(11/22/2020) Explaining The Earlier Covenants

 The images of Abraham (left) and Jesus Christ (right) are shown together acknowledging the connection among the diverse covenants through Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ.

Covenant practices and signs are in view, today, responding to a question on the frequent discussions of circumcision that appear from the Apostle Paul. The early church was required to demonstrate that they were anchored in the sacred knowledge displayed among the temple elders and the Rabbis. Paul began his apostolic ministry within the synagogues by appealing to believers among those who regularly attended. At first, belief in Christ was put forth as only a further expression of GOD’s covenant promises granted to the Jews. However, many of those who escaped from captivity and exile became grounded in tradition, and were determined to restore and preserve the covenant of Moses along with the Torah as what earlier had been provided as the highest blessings from GOD. Circumcision that had been bestowed on Abraham and his household as a mark of covenant relationship was not correctly acknowledged by the time of Moses, nor was circumcision uniformly practiced when divinity appeared on the earth using human form and life-process as Jesus Christ. Christ received circumcision as part of his inheritance and authentic humanity. Even so, circumcision was never intended by divinity as an outward mark of approval and consecration, or as a mark of disgrace and humiliation. Authentic sanctification (being set apart to serve divinity) appears by conformity to covenant law and sacred practices (e.g., observing the Sabbath; tithing; using the prayer shawl); and while circumcision is to be a visible declaration of commitment to relationship with divinity, a man will display his circumcision to fewer than 100 others during his entire lifetime (e.g., companions, doctors, family, etc.). It is written: Romans 4: 8-16, King James Version (KJV): 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “ShalloWhale” (Level 6 with 18,373 points) posted the following:

Why is circumcision mentioned so much in the Bible?

Why was it so important that the Apostle Paul kept referring to it?

Updated 1 hour ago:

Is it a sloppy intrusion by male culture into a sacred text?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8: 52-58, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); The Foreskin And Circumcision? (10/13/2020); Do We Follow Paul? (10/01/2020); Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Heaven Speaks Using Mankind (09/15/2019); No Wall of Partition (07/05/2019); Scripture Has No Ethnicity (05/27/2019)

“Shallowhale”, your focus is on the flesh, not the Spirit. Just as Christian believers today are to share with skeptics and sinners who seek new lives that release them from the operations of sin, the Apostle Paul was repeatedly challenged to explain what appeared as hidden connections among the operations of divinity through Jesus Christ and the earlier proclamations, sacred promises, and prophecies from GOD. Circumcision was granted to Abraham as a visible sign of covenant relationship between immortal, incorruptible, unseen divinity and mankind. GOD was to be acknowledged as more than an abstract Creator and Maker; divinity was to exist in continuing relationship through spirit process and substance imparted from the makeup of GOD that included balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, mercy for those found guilty in judgment, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The covenant of Moses that followed some 400 years later provided the divine presence through sacred law, identity as a sacred nation, and as a divine instrument to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of GOD. By focusing on the law as the foremost of all divine blessing, many mistakenly rejected and refused to receive and embody an indwelling spirit that would remove the obstacles continued by finite flesh (e.g., appetite; mind; sensation; self-will (willpower) ). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Jeremiah 31: 31-37, King James Version (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.

(2.) Galatians 3: 16-18, KJV: 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

(3.) Galatians 3: 26-29, KJV: 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Hebrews 10: 28-29, KJV: 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?) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:26 AM, November 22, 2020 @ https://oneway2day.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/abraham-jesus-sm.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20201122033207AAB3Y1P

(11/08/2020) Appeals Directed to Spirit

Today, I share a statement on Spirit as the process and substance for the divine conversion, salvation, and transformation of mankind. It is not that churchmen and clergy attempt to “dumb it down” or understate the lofty discourse and themes from GOD that pertain to the new life-process provided through Jesus Christ. Where there is a lack of vision or a poverty of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of divinity, believers repeatedly rely on such elements as accusing one another, complaining, debate, gossip, name-calling, pointing the finger, and slander. Properly understood, the process of GOD is one where divinity makes appeals to the spirit in mankind, rather than simply to human flesh. The flesh is not just the physical limbs, organs, and tissues that are the material body; and it is the flesh that is subject to the operations of sin. The flesh brings together aspects of human form and mind such as appetites, attitudes, dreams, emotions, habits, intentions, memories, motives, preferences, sensations, and thoughts. It is written: Galatians 5: 19-25, King James Version (KJV): 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.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2^nd Peter 1: 2-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Spirits Are Subject (10/28/2020); Awe Confused With Fear? (10/12/2020); Our Desires Are Weighed (09/01/2020); Always Connected By Spirit (08/30/2020); Divine Character Must Appear (08/13/2020); The Outcomes Of Judgment (06/28/2020); Knowing The True Messiah (05/31/2020)

Many in the church founded by Jesus Christ continue to use language to speak of divinity that describes GOD as no more than an unseen person who practices and displays the same emotional, psychological, and social needs as other men. For mature Christian believers, the processes of conversion, salvation, and transformation are discerned and recognized through sacred events wherein divinity communicates with mankind and becomes embodied within created beings and living creatures on the earth through spirit process and spirit substance from the heavens. Multiple operations by divinity that include immaterial, intangible, and invisible aspects of finite human existence and life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) are required that become manifest and present through sacred law, judgment, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Believers are to realize that frameworks and structures for sacred knowledge are being provided from GOD that are simple yet profound, and that go beyond appeals to elements of the flesh and mind such as appetite, curiosity, emotion, imagination, intellect, logic, sensation, and superstition. The spirit in mankind must be addressed by the spirit that abides within divinity. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry of Sandi Patty:

(1.) Isaiah 66: 1-4, King James Version (KJV): 1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. 3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. 4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 12: 3, KJV: 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

(3.) Revelation 3: 20-21, KJV: 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) There is a Saviour by Sandi Patty @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9qTQfuiqpg.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 6:25 AM, November 08, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3b/12/25/3b1225e7783c08af27c1a35438a131fe.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/05/2020) On Giving and Tithing

Today, reply is on the differences among charitable giving and the rendering of a holy tithe to divinity. There must be a sacred transformation provided by GOD. For many, tithing is primarily an institutional practice for funding evangelism, maintaining ordained priesthood, and sustaining communities for praise and worship. Yet, the promises and prophecies of GOD declare that there will be a holy city (New Jerusalem) that will come down to the earth from heaven; and a time must come when giving and sharing are no longer acceptable as works of repentance because they are to be permanent features of everyone’s ongoing lifestyle. Giving to GOD and receiving from GOD are to be like breathing, a continual life-process required for created beings and living creatures. The revealed goal and purposes of divinity are intended to provide an enduring relationship with divinity and the living. There are multiple traditions among Jews and Christians that proclaim the offering of blood sacrifices to atone for sin, that celebrate harvesting the earth, that certify and make a covenant agreement binding, and that dedicate or provide material tributes to GOD. Rightly understood, such offerings as burnt sacrifices from your own flock on a holy altar that serves as a point of contact for heaven and earth are divine transactions. Common fire may not be used to separate divine substance from material features such as form, shape, size and texture, and can not convey from mankind to GOD the inseparable aspects of his spirit that include commitment, gratitude, humility, life essence, oneness without sameness, personhood, rejoicing, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Tithing confuses many because paying a tithe also speaks to mankind’s dependence on one another, and therefore may trigger finite human emotions of anger, anxiety, embarrassment, guilt, rebellion, and shame. Elements from human economies appear such as boasting, debt-dodging, duty, obligation, reward, and self-promotion. Even so, it remains correct to acknowledge GOD as the origin and source of all physical and spiritual things needed for life (e.g., companionship, food, healthy relationships, shelter). The salvation we are offered in Jesus Christ extends assurances that mankind will be made to exist as perfected, and will reside on the earth made new having immortality and eternal life that have been paid for and purchased through the blood and body of Jesus Christ. Because the gifts from GOD are freely given, the measureless abundance, grace, lovingkindness, and righteousness the Father has revealed to the Son are displayed to the full Creation. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 2: 11-13, King James Version (KJV): 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. [Kehillah in Corinth I 2: 11-15, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): 11 For who of Bnei Adam has da’as of the things of Bnei Adam except the ruach of a man in him? So also the things of G-d no one has known except the Ruach Hashem. [Jer 17:9; Prov 20:27] 12 Now we have not received the ruach of the Olam Hazeh but the Ruach Hakodesh from Hashem, that we may have da’as of the things having been freely given to us by Hashem, 13 Which things also we speak, not in dvarim (words) taught by chochmah haBnei Adam, but in dvarim taught by the Ruach Hakodesh, making midrash [exposition, interpretation] of the things of the Ruach Hakodesh [2:12] by means of the words of the Ruach Hakodesh. 14 But a natural person does not receive the things of the Ruach Hakodesh of Hashem, for they are narrishkait (foolishness 1:21-24) to him, and he is not able to have personal saving da’as of them, because they are discerned in the Ruach Hakodesh. 15 Now the man of the Ruach Hakodesh discerns all things, but, by no one is he discerned.] A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Deana” (Level 3 with 1,756 points) posted the following:

Can we donate instead of paying tithes?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (Romans 11: 5-7, KJV) [Kehillah in Rome 11: 5-7, OJB: Thus, therefore, also in the zman hazeh, there has come into being a she’erit (remnant, remainder) in accordance with the bechirah (election) of chesed (free, unmerited favor or grace). But if on the mekor (basis) of chen v’chesed (unmerited favor, grace), then not on the mekor (basis) of [loin (wages), batsolen (pay) for] ma’asim (works), vi-bahlt (since) otherwise chesed would no longer be chesed (4:4-5). What then? What Yisroel sought for, that is what it did not obtain; but hannivcharim (the elect, the chosen ones) obtained it. And the rest were hardened (9:17-18)]

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why So Many Churches? (10/17/2020); The Inheritance From GOD (08/26/2020); Power To Get Wealth (01/15/2020); Where Is The Sacrifice? (12/26/2019); Giving, A Divine Discipline? (10/09/2017); Fundraising A Sacred Practice? (01/01/2017); About Giving to GOD (12/13/2016); Christ Receives the Tithes? (08/04/2015)

“Deana” here are some ideas that may seem strange because they are not familiar. The practice of tithing is continued among Christian believers as part of the permanent change to acquire sacred discipline that sinners must undergo through the operations of the Holy Spirit. Correctly understood, there must be a sharing with divinity—a “giving” without out giving; an exchange, release, and transfer of dominion—where sacred gifts and an unchanging inheritance of spirit substance will be continually acknowledged rather than possessed. Because they are often driven by emotions and feelings (the flesh), charitable giving, community gatherings, and social programs for assistance and relief to others are very different in process and purpose from those that continue consecrated ministry, that establish and maintain opportunities and possibilities for ongoing and lasting relationships with divinity, and that manifest the unseen presence of divinity within the behavior and conduct of others. Consider again the following that uses language from the King James and Orthodox Jewish translations of the Bible with a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Ephesians 2: 4-9, King James Version (KJV): 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

[Kehillah in Ephesus 2: 4-9, (OJB): 4 But Hashem, being rich in rachamim (mercy), because of His ahavah harabba (great love) with which He loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in our peysha’im, He made us alive together with Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach (by the unmerited Chen v’Chesed Hashem you have been delivered in your personal Geulah and the Yeshu’at Eloheinu), [TEHILLIM 103:12] 6 And raised us up with Moshiach and seated us with Him in Shomayim in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua, 7 In order that, in the Olam HaBah, He might display the surpassing osher of the Chen v’Chesed Hashem of Him in chesed toward us in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua. 8 For by unmerited Chen v’Chesed Hashem you have been delivered from Hashem’s Mishpat (Judgment) and granted a share in the Geulah (Redemption), through emunah; and this is not [an einfal (intuitive idea)] of yourselves, it is a matnat Hashem (gift of G-d); 9 Not the result [of the zchus (merit)] of doing ma’asim (works) [Ac 15:1; Ga 5:3 4], so that before Hashem no man should be a ravrevan (boaster, braggart). [DEVARIM 9:5] ]

(2.) Isaiah 65: 17-25, KJV: 17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. 20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. 21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. 24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

[Yeshayah 65: 17-25, OJB: 17 For, hinei, I create Shomayim Chadashim and eretz Chadashah; and the rishonot shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for, hinei, I create Yerushalayim a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in Yerushalayim, and joy in Ami; and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying out. 20 There shall be no more in there an infant of days, nor a zaken (old man) that hath not filled his days; for he that shall die a hundred years old will be regarded a na’ar; but the choteh (sinner), a hundred years old, will be accursed. 21 And they shall build batim (houses), and inhabit them; and they shall plant kramim (vineyards), and eat the fruit of them. 22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat; for as the days of HaEtz are the days of Ami, and Mine Bechir shall long enjoy the ma’aseh of their hands. 23 They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for misfortune; for they are the Zera Beruchei Hashem (Seed of the Blessed ones of Hashem), and their offspring with them. 24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet medaberim (speaking), I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox; and aphar shall be the lechem of the nachash. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My Har Kadosh, saith Hashem. [T.N. This last chapter makes a reference to Gehinnom and the just retribution coming.]

(3.) Revelation 21: 1-4, KJV: 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

[Hisgalus 21: 1-4, OJB: 1 And I saw Shomayim Chadashim (New Heavens) and Eretz Chadasha (a New Earth), for the shomayim harishonah (the first heaven) and haaretz harishonah (the first earth) were passed away, and there is no longer any Yam (Sea). 2 And I saw the Ir Hakodesh, the Yerushalayim HaChadasha coming down and descending out of Shomayim from Hashem, having been made ready as a Kallah adorned for her Ba’al (Husband). [NECHEMYAH 11:18; YESHAYAH 52:1] 3 And I heard a kol gadol (loud voice), a Bat Kol from the Kisse (Throne) saying, "Hinei, The Mishkan of Hashem is with men, and He shall tabernacle with them, and they shall be His people, and Hashem Himself shall dwell among them. [SHEMOT 25:8; DIVREY HAYAMIM BAIS 6:18; YECHEZKEL 48:35; ZECHARYAH 2:10] 4 “And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall not be any longer Mavet, nor Avelut nor weeping nor pain; the former things have passed away.” [YESHAYAH 25:8; 35:10] ]

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Come Harvest Time by Steve Amerson @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJzjNcMj9Hg).) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:40 PM, November 04, 2020 @ https://tse1.explicit.bing.net/th?id=OIP.W-jDhowaQOktjqaTH2e1nwHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&w=277&h=157

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/21/2020) Prayer and Mental Health?

 The image depicts David playing the harp and providing music therapy to King Saul who experienced episodes of madness caused by unclean spirits.

Today, points are shared on the use of prayer to regain emotional and mental health. The things from GOD to provide balance, hope, joy, order, and security in our lives are numberless, even so, believers do not experience change as magic and overnight success. There must be discovery, gradual growth, learning, patience, persistence, and hard work that demonstrates faith. Fasting, prayer, and other sacred practices can not be used to influence or manipulate divinity. Healing of body, mind, or spirit must be understood in accord with sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. It is written: Mark 12: 29-31, King James Version (KJV): 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Can you pray away a mental illness?

I've been on medication I've prayed I went to multiple therapists for years and years what am I doing wrong????

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2^nd Timothy 1: 7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); Spiritual Integrity and Maturity (05/12/2020); Getting Help From Church? (02/09/2020); He Healed Them All (10/20/2019); Should Medicine Endorse Healing? (02/10/2019); Hezekiah Called For Judgment (12/09/2018); Saul Different From David? (12/04/2017)

“Anonymous”, here are some points you may find helpful that address prayer among mature Christian believers:

1. Prayer should be understood as a sacred discipline and practice to establish and maintain regular communication, exchange, and interaction with GOD who may be known as divinity, the Godhead, or the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Properly understood, those offering prayer are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the same spirit presence and process that was in Jesus Christ while he was on the earth using human form and life-process.

2. Prayer is a sacred event wherein a person gives expression to their own divine content imparted as “life essence” (breath; spirit; word) from the makeup of GOD, received as a fresh endowment of spirit substance in rebirth, or carried out in ones lifestyle and daily routine as resurrection-life from Jesus Christ.

3. Christian believers use many different displays and gestures when presenting their prayers to divinity such as females covering/males uncovering the head; making the sign of the cross; and speaking in tongues, speaking aloud, or speaking silently through thought. In addition to asking for help and material resources from GOD, confession and truth-speaking should always be primary goals during prayer.

4. Prayer is provided by divinity to address spiritual needs, and should be practiced in balance with other sacred practices (e.g., praise; unselfish service; worship). The material and social patterns identified as immaturity; behavioral, emotional, mental, and psychological illness; insanity; exaggerated pride; the operations of sin; and temporary confusion often are best regarded as expressions of the flesh rather than as defining expressions of a person’s integrity and spiritual fullness from GOD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, from the music ministry of Christine Wrytzen, The Fire @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRbZKJXeIRI.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:30 PM, October 20, 2020 @ http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7062/1323/1600/David%20plays%20the%20harp%20for%20Saul.2.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/08/2020) The Place Of Meeting

We have this treasure in earthen vessels.

Today, I share some thoughts on the nearness of GOD during this Holy Week, 2020 while the doors to many of our consecrated houses of worship remain closed to mitigate the threats of Covid-19. GOD is a spirit who can exist within the consciousness and self-will of created beings and living creatures. Therefore, the issues of death and survival are no longer primary for those who are the church. The body, mind, and spirit of Jesus become the meeting place. There has been a widespread cancellation of the usual customs, practices and traditions among Christians to observe a season of remembrance acknowledging the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even so, the indwelling of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD that glorify and sanctify Jesus Christ are not to be denied, dismissed, or ignored. It is no error or transgression that men regularly gather in areas specially prepared to share blessing, nourish each other’s godly growth, or together amplify praise and thanksgiving as a single body. For some divine fullness (we also say Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is nearest as we display humility before GOD, and offer our own heartfelt praise. For others, divinity is closest to us when we are in our private prayer chamber; and for many members of the body, God is most near when we are in the throng where we can minister comfort to those who are hurt, courage to those who are afraid, love to those rejected, and food to the hungry. As vessels of divine spirit, the offspring and heirs of GOD, our physical location is not to be uppermost among our concerns. Believers in Jesus Christ as their redeemer and savior are to acknowledge and proclaim an uninterrupted awareness that divinity is near and active for the benefit of all. It is written: Romans 8: 35-39, King James Version (KJV): 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of the King’s College Choir, the Agnus Dei from Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings:

THE GOLDEN ARROW: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17: 24-31, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); Endure Trials Through Faith (03/31/2020); On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); The Challenge of Covid-19 (03/22/2020); Leadership By The Church (03/18/2020); Justified By Church Attendance? (06/21/2019); The Name “Resurrection Sunday” (04/23/2019); Resurrected With The Lord (04/16/2017)

(1.) 2^nd Corinthians 4: 6-11, King James Version (KJV): 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

(2.) Psalms 46: 1-7, KJV: 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

(3.) Psalms 89: 14-18, KJV: 14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. 15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. 16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. 17 For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted. 18 For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWgjwTc3PUw.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:38 PM, April 07, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/5c/c6/c8/5cc6c841c2ad52b87111dc71412397c1--prophetic-art-fine-art-print.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/17/2019) The "Perfection" Of Baptism

John 3:10, KJV: 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

Today, reply is on the “perfection” of water baptism. Full redemption and salvation require believing in Jesus Christ, rather than believing in water baptism alone. Arguments are being made that the doctrine and rituals for water baptism introduced by John the Baptist were imperfect, should be discontinued, and are to be replaced by the practicing and teaching only fire baptism introduced by Jesus Christ. The divine tool of miracles was not a substitute for the sacred gifts later bestowed by the Holy Spirit. The ministry of Jesus was a work of eternal transformation; and it should not be disturbing that his doctrine and practice on the earth changed as he matured in his priesthood. Baptism that was used to identify the Son of the Highest to an agent of GOD from the Temple at Jerusalem is now used to identify the members of his body to one another. It is written: Acts: 18: 24-28, King James Version (KJV): 24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: 28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Norine” (Level 1 with 11 points) posted the following:

Re: Acts 18:25-26 Why would Jesus allegedly command disciples to "Go baptize" with an IMPERFECT water baptism in Matt 28:19?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. (Acts 19: 1-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Complete Divine Revelation (11/15/2019); Why Do They Sing? (11/14/2019); Aspects of Full Righteousness (11/01/2019); By Death and Resurrection (10/29/2019); The “History” Of Christ (10/08/2019); Divinity Embodied In Flesh (12/30/2018); The Increase of Christ? (12/07/2018)

“Norine”, water baptism is like one of the most precious jewels appearing on the crown of a monarch. The full majesty, meaning, and value for the royal diadem goes beyond the brilliance, or the physical dimensions of size and weight from a single gemstone. Similarly, the works of John the Baptist stood out as departures from the covenant of Moses, practice among the priests of the Temple community, and the traditional doctrines of absolution, atonement, forgiveness, and repentance. Water baptism was “perfect” in itself given that baptism is a sacred tool that is not intended to provide the full work of redemption, revelation, and salvation without the living sacrifice, and the shed blood of divinity appearing on earth in human flesh (i.e., the Incarnation; the crucifixion of Jesus Christ). In fact, John explained that baptism was a device being used by the Holy Spirit to make visible the anointing and virtue of the Prophet that would come who had been proclaimed by Moses. Once Christ was publicly ordained in the witness of John, everything could be clearly seen as in transition: a new covenant law, a new kingdom, and a new process imparting life through resurrection from the dead, rather than by birth from the womb. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Sandi Patti:

(1.) John 1: 32-34, King James Version (KJV): 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

(2.) John 3: 1-7, KJV: 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

(3.) Mark 16: 14-16, KJV: 14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcC2x0go5R8.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 7:40 AM, November 17, 2019 @ https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-849uH3xJLGU/T6BVrfO8tPI/AAAAAAAADLE/

M9jC6Td_KoU/s1600/nicodemus1.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/13/2019) Violating Commandments On Love?

The image depicts the love and unselfish service of a woman preparing Jesus for his burial by anointing his feet with oil.

Today, reply is on violating the commandments from GOD that require there be love. Animals to populate the earth were called forth in pairs; and the human male was provided with a mate fashioned from his own body. Even so, the substance and process of divine love is seen to be spirit in its character, form, and makeup. Lasting relationships appear built on commitment, gratitude, respect, and reverence. Arrogance, deceit, defiance, distrust, fear, rebellion, and stubbornness that break off relationships derive from the flesh, and are not demonstrations and expressions of the righteousness that is love. It is written: 1^st John 4: 6-12, King James Version (KJV): 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 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. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Achilles” (Level 1 with 49 points, a member since October 10, 2019) posted the following:

Is it a violation of Jesus's command to not love one another and to not love God with your all?

Was it a command that Jesus gave us, to love God with our all and to love others as we love ourselves?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. (Luke 7: 44-50, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Love Shown By Divinity (03/08/2019); The Relationship As Servant (06/03/2018); To Define “Godly Love” (08/20/2017); Discernment And Godly Love (06/26/2018); Changed And Made Christ-like? (06/19/2018); Porn, Prostitutes and Salvation? (06/08/2017); Our Beginnings Were Perfect? (12/14/2015); The Ordinance of Humility? (08/12/2015)

“Achilles”, mankind was created to serve as a life companion to immortal, incorruptible divinity. A divine rule that existence, life, and relationship are continued through the presence and operations of love can be discerned as appearing “from the beginning” through the accounts of Creation. Life essence (breath, spirit, word) was imparted from the makeup of GOD to both the male and female pair; and the two were to dwell together on the earth as vessels of inseparable spirit substance. Included were faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Those who seek a healthy relationship where both themselves and divinity can display and express love must understand that more than affection, desire, feelings, romance, or sexual behavior are involved. Accountability, duty, and sacred practices must appear along with acknowledgments of divine law, forgiveness, humility, regular attention to life principals, unselfish service, and willingness to endure chastisement and suffering. Rather than a reward for perfect obedience, divine love is a response to contrition, repentance, and sorrowing for sin with a willingness to be transformed and exist as the new creation of Jesus Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Ce Ce Winans:

(1.) Luke 7: 36-43, King James Version (KJV): 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

(2.) John 21: 12-17, KJV: 12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

(3.) 2^nd John 1: 5-11, KJV: 5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR6HSSm5YUM) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

AN AFTERTHOUGHT: In the same way, the Ten Commandments were provided to establish a people and nation under GOD, the commandments provided by Jesus Christ are to establish a church and a kingdom of GOD under a divine High Priest and King. It is written: Matthew 22: 35-40, King James Version (KJV): 35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Within the church of Jesus Christ, the dominion of love is to be manifest: Romans 13: 7-10, KJV: 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 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.

Image downloaded 9:03 PM, October 12, 2019 @ https://holysmack.com/2016/04/27/forgiveness-is-for-giving-not-withholding/

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/01/2019) Heathen and Pagan Ways

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

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

If so, what does that mean?

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

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

Thank you for your help. God bless!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC