(12/06/2019) Customs of the People

A mosaic depicting Moses acknowledging the presence of GOD, yet, not worshiping the burning bush.

 

Today, reply is to divine declarations of displeasure with the performance of appointed offering, sacrifices and worship by Israel. Many still adhere to the counsel from King Solomon accounted as wisdom where he advises gravity, sobriety and sorrow to the people of GOD as more profitable than merriment. More correctly, Christian believers are to understand eternal purpose and the sacred substance within their own attitudes, behavior and conduct are the actual focus for relationship with divinity, rather than emotional expressions and social concerns. It is written: Nehemiah 8: 8-12, King James Version (KJV): 8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. 11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. 12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Hoosier Daddy?” (a.k.a. “The Real Joker”; Level 1 with 88 points) posted the following:

 

If GOD hates your feast day why are you celebrating them? What are you really celebrating? Do you even know?

Amos 5:21-23

21 I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.

22 Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.

23 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.

Jeremiah 1010 Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:2 Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. (Psalms 119: 108, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Sovereignty Of GOD (11/24/2019); Sin Depicted Using Flesh (11/22/2019); Why Do They Sing? (11/14/2019); Worshiping A Man-made Object (11/04/2019); Why Paul Observed Tradition (07/10/2018); Idolatry — Exalting Human Devices? (09/21/2017); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016)

 

“The Real Joker”, the covenant relationship established by GOD using Moses and the tribes of Jacob to fulfill the divine promise to Abraham was put forth as a “perpetual covenant.” Even so, the holy writings report there were many occasions when divine displeasure and the wrath of GOD against sin were expressed as rejection of the lifestyles and worship observances within both Judah and the Northern Kingdom (called Israel, Samaria, and the 10 tribes). The North rejected rule by the house of David, and Temple worship at Jerusalem; and actually embraced worshiping the Golden Calf from Egypt. Correction appeared in many forms that even included conquest and occupation of the Promised Land by their enemies as well as expulsion and assimilation from their homeland through captivity and exile. The continuation, recovery, and reconciliation with divinity as the peculiar people of GOD are to be seen as mercy and salvation provided to those who have been found guilty in divine judgment. More than this, fresh expressions of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD were granted as the further revelation of divine commitment. Divinity appeared among the living on the earth using flesh and blood (we say, Incarnation) as Jesus Christ. The issues of false worship, idolatry, and sin were not eliminated or erased so much as they were overshadowed by the gifts and grace from GOD: (1) Jesus as a lamb of sacrifice for atonement and propitiation; (2) opportunities for sinners to be born-again through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead; (3) believers displaying a fresh endowment of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD; and (4) deliverance from the second death. Christian believers are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the image of GOD, and the character of Jesus while living on the earth. All are to become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (the Second Coming). Rather than insistence upon the formal ceremonies, memorials, and “letter of the law,” emphasis is now upon the righteousness of divinity and how the spirit within the law exists within the believer. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

(1.) John 7: 24, King James Version (KJV): 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

(2.) Malachi 1: 6-11, KJV: 6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? 7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. 8 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. 9 And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts. 10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

(3.) Isaiah 54: 7-13, KJV: 7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. 9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. 10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. 11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. 12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. 13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5n4ZdyHJOg.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 6:20 PM, December 05, 2019 @ http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RgSfThuFUHg/UTOZLYBRO6I/AAAAAAAADk0/rm_Klh23goc/s1600/Burning+bush+1.JPG

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/26/2019) Are Christian Women Low-rated?

According to the Leverite law, Tamar was to marry the son of Judah; when Judah repeatedly required that she wait, she entrapped him by disguising herself as a harlot.

 

Today, reply is on sacred law being biased against females, and what appears to some as a widespread low regard for the worthiness of females as full members of the body of Christ. For many such bigotry and prejudice are disturbing, for there is an inarguable excellence for women above men, because only females may serve as those who actually bear children as fruit within their own bodies, and who fulfill the unchanging eternal purpose of GOD wherein mankind independent from divinity reproduces to populate the earth. Many feel that sacred practice as commanded in the law of jealousy is overly harsh and unfeeling. Even so, a woman has rights to receive inheritance as a primary heir; and there are specific laws to continue the integrity of her father’s name over her estate so that his family does not lose through marriage their allotted portion of the Promised Land provided by GOD to their tribe through Moses and Joshua. Going further, Jesus Christ taught as a principle when applying covenant law that mercy is better than sacrifice. Abuse and cruelty against women are condemned and forbidden. It is written: Malachi 2: 12-16, King James Version (KJV): 12 The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts. 13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. 14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. 15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

 

Why do Christians think women’s lives are worthless unless they are incubating a fetus?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. (Proverbs 19: 14, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Purposes Are Unchanging (04/22/2019); Help Meet For Man? (04/12/2019); Purity For Sacred Truth (12/17/2018); The Priesthood of Adam (11/02/2018); Childbearing Pertains to Judgment? (02/23/2018); Sodom and Gomorrah Again? (05/30/2016); The Gender of Divinity? (09/13/2014); Saved in Childbearing (10/31/2012); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012)

 

“Anonymous”, you appear to have little understanding of the sacred knowledge that is shared among developing and mature Christian believers. Christian belief is having continuous consciousness of the existence and operations of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Christianity is broad and forward-looking, and goes beyond the finite human frameworks for philosophy, science, and secular knowledge as well as the human tools for time and space. Women are accounted as valuable members of the full body and indispensable partners who continue the ministry on earth of Jesus Christ.

Created beings and living creatures can become conscious of, and respond to, divinity as active presence that appears through multiple operations of spirit substance using objects in the earth. Included are things carnal, concrete, material, mechanical, physical, social, tangible, and visible. A process of reproduction through intercourse and sexual joining has been provided to mankind little different from that bestowed on the different animal and other pairs. The process of conception, development, and birth occurs displaying fixed patterns and sequences governed by mechanical and natural law, more than through divine law and direct sacred intervention as with the birth of the prophets Jeremiah, John the Baptist, or Jesus Christ.

While women do appear as a prophet (we say, prophetess) in Old Testament writings, through the covenant laws provided to Moses, Joshua, and others, females were denied a place in priesthood until New Testament times. The historian and gospel-writer Luke reports females who maintained and supervised places for gatherings of Christian congregations (churches) within their own homes. Even so, until Jesus Christ, females and all Gentiles appear to have been censured, condemned, and labeled as greater sinners than Hebrew males. Correctly understood, because of their menstrual cycle and likelihood of defilement through their flesh (in particular, their blood), the sacred law required women be set apart from the men of the congregation to re-dedicate themselves to GOD as would a Levite in private prayer with fasting, offerings, and supplication. Seeming to continue to acknowledge principles shared among the Pharisees, the Apostle Paul provided instruction to the early church that has continued unto this day. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Leviticus 12: 1-7, King James Version (KJV): 1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. 3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled. 5 But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days. 6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: 7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.

2. Genesis 38: 24-26, KJV: 24 And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. 25 When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. 26 And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. 1^st Timothy 2: 8-15, KJV: 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 1: 18 PM, August 25, 2019 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rK3jRgjw6Wk/maxresdefault.jpg

 

AN AFTERTHOUGHT: The law from GOD to transform the loosely organized tribes of Jacob to appear as a legitimate nation among the existing kingdoms of the world correctly acknowledged the differences between females and males regarding issues of endurance, health, and stability. Women were to demonstrate repentance through calm, humility, modesty, quietness, respect, and piety. The purpose of divine law was not to legislate conduct and deportment by imposing etiquette and manners, so much as it was to establish a human community on the earth that would display the spirit of GOD. In no way did the law of GOD give males license to belittle, enslave, mock, or torment their intended life companions and partners from GOD. In the Scriptures we see that women maintained their own property, operated businesses, and even served as deliverers in times of war. Many of the traditions begun with Adam and Eve were eventually written into the judgments and codes of law delivered by Moses, Joshua, and others as the expressed will of GOD.

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/29/2017) Bible Borders and Walls

 

Today, reply is shared on the use of border walls in the Scriptures.  The acknowledgment of fixed boundaries and the identification of locations on the earth as specially blessed of GOD are in keeping with the principles and demands for divine order.  For many centuries, those who were the keepers of divine mystery in the earth wandered as nomads.  While they left behind no permanent housing they often left a “footprint” of sacred altars and life-saving wells of water.  Multiple structures were already in place for those who entered the Promised Land with Joshua.  Perhaps the most important function of walls for Israel was that they served as landmarks, and made visible their inheritance as a people chosen of GOD.  In addition to being used as barriers to control the movement and traffic of foreigners and strangers, walls were defensive weapons used against siege warfare, and an enhancement to beautify cities and provide the appearance of strength and prosperity.  The description of the New Jerusalem that appears in Scripture as the Bride of Christ and the Holy City provides details of its twelve foundations, its single wall, and its twelve gates.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “LovelyGiraffe” (Level 7 with 36,599 points, a member since April 24, 2008) posted the following:

 

Biblically Speaking, does God ordain Border Walls ?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.  And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,  Having the glory of God:  and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;  And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:  On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.  And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.  And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth:  and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.  (Revelation 21:  9-16, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Faithless Israel, Unfaithful Judah? (08/18/2017); The Earth Made New (11/13/2013); Hierarchy (11/14/2013); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); The Root of Jesse (01/03/2013); Newness of Spirit? (01/04/2013)

 

“LovelyGiraffe”, the borders, countries, and land promised to Abraham that would become the inheritance of those in covenant with Moses are described in the Book of Joshua, chapters 13-20.  The holy writings describe many massive building projects that include the Tower of Babel, the monuments of Egypt, the ark of Noah, and the Temple at Jerusalem.  Speaking to the building of border walls in particular, consider the following points that use the language of the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Chronicles 14:  2-8, King James Version (KJV):  2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:  3 For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:  4 And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.  5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images:  and the kingdom was quiet before him.  6 And he built fenced cities in Judah:  for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.  7 Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.  8 And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand:  all these were mighty men of valour.

(2.)  Nehemiah 1:  1-4, KJV:  1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,  2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.  3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach:  the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.  4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

(3.)  Nehemiah 4:  16-18, KJV:  16 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.  17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.  18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Proverbs 25:  28, KJV:  28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(08/18/2017) Faithless Israel, Unfaithful Judah?

GOD IS ANGRY WITH THE WICKED EVERY DAY

 

Today, points are shared responding to a comparison of Israel and Judah as “the wicked.”  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 16,585 points, a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:

 

In the bible do you think that a wicked person could be somebody who operates by false principles and not God’s principles?

For example – somebody who hates poor people – somebody who hates rich people – somebody who hates white people – somebody who hates black people – somebody who hates disabled people – somebody who hates powerful people – somebody who hates children – somebody who hates seniors etc…

A wicked person isn’t always somebody who operates by no principles but somebody who operates by false principles

This is why in the bible God said “faithfless Israel is better than unfaithful Judah.”

the one who operates by no principles is better than the one who operates by false principles

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The LORD shall judge the people:  judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.  Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just:  for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.  My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.  God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.  (Psalms 7:  8-11, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Fear, Revelation and Desire (05/22/2017); Hell and The Cross? (04/10/2016); Slaves to Sin? (04/13/2015); Gentiles and the Law? (09/19/2013); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013); Only One GOD (09/14/2013); Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013); Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013)

 

“Breakthrough”, many are not familiar with the “background” important to the comparison made above.  Here are some points you all might find useful:

(1.)  Israel (also called, The Northern Kingdom, Ephraim and Samaria) was  created when rule by the House of David was rejected, and is not the same as Israel (the United Kingdom).  Rehoboam, the Son of Solomon, announced that his policies would be more demanding and oppressive than those of his father, thus, ten tribes abandoned him, and chose to follow Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had been exiled into Egypt.  Ephraim was taken into captivity by the Assyrians; hundreds of years later, Judah was exiled using the Babylonians.

(2.)  1st Kings 12:  26-31, King James Version (KJV):  26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:  27 If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.  28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem:  behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.  29 And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.  30 And this thing became a sin:  for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.  31 And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.

(3.)  2nd Kings 17:  22-24, KJV:  22 For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;  23 Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.  24 And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel:  and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.

(4.)  Jeremiah 3:  6-8, KJV:  6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.  7 And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it.  8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

(5.)  Ezekiel 16:  48-54, KJV:  48 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.  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.  51 Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done.  52 Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they:  they are more righteous than thou:  yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters.  53 When I shall bring again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then will I bring again the captivity of thy captives in the midst of them:  54 That thou mayest bear thine own shame, and mayest be confounded in all that thou hast done, in that thou art a comfort unto them.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  Ezekiel 16:  59-63, KJV:  59 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.  60 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.  61 Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger:  and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.  62 And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD:  63 That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(01/04/2013) Newness of Spirit?

      Newness of spirit, righteousness and Sabbath keeping are major topics, today; and there is more on the promises of GOD through the root of Jesse. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “SabbathDayFreedom” (Level 4 with 4,419 points, a member since December 1, 2007) posted the following:

When one observes the sabbath in the Newness of spirit how is that so very different from oldness of letter?

of the Law?

Additional Details

How and WHY did Jesus keep God’s Law was it a have to thing or a great LOVE thing

THE BATTLE AXE: The Root of Jesse (01/03/2013)—All the promises to mankind recorded in the holy writings were first established as commitments by GOD the Father to the Son, before the creation of heaven and earth. The name “David” is used in Scripture referring to the Old Testament king of Judah as well as to Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament, the appearance of GOD in flesh. First Adam, later David, was chosen as the one in whom, and through whom, the divine promises for an eternal kingdom, that were granted to the Son of GOD, would be fulfilled in the earth. This is a device similar to that found with Abraham: The promises of GOD to the Son appear as covenants and promises to Abraham, then, are fulfilled to and through the offspring and succeeding generations following Abraham. The promises to the Son of GOD are proclaimed in David, and carried out through his offspring that includes the Christ. More than this, the promises to the Son of GOD that were to be fulfilled through Aaron and others of Levi, that they would have an eternal priesthood, were transferred to the tribe of Judah, and therefore can be lawfully declared as fulfilled in Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 7: 11-28, King James Version).

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) (Romans 2: 12-15, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Knowing Who Your Real Friends Are (12/11/2012); Scriptures To Reassure (03/05/2012); Purity of Heart (03/06/2012); Law Violated? (11/21/2011); Sunday? (01/16/2011); Childhood Cancers? (01/17/2011); Annual Feasts (12/29/2010); The Afterlife? (12/30/2010); Lord of Sabbath (12/25/2010); A Holy Ghost? (12/26/2010)

      The eternal, unchanging aspect of covenant relationship, of all divine law, of all heartfelt love, and of dutiful obedience is one and the same: righteousness. This one element underlies such diverse commands as “thou shalt not steal,” “thou shalt not commit adultery,” and “thou shalt remember the Sabbath day.” Righteousness is always demonstrated and made visible through the action and behavior of created beings and living creatures when they forgo acting upon self-will to carryout and fulfill divine purpose (as when men submit to (obey) sacred law (i.e., the expressed will of GOD).

      The voluntary putting aside of ones own will to acknowledge, benefit and respect another is one of the most powerful indicators of love. In dealing with Almighty GOD as the Creator, it is the putting aside of self-will that constitutes acknowledgment and acceptable worship. More than this, where ones will is transformed through death, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification, divinity and the law are internalized. By faith, reborn believers operate in accordance with the godly aspects of will that now reside within themselves; that is, they obey the law of GOD as the natural expression of their own makeup and person, not as an external standard from another.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the law of GOD, the Spirit of GOD, and the Word of GOD always agree; and for mature believers, there is no confusion or contradiction among them. Although believers operate as new creatures—those having the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD within themselves, and acknowledging the Lord our Righteousness—the new life is not one of “do as you please,” pride, and self promotion. Rather, it is heightened awareness of the Holy marked by such elements as commitment, hope, humility, and meekness spirit.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC