(01/28/2019) The Revelation of Mercy

A reminder of the Priest, the Levite, their Neighbor and the Good Samaritan

Today, reply is on grace, love, and divine mercy that operate with righteousness as a restraint to divine wrath against sin during final judgment. 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:

Why didn't God smite Cain for killing Abel?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2^nd Corinthians 1: 2-4, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Satisfying Creation and Law (01/22/2019); Judgment Perfects Divine Revelation (12/18/2018); The Priesthood of Adam (11/02/2018); GOD's Will Be Done (04/27/2018); Being A Good Samaritan (02/18/2018); In Spirit and Truth? (10/02/2017); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Cain and Genealogy? (11/27/2015)

“Anonymous”, in the same way, GOD did not smite the parents of Abel and Cain, divinity did not smite their offspring. Throughout the holy writings, the Creator who Christian believers worship has revealed and shown himself also to be a GOD who determines quality, substance, and value for all that exists (we say, renders judgment deciding the duration and eternal life imparted to created beings and living creatures). In addition to forgiveness, impartiality and righteousness that ensure balance against the condemnation and harshness that may appear through correction and punishment, mercy is to be understood as one of the most important aspects of divine substance that will appear and soften judgment. The divine sentence against transgression (we say, sin) was pronounced to be death long before disobedience appeared. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, and promotes destruction along with the conditions of chaos, confusion, destruction and uninterrupted streaming that were in place before the establishment of heaven and earth (we say, preexistence). Both Adam and the devil using the form of a serpent (yet, like the holy angels, continuing as neither mortal nor immortal) became subject to the sanctions within the divine law. Despite mankind’s fall, the Creation as an expression of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD has not altered nor changed. Divinity employs atonement, correction, generational curses, mercy, rebirth, and a host of other devices to ensure that sin does not make death permanent for those who genuinely repent, and who receive fresh endowments of spirit substance from the exalted character and makeup of GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Genesis 3: 13-19, King James Version (KJV): 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

2. Genesis 4: 9-15, KJV: 9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?  10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. 11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; 12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. 13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. 15 And the Lord said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

3. Hosea 6: 1-7, KJV: 1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. 3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. 4 O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away. 5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth. 6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. 7 But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Ezekiel 18: 19-23, 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?) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/22/2018) Forgiven Yet Not Reconciled?

The print by Gustave Dore depicts David mourning his son Absalom

Today, points are shared on the account of King David allowing his son Absalom to return home from exile, and the matter of divine forgiveness unaccompanied by reconciliation. The full gravity of a person’s offenses against GOD may not be discerned immediately; and a crime having serious spiritual consequences and outcomes may be shown less attention than a sin against mankind that is carnal such as fratricide. Because godly and righteous judgment require forgiveness, impartiality, and mercy be shown to transgressors (sinners), where parents and other family are charged to put aside and suppress feelings of love or obligation to serve as judge, they also will distance themselves to establish and maintain balance, integrity, and soundness for the process of law. In response, those who receive the benefits of judgment are to acknowledge what they have received through their regular displays of discretion, gratitude, repentance, reverence, and reconciliation, rather than ambition, irreverence, politics, or self-promotion. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “She Dances With Love” (Level 7 with 59,145 points, a member since August 27, 2007) posted the following:

Why isn't Absalom pardoned?

The king said, “Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king’s presence.

(2 Samuel 14:24)

David shows mercy to Absalom. He does not enforce the penalty of the law that condemned his son. But Absalom is not pardoned. Why?

There is no reconciliation. Why? What was missing?

Romans 3:25 speaks about what God did for his people until the coming of Jesus Christ into the world: “in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.” God left the matter of justice for another time. Is there a connection to us in the story of David and Absalom?

That is what God had done with regard to David’s sin, and that is what David did with regard to Absalom; he “passed over former sins.”

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. (2^nd Samuel 15: 1-6, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Descendent of David? (03/18/2018); The Operations of Sin (07/25/2017); Reconciliation Provided By Christ (05/30/2017); Carrying Out Divine Law? (03/20/2017); Restoring the Divine Presence? (03/09/2017); The Death Penalty? (10/08/2015); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013)

“She Dances With Love”, here are some points Christian believers may consider to further apprehend mankind’s inheritance from divinity and the figures of David and his son, Absalom:

1. While fratricide by Cain, the son of Adam, was a terrible transgression and violation of divine law, Cain also transgressed by dishonoring his father and mother, Adam and Eve. More than this, Cain despised and rejected his inheritance of divine priesthood with its sacred operations for atonement, judgment, offering, sacrifice, and salvation for the earth that was modeled after the divine priesthood within the temple in heaven.

2. While GOD set a mark and seal upon Cain for the defense and protection (we say, deliverance; salvation) of one who committed murder, and Cain goes on to live a life of repentance, Cain is not to be seen pleading for or acknowledging divine forgiveness; thus, reconciliation does not appear so much as the divine bestowal of mercy that is revealed and made visible primarily through judgment. It is Seth, the son of Adam, who appears as the chosen heir to the priesthood, and who prefigures the ministry of Jesus Christ on the earth.

3. While Absalom also was guilty of killing his own brother, his transgression attacked the dynasty bestowed to David through divine promise. Absalom denied and despised the divine anointing of David as the monarch (chief; king) over Israel, his own accountability as an heir to the throne of David (not that of his grandfather), and the duty of his father David to deliver justice and serve as the chosen spokesperson (we say, prophet) from GOD to administer and proclaim divine law.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Absalom as the son of King David is most a figure of Jesus Christ when he is ordered to be killed by Joab (the commander of the army, and nephew of the king). The hair on his head became entangled in the branches and limbs of a tree, and Absalom was plucked from his mount, and suspended in the air. The betrayal by Judas is depicted, and the rejection of Christ by the elders of Israel.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/02/2018) The Priesthood of Adam

A painting that depicts the priesthood of both Abel and Cain

Today, reply is on the divine inheritance of priesthood that was bestowed on Adam and his sons. Because mankind continued to exist for millennia responding to the active presence of divinity, the holy writings provide no accounts that report or suggest that males became pregnant and gave birth to children, or that there were widespread appearances of social behavior for Adam and among his offspring that are presently understood as undermining continuous spiritual communion. Conflicts, divisions, and spiritual confusion increased through the rise of cities and the movement toward one-world empire that resulted in the founding of Babylon and Egypt. It is believed that the downward spiral of spiritual awareness, exaggerated pride, human self-will, and sin progressed very slowly as did the changes that occurred throughout the earth once mankind was thrust out of Eden. Present day practices did not likely appear such as casual and premarital sex, divorce, incest, same sex relationships, and the issues of transgender sexuality. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

According to genesis, we all come from Adam & Eve, who had 3 sons?

Think about it and take all the time you need.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, and after his image; and called his name Seth: And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters: And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died. (Genesis 5: 1-5, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Church Of Jesus (06/18/2018); Mankind’s Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); Divine Priesthood on Earth (01/31/2018); Christ Our High Priest (10/25/2017); The Operations of Sin (07/25/2017); Cain and Genealogy? (11/27/2015); The First Book of the Bible? (11/20/2014); The Beginning of Wisdom? (11/21/2014)

“Anonymous”, for developing Christian believers, it is important to understand that the account of divine Creation and the early development of mankind that appears recorded in Genesis provides more than a description of how divinity is the origin of the animals, insects, fish, and plants that are living on the earth. The holy writings are to be received as a detailed revelation from divinity that makes the character, operations, and substance of GOD knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. With this in view, consider the following points:

1. Adam, the first “living soul” was created through the joining of a material figure fashioned by GOD using soil from the earth and life essence from GOD (we also say, breath; spirit; word). Adam was to exist as a life companion to immortal, incorruptible divinity (we say, the Creator; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). He is called a son of GOD, because the man was a vessel containing sacred seed (we say, divine DNA; inseparable spirit matter imparted from divinity).

2. The male and female humans (Adam and Eve) existed as a single unit before GOD (we say, a pair called Adam), and were to serve like the animal and other pairs as the mechanism for the earth becoming fully populated having diverse life forms and kinds. The pair was to establish and maintain relationships as family, however, not in the forms and social expressions we see today. Adam, who lived on the earth for nearly 1,000 years, was to operate as the patriarch and head of the human family.

3. By covetousness, transgression of divine law, and transferring their allegiance and trust away from GOD to a created thing (i.e., idolatry; exalting the serpent), the pair became stripped of their endowments that appeared as sacred benefits, spirit content, and divine privilege. More than this, they became subject to the penalties of hardship, mortality, suffering, and the second death that had been declared as sanctions of the law.

4. There could be no “do over” for the many divine acts of Creation, yet, divinity would fashion and reconfigure mankind as a new creation by permanently altering his endowment of spirit from the makeup of GOD. Multiple operations were introduced by GOD to recover mankind and preserve Creation. Included were atonement for sin; forgiveness; the establish of priesthood on the earth patterned after that in the heaven; remission of sin through sacrifices of blood (a carnal device used to distribute life throughout the members, organs, and tissues of created beings and living creatures); divine promise; prophecy and sanctification as well as the manifesting of sacred grace, mercy, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will.

5. Prophets are spokespersons from GOD who speak his word; only priests are those anointed and authorized to present offerings and sacrifices of blood upon a consecrated table (holy altar) or within a sanctified house that is the point of contact between heaven and earth. Not all the sons of Adam served as heirs to the priesthood of Adam; thus, at first, only those who continued the line of priests are named in Scripture (Abel, Cain, Seth). There appears to have been no service as priests by Eve and her many daughters.

6. Both Abel and Cain “grew up in the church,” so to speak. Both were taught the correct way to build and dedicate an altar; both were taught to pray and worship; and both were taught the correct way to present offerings and sacrifices. The conflict between Abel and Cain that finally resulted in fratricide (killing ones own brother) is to be discerned as the truth that they did not both receive, and obey the imparted Spirit from GOD. Divinity acknowledged the sacrifice that was more pleasing as that of Abel.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 7. The sacred inheritance Adam received and was to pass on to his own sons was one of priesthood. The entire Bible is a record of the beginnings of divine ministry to the earth, and its continuing development using family, tribes, covenant relationships, kingdom and monarchy, praise, proclamation, and fulfillment of prophecy. While the holy writings report the operations of GOD appearing on the earth through thousands of events within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years, the continuing focus remained the salvation of mankind and their transformation to exist as immortal through the Incarnation and priesthood of Jesus Christ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/02/2017) In Spirit and Truth?

Today, focus is on true worship as the display of ones own spirit content from divinity.  The judgment of all worship is exclusively the privilege of the Almighty.  Given the Holy Spirit comes to abide within the believer, and does not go in and out having to return periodically, the sinner who has been reborn may display sacred truth continually through their actions, attitudes, behavior and speech.  At all times, and in all settings, it will be an “ordinary” aspect of self-expression that a developing believer has become a new creation in Christ, and is being prepared to meet the Lord at his coming.  In keeping with divine prerogative and sacred operations, commonly shared ceremonies, practices and traditions may well be augmented and amplified using heretofore unknown streams of acknowledgment, praise, thanksgiving, testimony, and witness.  Calling to mind the conflict centered on worship that occurred between Cain and Abel, one of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


Does it matter how you choose to worship God?

My sister criticizes how I worship God. She says that if I'm not vocal in worshipping God that he won't answer my prayers. I prefer to be more private in my worship of God, whereas my sister is extremely vocal and seems to overdo her worship. Just in conversation, she'll randomly speak about God and relate everything to God. My conversations with God and my feelings about God are personal, so I feel that it weakens my relationship with God to speak so publicly about God to those who may be judgemental.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.  The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.  His work is honourable and glorious:  and his righteousness endureth for ever.  He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered:  the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.  He hath given meat unto them that fear him:  he will ever be mindful of his covenant.  He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.  The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.  They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.  He sent redemption unto his people:  he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:  a good understanding have all they that do his commandments:  his praise endureth for ever.  (Psalms 111:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Knowing the Invisible GOD (09/17/2017); The Flesh, Then Beyond (05/23/2017); What Does Divinity Want? (03/13/2017); No Other gods? (08/14/2015); Sun Worship? (07/27/2015); The Meaning of Worship? (07/09/2014); To Serve GOD Acceptably (07/10/2014); Too Much Holy Spirit? (11/19/2013); Understanding Peace? (11/20/2013)


“Anonymous”, worship of GOD as creator is to be a continuous process like breathing in and out.  It is not so much a matter of intellect, logic and carnal reason as it is a sacred process powered through sacred means.  For mature Christian believers, to worship GOD is to acknowledge the active presence who is divinity by displaying the oneness without sameness that has been imparted through his gifts of life essence (i.e., breath, spirit, word), and sacred substance.  Ones consciousness must be directed and filled by the Holy Spirit, and their self-will (willpower) must respond in agreement with the sovereign will of GOD.  Imparted spirit content from the makeup of GOD includes awe, faith, forbearance, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Thereby, believers are enabled to correctly recognize and respond to sacred substance appearing within events, oneself, other persons, holy writings, etc.

There can be great diversity among believers within a single congregation, family group, and community of faith because they are not all on the same level of maturity, they are not all granted the same spiritual gifts, they do not all share the same accountability and duties, and they do not all have the same sacred knowledge and skill that results by observing sacred practices (e.g., fasting, giving, prayer, study of the holy writings, unselfish service).

All Christian believers are being called and recruited to share what GOD is revealing to them as the gospel of Jesus Christ.  However, all are not called to serve as clergy and pulpit preachers.  Spreading the Gospel is to be a matter of a believer’s daily routine and ongoing lifestyle as vessels of divine spirit content.  Therefore, repentance, permanent change, growth, and learning are uppermost.  Public speaking and formal instruction of doctrine are best shared in special settings by those prepared to receive those forms of support.  Prophesying (to comfort; to build up others and the church (edification); and to exhort (encouraging immediate action) ) is essential, however, it requires commitment and discernment that only are established by the Holy Spirit.  Consider again the following that speaks to the duties of believers using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Ezekiel 3:  17-19, King James Version (KJV):  17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel:  therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.  18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

(2.)  John 4:  23-24, KJV:  23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:  for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  24 God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

(3.)  1st John 1:  5-10, KJV:  5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:  7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 1:  9-10, KJV:  9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Romans 8:  3-9, KJV:  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/25/2017) The Operations of Sin

Today, focus is on the account of Abel and Cain, and how the exposure of sin pertains to the full revelation of divinity.  Awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures may be dominated and influenced by sin.  Through Jesus Christ, sinners are being disciplined and trained to make specific godly responses to the operations of sin.  Sin may not be dealt with in a casual manner, and must not be regarded as “harmless” simply because, at one point, it is remote, unexpected, unforeseen, and “unintended.”  For the living to have correct sacred knowledge that is vital to relationships with the Creator, the power of sin over angels and men, and the power of divinity against sin, both must be proclaimed in ways that are graphic and memorable.  Death apart from GOD, and the separation of spirit from body first occurred through an act of murder, and was not in accordance with the laws of sacrifice (where body and spirit are completely consumed together in fire that represents divine judgment), and the return to GOD of his life essence (we also say, breath, spirit, word).  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Sally” (Level 6 with 21,037 points, a member since March 26, 2016) posted the following:


Why did Cain lie to The Lord about just murdering his brother in Genesis 4:8? How can this be explained effectively in a way to understand?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:  for sin is the transgression of the law.  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.  Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not:  whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.  Little children, let no man deceive you:  he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him:  and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil:  whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.  For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.  Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.  (1st John 3:  2-12, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Another Form of Blindness (07/23/2017); Christian Beliefs About Sin (07/20/2017); Becoming Free From Sin (07/16/2017); Warnings Against Forgetting GOD? (02/16/2017); Cain and Genealogy? (11/27/2015); The Power of Death? (10/01/2013); Divine Love Revealed? (10/02/2013); The Common Danger (01/02/2013); The Root of Jesse (01/03/2013)


“Sally”, because sin always appears surrounded by a mix of acceptable attitudes and behavior, sin is often regarded as natural and normal; and sin can not be understood immediately as contrary to divine and human nature.  Special gifts and tools have been provided to help the living correctly recognize and respond to sin (e.g., discernment; sacred law; pain; suffering; the death of Jesus Christ on the cross; the imparted, indwelling Spirit).  Many mature Christian believers agree that the operations and processes of sin should be described as a “pattern of increasing corruption and decay” and a “chain of events” within ones ongoing relationship with GOD, rather than a single, discrete act.  All sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the divine order of the universe.  Sin is not a living entity having feelings, mind, or self-will; and sin may not be killed and slain.  While the death of a sinner will stop that person from committing further acts offensive to GOD, the consequences and effects of their sins may continue indefinitely, and long after they are dead.  Thus, the “exceeding sinfulness of sin” must be exposed and acknowledged as illogical, mindless, and as promoting chaos, death, desolation, and nonexistence.  The breakdown and rot introduced by sin may first become visible in a sinner’s ignoring, mocking, and rejecting sacred law presented in the form of admonitions, guidance, instruction, prohibitions, and warnings from GOD.  Their gross act of disobedience and violation of the law will be accompanied by such complements as an appetite to continue and repeat the offense, deceit, denial, exaggerated pride, fear of discovery, guilt, lust, lying, and shame.  The knowledge of death provided by GOD was bestowed through the priesthood granted to Adam.  The spirit content of the living was to come into view by the blood, and be transferred to GOD from the holy altar.  When Cain killed and buried his brother, the spirit of Abel was forced to call to GOD being separated from the divine order.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Romans 7:  12-13, King James Version (KJV):  12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.  13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

(2.)  Romans 5:  17-19, KJV:  17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Revelation 3:  17-21, KJV:  17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:  18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:  be zealous therefore, and repent.  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/27/2015) Cain and Genealogy?

Points are shared, today, on inheritance, spiritual adoption, and the absence of Cain from genealogies of the Bible.  Nji Franclin Azong who participates with me in THE BIBLE STUDY GROUP (a Public Group on Facebook presently having 21,347 members), invited discussion by sharing a presentation that included the following on September 30, 2015:


BRETHREN PLEASE I WIAH TO KNOW WHY CAIN, THE FIRST HUMAN TO BE BORN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE GENERATION OF ADAM AND EVE. PLEASE I NEED SOME CLARIFICATION


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.  But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;  Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.  (Titus 3:  3-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); A Curse Removed (12/26/2013); Intercession (12/27/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Why GOD Does Not Tell All (09/11/2013)


Nji Franclin Azong, as I understand it, the different genealogies that appear in the Bible do not name all the members of any family, and center upon naming those in the line of heirs having sacred inheritance (we say, anointing, covenant, priesthood).  The Bible provides a divine perspective by showing thousands of events using thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.  The proclamations and promises of GOD are continued through intimate, structured, uninterrupted relationship (e.g., the Patriarchs, Noah who found grace, Abraham the Friend of GOD) as are the outworking of prophecy.   The entire Bible may be regarded as a record of divine deeds to reveal and make divinity known to created beings and living creatures.  Divine operations must go forth whereby the living apprehend Deity through the sacred matter they contain that was imparted at Creation, or received as a fresh endowment through baptism/rebirth.  Included are aspects from the character and nature of Divine Person such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  In the same way Jacob adopted the sons of Joseph and established a new basis for reckoning inheritance, adoption through the Holy Spirit is now available by the ministries of Jesus Christ, and the offspring of GOD are no longer identified by birth order, blood lines, records for ownership of property, or the tracing of carnal and material kinship.  Here are a few points from the Scriptures that have been helpful when viewing the genealogies:

(1.)  1st Chronicles 5:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but forasmuch as he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel:  and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.  2 For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph’s:)  3 The sons, I say, of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

(2.)  John 1:  11-13, KJV:  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.

(3.)  Romans 8:  13-15, KJV:  13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:  but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st John 3:  1-3, KJV:  1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:  therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.  2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/17/2014) Atone, Judge and Replenish

Today, more is shared on the change to eating flesh and other conditions for mankind upon the earth following the fall and the flood.  The problem of sin is more than simply one of absentmindedness, defiance, discourtesy, feelings, or rebellion on the part of Adam as a being created to contain divine substance from a god of judgment.  Thus, a priesthood yoked to that of heaven, and the church as a companion to divinity were provided upon the earth.  The duty of mankind was to atone, live, multiply, praise, replenish, and worship.  The error committed by Adam and Eve is seen repeated through their offspring Cain, Esau, and others.  Through the operations of sin, changes occurred, first, upon the level of mankind’s awareness and self-will, next at the level of appetite and desire, then, at the level of mankind’s spirit content.  The duty of man gradually became to atone, judge, and replenish.  Those who served as priests received a portion from the holy sacrifices; however, what they ate did not infuse them with righteousness as would their acknowledgement and obedience of the imparted spirit from GOD.  Man must internalize and pursue divine mechanisms for decision-making, self-examination, and self-correction.  The changes within the inner human makeup resulting from sin also required changes for the outer conditions that would allow relationship with divinity to continue.  Saying this another way:  To avoid the total destruction of Creation initiated by sin, aspects of the earth, of heaven, and of the entire universe also would have to be changed.  For example, the tool of sleep used to prepare a female from the rib of the male would become the divine tools of death, rebirth, and resurrection.  Abundance and plenty, dearth and scarcity of food became unmistakable indicators of divine favor or displeasure.  Blood—already a carnal device used in divine atonement that would signal cleansing and forgiveness from sin—would become the tool indicating the further sacred dimensions of existence, judgment, and life.  Until the time when GOD would appear in flesh as Jesus Christ, divine visitation and revelation would go forward only through the appearance of divine agents (e.g., angels, apostles, judges, kings, prophets), holy writings, living congregations, prayer, and sacred events (we say, miracles, signs, visions, wonders).  Social instruments such as family, government, inheritance, language, marriage, and ownership of property would be altered to do more than simply populate the earth; they would be made to serve in its transformation from mortal to immortal, from corruption to incorruption.  The use of men as avengers and deliverers in divine judgment—that later was practiced as an ungodly, unlawful call for blood, human warfare—was introduced through the new covenant granted Noah along with living in fortified cities, and men exalted as rulers (we say, chieftains, princes, kings).  GOD, eternal purpose, and the expressed will of GOD (we say, divine law) remain unchanged and immutable, yet, every aspect of Creation is being re-ordered and transformed.  As surely as he suffered and died upon the cross, by regularly eating the lamb of Passover and receiving portions of the fatted calf in celebration feasts, Jesus was further established as author of the new divine covenant that would be granted as a testament in his blood and body.


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Covenant of Noah? (12/16/2014)

Revelation 21:  5, KJV—And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write:  for these words are true and faithful.

Genesis 1:  27-31, KJV—So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:  and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.  29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.  30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat:  and it was so.  31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Genesis 4:  1-9, KJV—And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.  2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.  3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.  4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:  5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.  6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?  7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.  8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother:  and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.  9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not:  Am I my brother’s keeper?

Psalms 50:  12-15, KJV—If I were hungry, I would not tell thee:  for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.  13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?  14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:  15 And call upon me in the day of trouble:  I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Genesis 10:  6-12, KJV—And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.  7 And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtechah:  and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.  8 And Cush begat Nimrod:  he began to be a mighty one in the earth.  9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD:  wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.  10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.  11 Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,  12 And Resen between Nineveh and Calah:  the same is a great city.

Micah 5:  5-7, KJV—And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land:  and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.  6 And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof:  thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.  7 And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.

Hosea 14:  1-3, KJV—O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.  2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD:  say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously:  so will we render the calves of our lips.  3 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses:  neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods:  for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

Genesis 25:  27-34, KJV—And the boys grew:  and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.  28 And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison:  but Rebekah loved Jacob.  29 And Jacob sod pottage:  and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:  30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint:  therefore was his name called Edom.  31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.  32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die:  and what profit shall this birthright do to me?  33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him:  and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.  34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way:  thus Esau despised his birthright.

Genesis 27:  1-10, KJV—And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son:  and he said unto him, Behold, here am I.  2 And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death:  3 Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison;  4 And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.  5 And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it.  6 And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,  7 Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death.  8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.  9 Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth:  10 And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death.

Exodus 10:  14-16, KJV—And the locust went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt:  very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.  15 For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left:  and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.  16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you.

Psalms 141:  3-5, KJV—Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.  4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity:  and let me not eat of their dainties.  5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness:  and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head:  for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

Hebrews 12:  15-17 , KJV—Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;  16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.  17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected:  for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Exodus 12:  20-22, KJV—Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.  21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.  22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.

1st Peter 1:  18-21, KJV—Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,  21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

1st Corinthians 5:  7-13, KJV—Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:  8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.  9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:  10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.  11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.  12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?  13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

1st Corinthians 6:  1-11, KJV—Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?  2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?  3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?  4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.  5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?  6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.  7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?  8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.  9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived:  neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  11 And such were some of you:  but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Romans 8:  18-23, KJV—For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.  20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,  21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.  23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Proverbs 23:  1-8, KJV—When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:  2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.  3 Be not desirous of his dainties:  for they are deceitful meat.  4 Labour not to be rich:  cease from thine own wisdom.  5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.  6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:  7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:  Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.  8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

Romans 14:  16-18, KJV—Let not then your good be evil spoken of:  17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

Hebrews 2:  9-11, KJV—For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.  6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him?  7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:  8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.  10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one:  for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Hebrews 9:  17-21, KJV—For a testament is of force after men are dead:  otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.  18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.  19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,  20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.  21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

1st Corinthians 10:  13-21, KJV—There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:  but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.  15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.  16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?  17 For we being many are one bread, and one body:  for we are all partakers of that one bread.  18 Behold Israel after the flesh:  are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?  19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?  20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God:  and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.  21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils:  ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.

1st Corinthians 11:  20-29, KJV—When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.  21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper:  and one is hungry, and another is drunken.  22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.  23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:  24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat:  this is my body, which is broken for you:  this do in remembrance of me.  25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood:  this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.  26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.  27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.  28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.  29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

Matthew 7:  2, KJV—For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged:  and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Deuteronomy 25:  1-3, KJV—If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.  2 And it shall be, if the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number.  3 Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed:  lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee.

1st Corinthians 11:  31-34, KJV—For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.  32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.  33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.  34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

2nd Corinthians 5:  14-21, KJV—For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:  15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.  16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh:  yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.  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.  20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/02/2013) Divine Love Revealed?

Love, prophecy, divine revelation, and the Scriptures are topics, today, with more on lawful authority over death.  A writer at “Yahoo!7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Lord Giuseppi” (Level 1 with 223 points, a member since 29 September 2013) posted the following that was originally asked at “Yahoo! Answers Canada.”  (The question was deleted before I could share a response; and I sent the writer a partial reply, points 1 & 2, by email):


Do Christians who claim god is all loving ever read the book of revelation?


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Power of Death? (10/01/2013)—Following the deliverance of mankind through Noah and his family (and not after the slaying of Abel by Cain), GOD allowed the killing of animals for food, and employed mankind as an instrument of judgment that would be used to kill other men (see Genesis 9:  1-16, KJV).  Through the ordinances and statutes granted to Israel, the customs and traditions of offering and sacrificing blood that had been practiced since Adam became strictly regimented as an act of faith by, for and within community, rather than a matter of personal or private appeals to GOD (see Leviticus 17:  3-5, KJV).  Killing and murder as a high crime and a violation of divine commandment emerges only where self-will is dominated by sin (see 2nd Kings 21:  1-17 , KJV).  Blood is an aspect of flesh and material being, however, blood conveys life that is a spirit essence from Divine Person.  The death of Jesus ordained by GOD uses blood (instead of a flood) as a tool to recover mankind from sin, and is by no means an act by Satan, or display of majesty in a created being.  See Mark 14:  21-25, 1st Corinthians 11:  23-26 and 1st Corinthians 15:  20-26, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:   For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.  Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.  (Revelation 22:  18-21, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Only One GOD (09/14/2013); Weed and Godly Wisdom (09/15/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013); Faith, Language and “Mystery” (04/11/2013); What to Take Literally (03/11/2013); A GOD of War? 03/12/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); More Than Salvation (11/27/2012); Son of Man (11/28/2012)


Lord Giuseppi, here are a few points endorsed by many who rejoice in the love of GOD as expressed through the ministry of Jesus Christ:

(1.)  The entire Bible is a collection of holy writings that provide a record of sacred events among mankind revealing the operation, person, and eternal purposes of GOD.  In addition to covenants, accounts of judgments against sin (e.g., the plagues of Egypt), descriptions of the consecrated priesthood upon the earth as well as in the celestial presence (we say, heaven), there are details explaining sacred inheritance, the elimination of sin, and the establishment of eternal life.

(2.)  GOD is a being who may not be completely known and understood using the aspects of carnal, emotional, material, and social process relied upon by mankind.  GOD is spirit, not a cloud, fog, mist or smoke made up of fine particles.  The inseparable substance of GOD includes faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  GOD employs multiple divine operations and sacred processes to make divinity known and visible to created beings and living creatures.  Included are birth, death, healing, forgiveness, incarnation, judgment, resurrection, sanctification, and utterance.

(3.)  Prophecy is a peculiar tool used throughout the holy writings that focus the understanding of believers upon otherwise unseen aspects of divine person, rather than human events (we say, the mind of GOD, the word of GOD (we also say, from GOD).  The work of prophecy is not so much to predict the future as to clarify divine intent and purpose.  Prophecy establishes divine presence, like the very breath breathed into Adam.  Many have been chosen and specially prepared to serve as spokespersons from GOD, and have served in roles such as patriarchs, judges, prophets, kings, and apostles.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Seeing with the eyes of those reborn and renewed in right relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ, the Book of Revelation conveys a rich prophetic vision.  While accounts of Creation declare the beauty and fertility of Divine Person, and the Gospel of redemption and salvation proclaim divine compassion and grace, it is the judgment of GOD that allows all to grasp the absolute righteousness and wisdom of GOD as Sovereign over eternity.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC