/89/a0/49/89a0498d5f48ddf5934969fbed0bce20.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/01/2019) Heathen and Pagan Ways

 

Today, reply is on teaching heathen ways and pagan practices among Christians in order to expose and condemn error. It is written: Deuteronomy 12: 29-32, King James Version (KJV): 29 When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; 30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. 31 Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. 32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Fellow Christians: does the Word of God tell us to learn not the ways of the heathens?

If so, what does that mean?

Does that mean to not look for information on how they practice witchcraft, astrology, divination, their pagan holidays, and so on?

Because I know of a ministry where a man reads pagan books and tells Christians exactly how pagans practice tbeir religion. And it made me wonder, is that really what God wants us to do- to go and study the details from pagan books? He does it to point out how wedding rings, Christmas and other things are pagan and against Christianity.

Thank you for your help. God bless!

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18: 15-20, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Acknowledgment Rather Than Surrender (11/07/2018); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); The Cross a Human Sacrifice? (04/18/2016); African American Christmas? (12/15/2015); The Choice of Knowledge? (10/28/2015); Christ Brought A New Nature? (07/15/2015); GOD Rules (07/07/2015)

 

“Anonymous”, the church as the household of GOD, and the community of faith encourages standards and values that otherwise can not be found among mankind. Mature followers of Christ are to display the character, image, and substance of the Savior. Therefore, their relationships should be marked by accountability, balance, consistency, impartiality, stability, and unselfishness. Those called “heathen” in the Scriptures are transgressors of divine law who fashion and worship idols, and those who defile and pollute the true people of GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Psalms 96: 2-10, King James Version (KJV): 2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. 4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. 9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.

2. Psalms 106: 34-41, KJV: 34 They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them: 35 But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. 36 And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. 37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, 38 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood. 39 Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. 40 Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance. 41 And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.

3. 2^nd Timothy 3: 1-7, KJV: 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Romans 16: 17-20, KJV: 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded @ 10:04 PM, August 31, 2019 @ https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLu7tjvZFSI/VtdEYXo8YLI/AAAAAAAAdPU/BdBun0hSy_c/s1600/

Psalm%2B2%2B%2528KJV%2529%2B1-3.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Judgment Against The Canaanites

GOD created the army of Israel led by Joshua having more than 1/2 million men.

 

 

Today, reply addresses the revelation of GOD through continued ongoing judgment.   One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

 

Why did the God of the Bible wage war against the Canaanites?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.  And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.  Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.  (Joshua 3:  9-11, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The First “Chosen” Chosen People (05/03/2018); Being A Holy Nation (02/20/2018); On Recognizing Divine Judgment (01/24/2018); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); Moses Killed? (09/23/2013); Salted with Fire? (09/24/2013); What is Worship? (10/18/2010)

 

“Anonymous”, here are some points that many mature Christian believers are careful to consider:
(1.)  The Creator who uses divine law and judgment to establish mankind and the earth also has used condemnation and widespread destruction to express wrath against sin (e.g., Sodom and the cities of the plains).   Along with displays of awesome authority and power against defiance and rebellion, through such men as Noah, GOD has revealed divinity is forbearing, forgiving, longsuffering, patient, and willing to bestow divine grace.
(2.)  GOD first revealed himself to Moses in a way that indicated his dominion over the natural earth, and used the form of a burning bush whose flaming branches gave off no smoke and left no trace of ashes.  Moses was instructed to acknowledge that he was on ground made holy by the divine presence.  When Moses later asked to physically see the true image of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), GOD passed before Moses once the prophet was placed within a cleft of the rock.  Displaying his deeds and the train that followed himself, GOD proclaimed that he is to be known, spoken of, and understood as a GOD of covenant, law, and judgment, who will punish the guilty, yet, will display mercy.
(3.)  The ten plagues brought against Egypt were not mere demonstrations to intimidate the Egyptians, the surrounding nations, or the 12 tribes of Jacob.  While the plagues were unleashed as an aspect of the deliverance of the twelve tribes, they were sacred events performed as judgments against Pharaoh, the Egyptian people, and the gods of Egypt.
(4.) The invasion by Jacob and plagues that accompanied them were fulfilling GOD’s word of promise and prophecy to Abram, that he would judge against the seven tribes of Canaan who were in covenant with GOD, yet, continued to practice idolatry and sin.  GOD would use his son (the tribes of Jacob) and the mixed multitude that left Egypt to remove the seven covenant-breaking tribes.
There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Deuteronomy 7:  1-8, King James Version (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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/03/2017) The Line of Messiah?

 

 

Today, reply is made to correct errors confusing Jacob’s daughter and the daughter-in-law of Judah.  The origin for the tribe of Judah as the line that would put forth the Messiah is only dimly prefigured in the account of Tamar playing the whore at a time when temple prostitution was widely practiced in Canaan to demand justice after seeking lawful Levirate marriage with the sons of Judah.  Even so, important sacred knowledge is shared on redemption and righteousness.  “Father Dickinson” (Level 1 with 79 points, a member since August 14, 2017) posted the following:

 

This morning, a young man in my study group asked me a question I couldn’t answer. Can some good Christians help?

During my children’s group, “Touching Kids for Jesus”, a young man asked how Jacob’s daughter was moral for tricking him into sex (Genesis chapter 38). What should I have told him?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And this is the blessing of Judah:  and he said, Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people:  let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou an help to him from his enemies.  (Deuteronomy 33:  7, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Faithless Israel, Unfaithful Judah? (08/18/2017); Thoughts on Sexual Relationships (03/07/2017); Law Requires Genuine Righteousness (07/28/2016); Incest? (10/29/2015); Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); The Root of Jesse (01/03/2013); Newness of Spirit? (01/04/2013)

 

“Father Dickinson”, when responding to youth in Bible study and other groups within the community of faith, the safest course is to stick to the daily/weekly lesson book with its guides for teachers and other church workers.  An agreement should be in place that caretakers and teachers will refer children to their own parents for answers at home when responses to their many concerns and questions are not already agreed upon and set by the curriculum.   Given the primary focus and intent of church school studies are to establish the revelation of GOD through Jesus Christ, there are many points that could have been shared that would have been useful, and far less awkward for you.  Consider the following points:

(1.)  The laws regarding marriage as a social institution and codes of sexual behavior under the management of mankind were still developing.  Certainly, the cautions and prohibitions we practice today were not in place; and the detailed laws through the covenant of Moses were yet to become established. 

(2.)  Initially, Levirate marriage was used as a device to preserve tribal identity, cultural purity, sanctification (i.e., being set apart for use by GOD), and family stability among people who were essentially nomads defined by their association with one another, not their location, the property they owned, or territory on the earth.

(3.)  The denial of Tamar by Judah, as the head of a tribe of Jacob, to be properly acknowledged in marriage with his son was a violation of covenant law and promise.  The familial blessings and the priesthood bestowed by GOD to be the inheritance among the 12 sons of Jacob would be become shifted to no longer be on the basis of birth order.  Reuben would lose place to Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh blessed at his death by Jacob), Joseph would lose place to Judah (blessed at his death by Moses), and Levi would have no inheritance as his brothers.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Judah surrendered the emblems of lawful authority over the tribe bearing his name to Tamar.  The first acknowledgment of fault and sin recorded in the holy writings was made by Judah who did not continue in error, and acknowledged that the righteousness of Tamar as greater than his own.  She became the mother of twins, and her sons then became the forbearers of Messiah.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/30/2014) How Many Apostles?

Today, apostleship is considered as a unique role within the church that joins flesh and Spirit in focus upon development and promotion of doctrine as well as both institutional and spiritual works.  Also, there is more on why judgment means GOD is “no more Mr. Nice Guy.”  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using an ID “ajith t” (Level 3 with 1,062 points, a member since May 09, 2007) posted the following:

 

What is the exact count of Apostles? 13?

After removing Judas the disciples selected Matthias. Then Paul is also mentioned as Apostle. So the final twelve disciples are Apostles for the twelve tribes of Israel and Paul the Apostle for Gentiles. That means 13 Apostles?

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  No More “Mr. Nice Guy”? (04/28/2014)—(5.)  Divine judgment may be delayed, postponed, and rescheduled; however, judgment may not be called off, canceled, or left undone.  The demands and procedures for divine judgment are often appear as extreme to finite created beings and living creatures.  This seems particularly so where they lack awareness of various cosmic consequences, and damage to divine order that would result without judgment.  Through the Holy Spirit, many are granted the breadth of vision, sense of accountability, and mature grasp regarding the importance of righteous judgment.  The threats against divinity and eternal order for the universe may not be ignored, and can not be completely and correctly eliminated, or removed without multiple divine operations.  Included are atonement (by blood), cleansing (by water), death, judgment, purging (by fire), sanctification and  separation.  Spiritual operations generated by the wrath of GOD continue in balance with those of divine love, and so, where there is judgment, there is also correction, forbearance, guidance, instruction, mercy, and repentance.

(6.)  When the tribes that had left Egypt approached Canaan, the Promised Land was already defiled and polluted by blood from the crimes of blasphemers, from repeated violation of covenant, from unlawful warfare, from animal and human sacrifices to graven images and the worship of idols and false gods.  The divine operations and justice needed to bring the land back to a condition that would allow its use for divine purposes—for GOD to restore the land—required that the blood of those who had made victims of others, and who had shed the blood of others, also be poured out upon the land.

(7.)  To this very hour there are those who maliciously attack, insult, and provoke GOD as violators of covenant, enemies to the cross of Christ, and those who despise right relationship with divinity.  After a point, such persons are no longer as infants, who unintentionally soil their own mother.  All are to operate with levels of maturity, reason, and understanding.  For those who operate only in terms of actions that are physical and visceral, and may not be appealed to with words, harsh punishments must be used to turn them away from utter destruction.  See Numbers 35:  33-34, Jeremiah 22:  16-17, Ecclesiastes 8:  11, Psalms 1:  1-6, Isaiah 59:  1-21 and Revelation 20:  11-13, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake:  for when I am weak, then am I strong.  I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me:  for I ought to have been commended of you:  for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.  Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.  (2nd Corinthians 12:  10-12, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Spring-training? (04/11/2014); Saul of Tarsus (03/26/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014); Recognizing Divine Wrath? (02/26/2014); In Earthen Vessels (02/27/2014); (02/05/2014) Succession (02/05/2014); On Youth Doing Enough (02/06/2014); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); A Need to Fear? (12/02/2012); The Slave to Law and Sin Made Free (11/16/2012); Lawful Divorce (11/17/2012)

 

“ajith t”, here are a few points of information that may be helpful to those in fellowship through the church of Jesus Christ:

(1.)  There are two meanings or standards that describe the role of an apostle for the church.  On the one hand, an apostle is anyone who manifests divine gifts and prophecy, and goes about within a region (we used to say, rides circuit) to  establish new assemblies and congregations within the church body.  Along with Peter and James, Paul, Barnabas, Luke, Mark, Silas, and Timothy functioned as apostles for the early church.  Today, many clergy serving various denominations use the title of Apostle, in addition to those of Evangelist and Bishop.  The title of Pope was not used in the early church, and is accounted as legitimate only within the Catholic hierarchy.

(2.)  The apostles chosen by Jesus were all selected, prepared, and granted a personal testimony (we say, eye witness experience) to serve as witnesses to the death and resurrection of Jesus.  It is what is termed “the testimony of Jesus” that distinguishes the new testament apostles from all those who had seen the Lord in vision, the Patriarchs and earlier prophets as well as those who would prophesy today using gifts to the church from the Holy Spirit.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Many hold that, as a spiritual role like “Messiah”, the presence of an apostle must be discerned and recognized through the spirit matter that he displays, and other operations of faith within believers.  Because the offices, practices, presbytery, formal roles, and titles of the institutional church often copy management from worldly organizations (such as corporations, fraternal groups, gangs, universities), congregations often fail to acknowledge the continuing presence and work of modern day apostles.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your standing as a genuine believer.

Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?  If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you:  for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.  (1st Corinthians 9:  1-2, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/29/2014) No More “Mr. Nice Guy”?

Covenant, judgment, and the armies of ancient Israel are topics, today.  Also, there is more on anointing for sacred service.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Elvis” (Level 7 with 73,529 points, a member since August 29, 2013) posted the following:

 

Why did God order Joshua to smite (kill) everyone in Al? 

JS 8:22-25 “With the Lord’s approval, Joshua utterly smites the people of Ai, killing 12,000 men and women, so that there were none who escaped”.

God don’t seem very nice to me.

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Anointed? (04/28/2014)—(5.)  The formula for compounding a holy anointing oil is recorded within the Scriptures.  However, those who would create supplies of the sacred oil for secular use, or selfish pleasure were to be excommunicated, and put out of the congregation of Israel.  Like the prescription for incense to be burned within the tabernacle (later the temple), the formula for anointing oil included a number of spices mixed together in specific proportions by weight.  Along with blood (the device used to distribute life essence—we say, breath, spirit, word—throughout flesh), holy ointment was applied to the ark of the testimony, the altars, the utensils, vessels, and those who would minister as priests.  Moses received a peculiar anointing as prophet by abiding within the presence of GOD for forty days and nights in Mount Sinai.  When he returned among the people, his face appeared to shine, and continued to emit glory from GOD.  When Jesus completed a similar act abiding in the mountains for forty days and nights, the Savior was challenged and tested by Satan; and did not return among mankind displaying glory.  It was at his transfiguration, when Moses and Elijah appeared with him, that he was first seen and witnessed manifesting divine glory.  At his appearing to harvest the earth, and remove all those who will continue as joint-heirs having eternal life, Jesus will appear in three-fold glory:  his own, the Father’s, and that of the holy angels.  See Exodus 30:  22-38, Exodus 34:  27-35, Matthew 17:  1-9, Mark 9:  2-10 and Luke 9:  26, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel:  for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.  By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.  Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.  (Hosea 4:  1-3, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sacrificial Relationships? (10/23/2013); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012)

 

“Elvis”, here are a few points you have missed that are necessary for correct understanding of the accounts of Joshua, and the armies of GOD:

(1.)  The primary purpose for “invasion” of the Promised Land was not conquest and a “land grab.”  The tribes of Jacob were herders and a people who used land for grazing and pastoral living.  GOD is to be acknowledged as the creator of the armies of Israel, for the Holy One counseled their generals (first Moses, then Joshua); determined who would serve; equipped all those who would go to combat; and provided strategy and tactics.

(2.)  The people of Canaan had prospered for many years, because they were nations in sacred covenant with GOD.  However, they gradually embraced idolatry and the worship of false gods, and repeatedly violated their sacred contracts.   All the details of their betrayal of GOD and sin against divinity are not recorded.  However, we may use “common sense” and a “child’s imagination” to figure out exactly what they might have done enough to upset GOD to the point of demanding their extinction.

(3.)  The armies of Israel were to be an instrument of divine judgment that would utterly destroy the arrogance, pride, and wickedness of the false covenant partners.  Sin is not very nice, and opposes the continued existence of divine law, of the divine Law Giver, of divine order established for the universe through divine law, and of men and women like me and you.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  GOD is being revealed to created beings and living creatures as a God of Judgment.  The wrath of GOD against sin is a permanent aspect of divinity (like faith, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, and wisdom).  Divine love and wrath are in balance with all the other features of sprit matter within the makeup of GOD, and is not simply emotions or feelings that come and go.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your standing as a genuine believer.

For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant.  Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.  (Ezekiel 16:  59-60, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC