Today, thoughts are shared on the birth of Jesus and the establishment of lasting covenants among the Jews as a people through their rejection of the Lord as Messiah and Savior. Christian believers are commanded to pray for Jerusalem and all Israel. As we go forward to the year 2017, many around the world also are willing to discharge their duty to be allies with the Jews by sharing admonitions, cautions, prophecy, reminders, and sacred warnings.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: (Colossians 1: 12-22, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Christus Natus Est Nobis (12/29/2016); A Child Is Born (12/28/2016); The Birth of Jesus (12/27/2016); The Divine Christmas Gifts? (12/26/2016); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); Built Upon the Rock (12/23/2016); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016)
The kingdom of GOD proclaimed through the birth, death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ generated only one authentic covenant from GOD for a new Creation to replace the universe soiled by sin both in heaven and upon the earth. The Savior appeared as a newborn king among the Jews in furtherance of the ongoing covenant of Moses, and fulfillment of divine promises and prophecy. A new covenant also was advanced in his blood that would permit access to GOD through atonement and propitiation for sin. Where the Jews rejected the Nazarene as the Messiah who should come, they also unknowingly entered into accords that were in opposition to divine law and the eternal purposes of GOD. Included were agreements to (1) dismiss the miracles, acts of faith, reverence for the law, and prophetic demonstrations shared by Jesus and his followers; (2) engage the “law and the prophets” without “the prophets”; (3.) as Sadducees, deny the resurrection of Jesus and the existence of the imparted Spirit from GOD; (4) unanimously demand the crucifixion of Jesus; (5) submit themselves and their future generations to whatever would be the consequences or punishment for rejecting the Redeemer as the promised Messiah; (6) put forth false witness against Christ in judgment; (7) quench the hope of Jesus returning soon Judge and King of Kings; and (8) limit themselves to expressing only an “antichrist spirit.” Consider again the following from the holy writings:
(1.) Isaiah 28: 5-13, King James Version (KJV): 5 In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people, 6 And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate. 7 But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. 8 For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean. 9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
(2.) Romans 10: 2-10, KJV: 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) John 1: 10-13, KJV: 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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