(09/20/2020) Jews In Perpetual Covenant?

Excerpt from Our High Calling where the Sabbath of Creation identified is in perpetual covenant by the 7th Day Adventist Prophetess Ellen G. White.

 

 

Today, reply is on whether the Jews continue to exist as the “chosen people” of GOD. Many Messianic and Christian believers hold that the character, process and substance of GOD are manifest as divine law, and are immutable and unchanging because divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD are being expressed.  Through Jesus Christ, Gentiles and repenting sinners who once were denied as the people of GOD and were called “the Uncircumcion” now experience rebirth and exist as divinity’s new creation.  It is written:  Deuteronomy 7: 6-11, King James Version (KJV):  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.  11 Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

 

Are Jews gods chosen people?

I have heard many Christian preachers say that jews are all gods
people.Galatians 3:28 doesn’t says different.

 

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.  To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:  and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious:  but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient:  whereunto also they were appointed.  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:  which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1^st Peter 2: 1-10, KJV)

 

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus and the Moneylenders (05/10/2020); The Meat That Perishes (01/13/2020); The Tools Of Divinity (12/09/2019); A Divine Covenant Partner (06/11/2019); Sabbath Now and Then?
(08/15/2018); Lost For 40 Years? (09/17/2018); Continuing A Perpetual Covenant (08/03/2017); The Holy Week Continues (04/14/2017)

 

 

“Anonymous”, that Jews through their culture and shared social values still continue to observe aspects of their ancient covenants with divinity is evidenced in the fact that we have just begun the Jewish New Year 5781 following Rosh Hashanah (in Hebrew literally, “head of the year”).  Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holidays or Yamim Noraim (“Days of Awe”), celebrated ten days before Yom Kippur (in Hebrew, “Day of Atonement”).  Mature Messianic Jews and Christian believers hold that the earlier observances to acknowledge the judgment and mercies of GOD have been elevated through the Incarnation and sacrifice of divinity as Jesus Christ who is to be acknowledged as having died in the crucifixion and was resurrected from the dead for the remission of sin on the earth.  As in the Bible and other holy writings, all of human history and the entire range of contact and relationship between GOD as Creator and mankind as the created comes into view.  The Sabbath for divine rest that is shared with mankind was established among the Jews as an emblem and token of their sanctification (i.e., being set apart to serve divinity).  Sabbath-keeping has its value through divine promise and sovereign grace. Many argue that properly understood, the Sabbath appears according to provisions of natural law (the rising and setting of the sun; from sundown to sundown) rather than man-made law, and the Sabbath may not be legislated by churches, governments, and other human institutions.  Moses and the mixed multitude of Gentiles who left Egypt and crossed the Red sea on dry land together would witness the manna that fell for 40 years, the pillar of cloud over their camp by day, and the pillar of fire over their camp by night along with the blessing or the curse that would appear for their observance of the Sabbath.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and Great Is Thy Faithfulness, a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

 

(1.)  Exodus 31: 12-17, King James Version (KJV): 12 And the LORD
spake unto Moses, saying, 13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep:  for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.  14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you:  every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death:  for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.  15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD:  whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.  16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever:  for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was
refreshed.

 

(2.)  Jeremiah 31:  31-37, KJV:  31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with
the house of Judah:  32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:  33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.  34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD:  for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD:  for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.  35 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:  36 If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of
Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.  37 Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

 

(3.)  Hebrews 10:  14-23, KJV:  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.  23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

 

(4.)  Isaiah 58:  13-14, KJV:  13 If thou turn away thy foot from the
sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:  14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father:  for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

 

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually
apprehended. (For example, (5.)  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 11:15 AM, September 20, 2020 @ https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=NZwAgpME&id=213EDEEA2F0A71CB55675E88C0435CC2A59ABD80&thid=OIP.NZwAgpMEDXt2Ytind7ZFOgHaFj&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fimage.slidesharecdn.com%2f08resteng-090524122738-phpapp02%2f95%2f08-rest-eng-16-728.jpg%3fcb%3d1243168326&exph=546&expw=728&q=perpetual+ covenant&simid=608037386455548546&ck=8BEC8E58744958E9AB480E10FB0C2FF0&selectedIndex=23&FORM=IRPRST&ajaxhist=0

 

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

 

(09/14/2020) When Is Anger Ungodly?

Today, reply is on when human anger transgresses sacred law. Properly understood anger is an emotion that itself does not respond to the Spirit of GOD, the law of GOD, nor the intellect and rational faculties within mankind. Anger is an aspect of human potential whereby the living present themselves as having character and inner substance as animal, human, or creatures capable of displaying divine process, purpose, and spirit substance. Anger and its complements (e.g., bitterness, envy, grudges, hate, impatience) do not conform to the demands of logic and reason, therefore anger may cause and produce unintended consequences and effects among material and social beings. Saying this another way, anger can be dangerous, beyond human control, and self-destructive. Where the wrath of GOD against sin appears, it is always a manifesting of the eternal divine nature, not an appearance of temporary emotion or feelings that may pass away. It is written: Ecclesiastes 7: 8-10, King James Version (KJV): 8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:

When does anger become sinful?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. (Ecclesiastes 9: 17-18, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Fullness Includes Wrath (02/23/2020); Sin Opposes All Existence (12/13/2019); The Sovereignty Of GOD (11/24/2019); Divine Anger at Harvest? (05/26/2019); Moses Was Not Divine (04/24/2019); Anger Against Our Parents? (01/10/2019); Jesus Rebuked The Moneychangers? (05/16/2018)

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers are encouraged to regard anger as an expression from operations within ones own flesh rather than a product from the Holy Spirit imparted to believers as life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) from the makeup of GOD. As a human emotion and feeling, many refuse to condemn anger for it is commonly experienced as acceptable, justifiable, natural, normal, and unavoidable. Anger is understood as operating according to mechanical process and natural law rather than sacred law. To the extent that human anger opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the fullness of divine order throughout the universe, human anger also opposes divine forgiveness, redemption, repentance, and salvation. Wrath against sin is an inseparable aspect of divine fullness that the living may receive as a fresh endowment from the ministries of Jesus Christ. Included are balance, commitment, discernment, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, and wisdom. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and We Can Be Kind, a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Galatians 5: 16-26, King James Version (KJV): 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

(2.) Colossians 3: 9-17, 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. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

(3.) Revelation 11: 15-19, KJV: 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. 16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. 18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. 19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) 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 2:10, PM September 13, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/236x/52/11/9a/52119ac516fc1ce1de4851090b414ab5.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/13/2020) GOD Can Forgive Us

 

Today, reply is on divine and human forgiveness. GOD can forgive mankind for the transgression of divine law, for when required to fulfill the sovereign will of divinity, nothing is impossible with GOD. In the same way, tabernacle and temple priests did not cure those with leprosy, yet, were to acknowledge and discern the workings of GOD to declare a leper fit to return to the congregation, men may serve GOD by confirming that other men are forgiven for the transgression of divine law and again are fit as members of the worship community.  As seen through Jesus Christ, expressions of divine forgiveness may appear only when carried out by those consecrated and ordained as an agent and embodiment of divinity with privilege to manifest divine authority and power.  Where sin is divinely forgiven, multiple sacred operations also appear that may include atonement, birth, death, sacrifice, the imparting of spirit substance from the full makeup of divinity, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, and the second death.  Through Jesus Christ the living now may operate as the new creation, and at the coming of Jesus are to become gathered with those raised from the dead who will receive eternal life.  It is written:  2^nd Corinthians 5:  17-19, King James Version (KJV):  17 Therefore if  any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Luigi Shadow” (Level 3 with 1,820 points) posted the following:

 

 

 

Do you agree that if God can forgive us for our sins we should forgive
others for their sins too?

 

 

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord
commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he
had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and
worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay
thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion,
and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went
out, and found one of his fellow-servants, which owed him an hundred
pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat,
saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellow-servant fell down at
his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will
pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison,
till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow-servants saw what
was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all
that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said
unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt,
because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had
compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? And
his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he
should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly
Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one
his brother their trespasses. (Matthew 18: 23-35, KJV)

 

 

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Character Must Appear (08/13/2020);
Forgiveness is not DIY (07/22/2020); Divine Forgiveness Ministers
Grace (07/20/2020); The Outcomes Of Judgment (06/28/2020);
Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); Forgiveness A Sacred Practice (05/28/2020); Believers Are To Forgive (05/17/2020)

 

 

 

“Luigi Shadow”, GOD can forgive, and it is only by the operations and
substance of GOD becoming alive within mankind that men are able to
forgive. Where mankind exercises forgiveness among themselves it is
consistent with the operations of humanity to express the character,
image, and nature of divinity that was imparted from GOD to Adam as
life essence (we say, breath; spirit; utterance; word). Those
living on the earth as vessels of divine fullness are carnal and
material expressions of sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal
purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Forgiveness is not the
outcome of judgment so much as an outcome of grace; and forgiveness
does not provide or replace atonement, confession, and repentance.
Forgiveness reveals the active presence of such inseparable aspects
of the divine makeup as balance, commitment, completeness,
forbearance, lovingkindness, mercy, personhood, oneness without
sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The response to forgiveness
is to be change and correction, rather than punishment. Instead of a
demand for legality and strictness of discipline, there is a
requirement for faithfulness and perseverance. Forgiveness is to
signal a revival of covenant relationship and the continuation of
spiritual development and growth. All divinity (i.e., the Godhead;
the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) participates in the process of
sacred judgment that is ongoing and eternal through the existence and
life of GOD. Because transgression of divine law is also the
violation of all divine order, the removal of sacred spirit from
Creation, and the introduction of imbalance throughout the universe,
death (that first appeared as a tool when establishing Adam as both
male and female yet one) becomes a divine tool along with delay of
judgment, for permitting mankind salvation through discovery, gradual
growth, rebirth, and sanctification. The sanction of death declared
in the law of GOD becomes elimination through the second death,
because through Jesus Christ divinity now allows resurrection from
the dead. Consider again the following that uses language from the
Bible, and the selection from the music ministry of Dallas Holm:

 

(1.)  2^nd Peter 3: 9-15, King James Version (KJV); 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

 

(2.)  Romans 8:  1-9, KJV: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 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.

 

(3.)  Revelation 2: 10-11, KJV: 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days:  be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.  11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

 

(4.)  Revelation 20: 6, KJV: 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

 

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually
apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IzsF5F1xrI.)  Even
so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

 

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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

(10/02/2018) Applying The Divine Standards

 

Today, the reply is on the differences between divine and human qualifications for serving GOD through Jesus Christ. In the same way many refuse to label gossip, innuendo, lying, and slander as the work of the devil, and are willing to view verbal aggression as acceptable among mankind, many believers want to avoid a conclusion that divorce is a sin, or that social behavior is a genuine indicator of ones spiritual condition. Yet, within the church, it may not be denied that patterns of behavior emerge in keeping with having spirit content from the makeup of divinity. Included are gradual growth, permanent change, learning, repentance, and stability. Multiple incidents that display forswearing commitment, immaturity, breach of promise, and self-contradiction do not encourage mutual respect and trust. Even when considering the recent events in government hearings regarding the Supreme Court, the sacred principles and process provided by Jesus Christ should be in effect, for only they continue to mark and set apart those who belong to the Lord as his disciples and followers. The goals to comfort, heal, and show compassion are rarely achieved by complaining, continuing accusations from ones past, law enforcement investigations, or political manipulation that emerge from the flesh. Fitness to serve in the divine priesthood (we say, being ceremonially clean; purity) should appear among all those receiving atonement and sharing themselves as living sacrifices where Jesus Christ is named as High Priest. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Patty” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since October 01, 2018) posted the following:

 

An assistant pastor has been divorced 2 times. Is single at this time. Is he qualified to hold this position in the church?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (1^st Peter 4: 14-19, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Bible Definitions Of Sin (09/30/2018); Those Apt To Teach? (06/20/2018); Standards For Godly Behavior (02/01/2018); Caution! Work In Progress (10/19/2017); All Have Come Short (10/11/2017); Sanctify Yourselves for Tomorrow (05/07/2017); Temporal and Eternal Judgment (02/15/2017); Servants To The Body? (01/17/2017)

 

“Patty”, because the operations and process of the church must be different from that for the World, among many Christian believers, your question will be understood as asking “Is the assistant pastor faithful (i.e., filled with the Holy Spirit)?” There is a danger when judging those who seem to be sent by GOD and to be the Lord’s anointed (e.g., clergy; evangelists; prophets) that GOD will be unjustly accused. On surface, we should expect that human behavior focusing on things carnal, material, secular, and social will not be same as that expressing accountability, commitment, and devotion to GOD. In the church, such elements as forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, reverence, wisdom, and wrath against sin are to be understood as making visible the character, makeup, and substance of divinity; and are to routinely appear within those who are born again as tools and vessels of the “active presence” whom we honor as our GOD. Discerning faith and the other inseparable aspects imparted to indwell mankind from the divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is a sacred process that pertains to being in accord, acknowledgment, “oneness” without “sameness,” recognition, and the display of godliness.

Behavior in marriage includes the expression of appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings) and sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) along with communicating emotion/mind (e.g., anger, fantasy, fear, recall). Only where marriage acknowledges a joining to divinity (we say, holy matrimony; sacred union; the two become one flesh, and GOD is the other) are we correct to expect to see the expressions of rebirth that include completeness,maturity, obedience to divine law, sacred practice (we say, sacraments), sobriety, and unselfish service.

For those existing as the church, the body of Christ on the earth, ongoing judgment establishes the resolution of conflicts and the settlement of disputes through the application of divine law. In addition to impartiality, judgment must display balance, consistency, mercy, restraint, and righteousness. Correction and restoration are more the objectives of judgment than displaying disfavor or punishment. As an aspect of revelation, judgment further proclaims the personhood and sovereign will of divinity. Forgiveness may respond to (yet does not cancel) the sanctions against sin that are written within the law. Resurrection of the dead permits all to appear before GOD in required living tribunals. Thus, touching judgment, circumspection and discretion are to appear with openness and thoroughness; the confidentiality and secrecy of confession and private prayer may not appear. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Malachi 3: 13-18, King James Version (KJV): 13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? 14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? 15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. 16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 2: 9-15, KJV: 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

(3.) Matthew 18: 15-17, KJV: 15 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. 16 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. 17 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Matthew 5: 13, KJV: 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/27/2018) GOD’s Will Be Done

 

Today, reply is on Jesus Christ as a one-of-a-kind provision for mankind and the total elimination of sin that is the second death.  For divinity to complete and fulfill all of the determinations expressing eternal purpose and sovereign will the obstacles presented through the operations of sin all must be removed in such a way they may never appear again.  Included are covetousness, defiance, disbelief, fear, idolatry, ignorance, irreverence, rebelliousness, presumption, pride, skepticism, stubbornness, and ungratefulness.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Joseph Stalin” (Level 1 with 102 points, a member since April 23, 2018) posted the following:

 

Can Christians Explain why Jesus is like this?

”if you don’t believe in me you will go to hell”

 

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, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Law Is Demanding (04/10/2018); Incurring “The Second Death” (04/02/2018); Opposing The Divine Will (03/30/2018); Satan’s Challenge to Divinity (03/27/2018); An Act of GOD? (12/20/2017); Determining What Is Sin (06/15/2017); Divine Knowing, Finite Will? (09/28/2016); Finite Will, Self-will and Sin? (06/01/2015)

 

“Joseph Stalin”, Christ is speaking to mankind in terms of divine imperatives, consecrated mercy, and the sovereign will of GOD not merely human ego, intellect, pride, and violence.  In the same way men and women on the earth need guidance, instruction and clear warnings to maintain hygiene and health for their physical body (e.g., counsel on diet, foods, and nutrition), humans also need preparation and structure for continuing intimate relationships, emotional and psychological stability, confidence, and the health of their mind.  Our survival as independent and living persons also requires a correct acknowledgement of conditions, operations, and purposes established by our unseen, yet knowable, Creator that determine the possibilities for our existence, fulfillment, quality, and value.

There are pre-existing conditions and limitations for everyone of us born in the flesh that either continue our duration, or result in our death.  Included are patterns and regularities described as appetite; elimination of poisons and waste that may collect within the body; sensation (e.g., hearing, tasting, touching); emotion/mind; the need to replenish and replace our resources that become depleted and exhausted; and the operations of sin.  Sin is no ordinary object that we might hold in our hand, or put into our pocket; yet, sin opposes the existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and divine order throughout the entire universe.  Sin has not been created by divinity, and is vain (i.e., lacks spirit substance from the makeup of GOD).  Even so, the operations of sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (we also say, willpower) in created beings and living creatures. 

Human potential, and what may be displayed as the character and nature of mankind includes (1) expression of personhood driven by an animal nature, a human nature, a divine nature, or a mix and simultaneous appearance of all three; (2) personhood that is immature and underdeveloped; and (3) personhood restricted to secular knowledge and lacking sacred knowledge.  Without the one-of-a-kind provisions from GOD that include divinity appearing in the form of a man (we say, Incarnation; Jesus Christ; the Son of GOD), the living fail to realize that sin is contrary to the highest expression of humanity, promotes non-existence, and is self-destructive.  Through Jesus Christ, divinity has demonstrated sovereign authority to restore life (we say, raise the dead; resurrection); has revealed mercy in judgment as an eternal purpose; and has shown that the elimination of sin requires annihilation, the second death.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Ezekiel 18:  4, King James Version (KJV):  4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine:  the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

(2.)  Luke 19:  10, KJV:  10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

(3.)  Ezekiel 18:  19-24, 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.

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/12/2018) Sacred Operations By GOD

The painting depicts GOD as a burning bush declaring his name and responding to the unspoken request by Moses that he “show his glory.”

 

Today, reply describes the sacred operations of GOD as being empty and void of such fleshly and temporal elements such as alchemy and pseudo-science; devotion to the occult; idolatry; imagination; magic, sorcery, and witchcraft as well as superstition.  As lawful and necessary elements for the revelation of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), expressions of sacred prerogative and sovereign will, divinity also may  provide and share sacred events (we say, miracles), marvels, eternal purpose, signs (i.e., spirit-filled events to authenticate the divine origin for promises, prophecy, etc.), and wonders.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Where in the Bible does God grant someones wish?

They asked God for something and God gave it to them.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.  Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,  I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.  And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,  Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears:  behold, I will heal thee:  on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.  And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.  And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.  And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?  And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken:  shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?  And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees:  nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.  And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD:  and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.  (2nd Kings 20:  1-11, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Hope That Is True (02/20/2017); Beyond Anything We Imagine? (11/13/2015); About Deluding Yourself? (09/22/2014); About Deluding Yourself? (09/23/2014); Miracles Are From GOD (03/14/2014); Giving Forgiveness? (03/15/2014); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, the operations of divinity are not directed to fantasy, magic, and the granting of wishes.  Even so, the processes of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) do respond to sacred communication (e.g., confession, prayer, repentance), exchange, and ongoing relationships with created beings and living creatures in terms of addressing their needs and survival (e.g., food; shelter; water; meaningful work, activity, and rest); affirming promise; fulfilling prophecy; performing sacred events (we say, miracles), providing requested signs, and discharging the sanctions (rewards and punishments) declared as aspects of divine law.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Exodus 33:  16-23, King James Version (KJV):  16 For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.  17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken:  for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.  18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.  19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.  20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face:  for there shall no man see me, and live.  21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:  22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:  23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

(2.)  1st Chronicles 21:  15-17, 15 KJV:  15 And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.  16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.  17 And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father’s house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

(3.)  John 5:  1-11, KJV:  1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.  2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.  3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.  4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.  5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.  6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?  7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool:  but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.  8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.  9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked:  and on the same day was the sabbath.  10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day:  it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.  11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Peter 2:  21-25, KJV:  21 For even hereunto were ye called:  because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:  22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:  23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:  24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:  by whose stripes ye were healed.  25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

 

 

 

(04/10/2018) Divine Law Is Demanding

 

Today, reply is on how sacred law that is to manifest divine authority, power, and displeasure is not inflexible, oppressive, and rigid, for divine law is mediated and softened through multiple aspects of divinity.  Included are faith, gratitude, humility, mercy, personhood, respect, righteousness, trust, and wisdom.  To address every detail of Creation establishing oneness without sameness the law must be comprehensive, diffuse, and spiritual.  There can be neither justice nor peace without the correction and guidance of godly law.  Where divine law may be thought of as fixed and immutable, the divine fullness yet should be understood as fluid, capable of spontaneity, manifesting faithfulness, and relying on diversity rather than change.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (UK & Ireland)” using the ID “Bruce” (Level 7 with 111,029 points, a member since August 12, 2007) posted the following:

Is God a comforting fantasy, or is he a jealous, vindictive bully? Aren’t these contradictory accusations?

If God is demanding and willing to send his enemies to hell, he is hardly the wish-fulfilling sugar daddy envisioned by Freudians. Dawkins’s diatribe at least recognizes God is someone to be feared, as Jesus taught.
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/23651-t...

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.  (Psalms 119:  75, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Opposing The Divine Will (03/30/2018); Sacred Law and Practice (02/12/2018); The Option of Atheism (02/11/2018); Jesus Came To Fulfill? (01/16/2018); Thoughts On Divine Personhood (12/07/2017); Jesus Demonstrated Perfected Humanity (10/29/2017); Balance, Forgiveness and Justice (08/08/2017); A GOD of Judgment (12/01/2015)

 

“Bruce”, among most mature Christian believers divinity is not experienced as a bully, a tormenter, or a tyrant.  The gentleness, goodness, and lovingkindness of GOD is real.  Those who attack GOD as being cruel, harsh, and unfeeling usually do so expressing disbelief, ignorance, or spiritual confusion.  Perhaps, the true target for their complaints should be the divine law, for the law is holy, perfect and unyielding, and is designed to express wrath against sin.  It is the personhood of Deity that puts forth the law, administers, and applies sacred law.  Therefore, divine judgment also; includes inseparable aspects of divinity such as forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, mercy, and righteousness.

The demands of divine law are correctly discerned and recognized as challenging, exacting, and rigorous.  Because the law is impartial, the law may appear to be indifferent and unresponsive to aspects of the living that make one prone to error and vulnerable.  Included are desire, feelings, ignorance, imagination, lust, and uncertainty.  Sacred law makes known and reveals the sovereign will of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).  Law imparts sacred knowledge to  created beings and living creatures that pertains to the character and nature of the active presence who is GOD, their eternal purposes as well as their continuing operations and process.  The law describes and proclaims patterns and requirements for maintaining balance, completeness, communication, and stability within covenant, familial, and promissory relationships with GOD. 

GOD is not in conflict with divine law, yet, through the operations of sin mankind is.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and divine order throughout the universe.  Without divine law, and fresh endowments of imparted, indwelling Spirit from divinity, the living fail to correctly grasp that sin is contrary to their own existence and survival.  Sin may not be eliminated or removed by relying on finite tools of intellect, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, science, and self-will (will power).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Leviticus 19:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,  2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy:  for I the LORD your God am holy.  3 Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths:  I am the LORD your God.

(2.)  Leviticus 20:  6-8, KJV:  6 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.  7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy:  for I am the LORD your God.  8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them:  I am the LORD which sanctify you.

(3.)  Psalms 101:  1-8, KJV:  1 I will sing of mercy and judgment:  unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.  2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.  3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:  I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.  4 A froward heart shall depart from me:  I will not know a wicked person.  5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off:  him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.  6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me:  he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.  7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house:  he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.  8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Timothy 3:  16-17, KJV:  16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(03/09/2018) Whoso Keepeth His Word

 

Today, response is on why the New Testament doctrine and revelation provides greater focus on divine love.  Mankind’s most urgent need has not been for more law from GOD, new law, or “better” godly law.  Rather than eternal, immutable law, the aspects of divine fullness that may be most suited to continuing, nourishing, and maintaining fruitful and productive relationships with created beings and living creatures include balance, completeness, faithfulness, love, oneness without sameness, personhood, presence, righteousness, unselfish giving, and truth.  Grounded through fresh endowments of such elements from the divine makeup, the living may more readily realize multiple possibilities for existence as life companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity.  Mankind has been shown that in the process and operations of GOD even enduring pain, dying, humiliation, living with those who are unkind, resurrection, suffering, and the second death also are expressions of sovereign love.  The writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “2FollowHim” (Level 7 with 128,011 points, a member since January 24, 2010) posted the following:

 

Christians, why does the NT emphasize that we love one another?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.  And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:  And he is the propitiation for our sins:  and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:  hereby know we that we are in him.  (1st John 2:  1-5, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Salvation By Good Works? (03/08/2018); Jesus Came To Fulfill? (01/16/2018);  …And They Will Know (10/23/2017); To Define “Godly Love” (08/20/2017); The Practice of Love (07/27/2017); No Fear In Love? (05/17/2017); Divine Law Expresses Love (05/10/2017); Herein Is True Love (10/21/2016)

 

“2FollowHim”, the message of divine love speaks to the eternal possibilities for the living to become joined to GOD  through their own makeup and inner substance imparted from GOD as breath (life essence; spirit; Word).  The entire library of sacred books from Genesis to Revelation is intended to make divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable to created beings and living creatures on the earth, and in the heaven.  Life events on the earth among the Jews, who had been chosen by GOD to serve as his “peculiar people,” even included that divinity would become Incarnate and “visible” through the person of Jesus Christ.  However, many barriers to the acceptance of GOD using human form had been established through practices, traditions, and understandings that set the Creator apart more as an abstraction, or an artifact whose existence depended on sacred law.  Unknowingly for many, the law itself became an idol, the embodiment of a divinity.  Covenant relationship was not through the personhood of GOD so much as by divine authority, demands, and inherited obligations.  

The teachings from Jesus did not annul or condemn the doctrines from Moses.  The more complete revelation of GOD provided as the new testament written in the blood of Jesus Christ, promotes the understanding that love goes beyond affection, family feeling, and romantic desire.  The spirit makeup and substance of love from GOD is directed even to adversaries, enemies, and sinners appearing as immutable and unchanging atonement, forbearance, forgiveness, impartiality in judgment, mercy, restraint, righteousness, and unselfish sacrifice.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 30:  19-20, King James Version (KJV):  19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:  therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:  20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:  for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:  that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

(2.)  Luke 10:  25-29, KJV:  25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?  26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?  27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.  28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right:  this do, and thou shalt live.  29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

(3.)  Romans 13:  8-12, KJV:  8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another:  for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.  9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour:  therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.  11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:  for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand:  let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

There is far more to be said, thoughtfully practiced, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st John 4:  7-11, 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/19/2017) GOD Protects the Faithful

The Shepherd David Triumphant (1895) by Elizabeth Jane Gardner

 

Today, thoughts are shared on David the shepherd boy, divine protection, and sacred process within covenant relationships.  What Christian believers once regarded as their need for divine interventions and protection will become permanently changed, for Christians all are in an ongoing process that transforms their consciousness, and the operations of their self-will.  The full revelation of divinity to mankind requires both that humanity endures suffering and that GOD also suffers incarnate (i.e., using flesh and material form).  In place of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, born again and developing believers are to abide in the assurances from GOD through his Son, Jesus Christ.  Sacred events (miracles) are hidden amidst the disasters.  Loss, tragedy, and suffering are overcome when properly seen in the light of unchanging principles, sacred promises, and prophecies that are still unfolding.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

 
Christians, why does’t god/Jesus protect the faithful? and in times of suffering, he suffers with you, but does nothing to really help.?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:  and whom he called, them he also justified:  and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  (Romans 8:  26-32, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Continuing A Perpetual Covenant (08/03/2017); What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); The Greatest Weapon? (12/17/2015); GOD is Faithful (12/03/2015); That GOD Is Faithful? (08/31/2015); No Divine Protection? (10/02/2014); His Authority in Judgment? (10/03/2014); Prince of Peace? (07/18/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, at a time when we have multiple incidents of violence occurring in churches, the revelation from GOD declares that he is faithful; and the focus must be that his created become faithful as well.  When David—the shepherd boy who was anointed by the Prophet Samuel to later reign as king over Israel—was attacked by a lion and by a bear, GOD did not intervene to deliver David by slaying the two beasts for the boy.  So to speak, David was to do for himself what was required, and what he was equipped to do.  David had prepared himself for such a confrontation by practicing long hours to develop accuracy and power with the sling shot, a military weapon of its day.  This skill also would later be used by David in praise to GOD on the battlefield against the giant warrior Goliath.

Where sinners first approach Christ, many are anchored in appetite, lust for material things, carnal reason, and ambition for social standing.  The “mechanical” and routine challenges of life are often thought of as suffering (e.g., bereavement and having to complete mortality; having to buy food repeatedly; paying for shelter by a mortgage or rent; arriving to work on time; keeping ones word in a relationship; having to endure the enmity of friends).  More correctly, Christian believers are to acknowledge that those things are for preparation.  Mankind and other finite, created beings and living creatures are being used by divinity to make the character and substance of GOD knowable, known, accessible, approachable, and even, visible.  It is the integrity of the living to exist as interdependent, self-aware, and separate from GOD by having discrete consciousness, personhood, and self-will (willpower).  

The divine protection most needed by mankind is not against the Adversary (the Devil), for like David, born again and developing believers are all disciplined and equipped for violent confrontations.  Thus, the shield that only GOD may provide includes atonement and propitiation; protection against corruption (decay, defilement, rot) of ones life essence (breath, spirit, Word) imparted from the makeup of GOD; discernment (ability to apply and use ones own spirit content as a standard to recognize and respond to deposits of divine spirit within sacred law, events, oneself, other persons, practices, prophecy, the holy writings, etc.); sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge that exposes the operations of sin that oppose the continued existence of divine law, the law giver, and the fullness of Creation; and judgment that annuls the second death.

The divine process for mankind is one of transformation that includes resurrection from the dead.  The grace of GOD is to be acknowledged as sufficient for mankind; and the sacred need of the living is more for assurance and sealing, rather than deliverance, protection, and rescue by emergency response teams.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  James 4:  6-8, King James Version (KJV):  6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

(2.)  Isaiah 54:  17, KJV:  17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 1:  21-22, KJV:  21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;  22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  John 10:  27-29, KJV:  27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC