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

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

Today, reply is on whether the Jews continue to exist as the “chosen people” of GOD. Many Messianic and Christian believers hold that the character, process and substance of GOD are manifest as divine law, and are immutable and unchanging because divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD are being expressed. Through Jesus Christ, Gentiles and repenting sinners who once were denied as the people of GOD and were called “the Uncircumcion” now experience rebirth and exist as divinity’s new creation. It is written: Deuteronomy 7: 6-11, King James Version (KJV): 6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. 7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; 10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. 11 Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Are Jews gods chosen people?

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

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

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

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

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

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

(3.) Hebrews 10: 14-23, KJV: 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvwyLnHtXZ8.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:15 AM, September 20, 2020 @ https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=NZwAgpME&id=213EDEEA2F0A71CB55675E88C0435CC2A59ABD80&thid=OIP.NZwAgpMEDXt2Ytind7ZFOgHaFj&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fimage.slidesharecdn.com%2f08resteng-090524122738-phpapp02%2f95%2f08-rest-eng-16-728.jpg%3fcb%3d1243168326&exph=546&expw=728&q=perpetual+

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Atonement, Covenants, Feasts and Festivals, Grace, Jews, Judgment, Promises, Prophets, Sabbath, Sanctification, blood, chosen, culture, faithfulness, fasting, gifts, miracles, new creation, the crucifixion, values

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

(05/10/2020) Jesus and the Moneylenders

Matthew 21: 12, King James Version (KJV): 12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

Today, reply is on the account of Jesus using physical violence against the moneylenders within the courtyard at the Temple in Jerusalem. Like the Tabernacle of Moses, the Temple was to be a visible place of the unseen GOD’s continual presence with Israel. The sanctuary and other devoted places that are aspects of the church created by Jesus Christ are now also acknowledged as houses of GOD, and places of his appearing in Spirit. The holy writings show that, without correction from divinity, many will not realize that they are endowed with blessing and material prosperity from the Creator. GOD does supply evangelists, priests, prophets, rulers, and other of his servants with all they need (food, shelter, water, etc.) for accomplishing the sacred tasks they are assigned and trained to complete. Yet, the word of GOD, the divine process and substance we receive are not to be used as merchandise or personal property that we may dispose of as we please. Believers are equipped with divine gifts so they may resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Most Christian parents prefer to provide experiences of affection, gentleness, and tenderness to their children, and many are reluctant to accept that there also must be displays of commitment, firmness, and sternness against wrongdoing. Scolding and spanking will not make a child (or an adult person) permanently change to behave as a reliable and trustworthy daughter or son of GOD who is a sanctified believer; even so, as a member of the household of GOD, receiving in ones own flesh the consequences of their own errors and unwillingness to change may provide correction and otherwise unavailable warning regarding the consequences of judgment to come. It is written: Revelation 3: 15-19, King James Version (KJV): 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 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 eye-salve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Jesus hurt those money lenders really badly when He brutally whipped them. Why is Jesus THAT hurtful?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. (John 2: 13-22, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Lost For 40 Years? (09/17/2018); Divine Anger at Harvest? (05/26/2019); The Presence of GOD (04/02/2019); Jesus Rebuked The Moneychangers? (05/16/2018); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Money-changers in The Temple? (06/23/2013); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013)

“Anonymous”, a parent may scold or spank a child, yet, does not disown their own offspring. Similarly, the process of GOD for sinners who repent is one of change, correction, and challenge. Jesus addressed all the money-changers as partners in a consecrated covenant with divinity, who had agreed when called upon to accept correction from GOD, and to acknowledge the wrath of GOD against their nation, their own sins, and the sins of their fathers. Just as children who lack adult intellect and logic cannot justify and reason out all their behavior and conduct to their own parents, and often must be trained using graphic, memorable, and physical experience that reveal the displeasure of their caretakers, those in covenant with GOD, as babes, also may require challenges and rebuke for betrayal, disobedience, disrespect, and irreverence. The spiritual instruction that comes to us in the account of Jesus driving the money-changers away from the Temple in Jerusalem proclaims that correct covenant relationship with divinity is one that includes benefits, inheritance and privileges to mankind, yet also requires integrity, sacred service, and continual acknowledgment of the holiness of GOD by all who are in the covenant relationship. In effect, the money-changers created a marketplace on holy ground where there was the buying and selling of livestock for sacrifices to travelers who would come to worship, and the exchange of local currency for letters of credit and cash from other areas (e.g., coins, salt, silver, gold). The Temple community could influence and defile the entire nation, and was made up of more than the High Priest, the Sanhedrin Court of 70, the Levites, or the scribes and lawyers who argued cases using the sacred law. Beggars, lepers seeking to be certified by the priests, those in lives of devotion to GOD (e.g., Simon and Anna, the prophets who first acknowledged Jesus as the fulfillment of divine promise), those seeking to make special offerings and petitions, pilgrims, and those seeking power through self-promotion frequented the Temple. To the extent the Temple continued worldly customs and traditions that the people thought were divinely approved, the Temple was a source of great error. Sacred law required that the heads of households and the primary heir from every family must assemble during specific annual feasts and festivals. This was a divinely given method to transform Israel from being a collection of tribes into a united people. Secular concerns such as politics, regional government, celebrations of sacred events (we say, miracles), and social welfare were not to be their agenda. Rather, focus was to be on fellowship with divinity. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Jeremiah 5: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it. 2 And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely. 3 O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return. 4 Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God. 5 I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.

(2.) Jeremiah 10: 23-25, KJV: 23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 24 O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. 25 Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

(3.) Hebrews 12: 3-8, KJV: 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

(4.) 1^st Peter 4: 12-18, KJV: 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5frx0hqWVqw.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:20 AM, May 10, 2020 @ http://www.thewhirlingwind.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/jesus_whipping_the_money_changers.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/06/2019) Customs of the People

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

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

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

Amos 5:21-23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image downloaded 6:20 PM, December 05, 2019 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tn2lB29QcKge4alUPNKkWav7bFtTa3QYCOivIQbRW3pGDkFNajgO0siy3UtsSR2AqvYnyLEhAHhNgIfgXWJqydRVE_TFaBwdaY1MiHxWCo9dts-3p2WLpY5dKnzdv3zjz9-JTBho3_g/s1600/Burning+bush+1.JPG

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/04/2019) The Light Of Life

A depiction of Jesus and a 7 branch-menorah

Today, reply is on Christian definitions and meaning for words used by Jesus Christ to characterize and reveal the nature of his ministry on the earth. Jesus did not intend to spark controversy by his doctrine and ministry that was begun in the form of his regular reading from the Torah within the synagogue on the Sabbath day. Jesus attended and observed the traditional feasts and festivals required of those first in birth order, who were the primary heir within each household. As surely as he knew of Moses and Joshua as the law and the sword for Israel, he acknowledged the contributions by King David, King Solomon, and the Maccabees. It is written: John 10: 22-33, King James Version (KJV): 22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “☆父♥Devil the Evil™父" (Level 2 with 782 points) posted the following:

How true is this?

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. (Isaiah 11: 1-5, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Father of Lights (11/29/2019); By Death and Resurrection (10/29/2019); Understanding Existence and Life (10/15/2019); New Birth By Resurrection (09/27/2019); Now Are Ye Light (09/18/2019); We Must Acknowledge Christ (08/08/2019); Clothed In Divine Light? (08/02/2017); Living In The Light? (01/18/2015)

“☆父♥Devil the Evil™父”, among mature Christian believers, otherwise common language and secular words must be used to convey sacred meanings and divine values within a closed system of full belief. The words “darkness”, “light” and “life” address the attributes, principles, properties, process, and substance provided by divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Included are balance, completeness, direction, existence, eternal purpose, divine prerogative, and the sovereign will of GOD. The language of mature Christians is very different than that for others who answer to fables, fiction, mythology, spiritual confusion, superstition, and the occult.

Mankind has been endowed with life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup of GOD, and is to display divine content. Inseparable aspects of divinity (we say, the image of GOD; Christ-likeness) should appear including faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Just as light detected through our sense organ, the eye, may be understood as a condition that allows awareness and perception of material objects and things physically present, light as sacred guidance and truth manifesting divinity allows apprehension and consciousness of things that are invisible and remote in time (e.g., past, future), yet, are eternal and unchanging such as sacred law and the divine order appearing as the universe.

Christians are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character of Jesus Christ that correctly makes visible the opportunities and possibilities for multiple living relationships between and among the Creator and the created. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Marty Goetz:

(1.) Isaiah 8: 20, King James Version (KJV): 20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

(2.) Psalms 119: 104-106, KJV: 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

(3.) John 6: 63, KJV: 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To1T6o_420c.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:43 AM, December 04, 2019 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIzMiq6DyXIvBy6nlhMTV7IL_X9xLnheI06cXu2t0rvcErozHSQjoyJfjhbeOa5xfk7iO7-CMlqC35DQENxxgBq2HiXZ2137khSv6-DQJYtuAJrZdSkVkyOyIeehf8MxiMvhkKv4yq5TW/s1600/gesu-menorah.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/23/2019) The Confusions of Halloween

Today, reply is on Christian beliefs, spiritual confusion, and the celebration of Halloween. Christianity is to appear among mankind as correct expression of accountability, maturity, sacred knowledge, and spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD. The observance of Halloween and other holiday celebrations have been examined by Christian adults, and are now increasingly challenged regarding their value for sinners coming to Christ by repentance, and for the gradual growth and development of youth receiving Christ as their inheritance. In addition to promoting conflict and division among believers, holidays, celebrations, customs, and cultural traditions promoting parties and social behavior also encourage compromise, disbelief, hedonism, and skepticism. It is written: Luke 14: 25-27, King James Version (KJV): 25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Ember (Level 1 with 78 points, a member since October 16, 2019) posted the following:

How do I tell my parents I don't celebrate Halloween when I'm the only Christian in that household? My family are pagan and I'm not.?

I have told them I converted before but they took it as if I was being disrespectful and they've been mean, and my mom didn't take it well. They didn't take me telling them I converted well.. . Idk what to do

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (Matthew 19: 27-28, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Heathen and Pagan Ways (09/01/2019); Jesus In This Environment? (04/30/2019); Anger Against Our Parents? (01/10/2019); Why Paul Observed Tradition (07/10/2018); Sacred Ministry or Parenting? (05/10/2018); The Joy of Christmas (01/05/2017); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); A Day For Forgiveness? (12/25/2015)

“Ember”, the meaning and value of holidays during our stages of childhood must change as we develop and grow. Even so, for many Christian families the occasions for public celebration and the observance of holidays are increasingly becoming recognized as toxic for the home and within the community of faith. Like welcoming a wolf in sheep’s clothing, acknowledging things from the popular culture, customs, family law, and traditions of the world always entails great risk disguised as affirming and bonding community, child-like innocence, play, and recreation. Rather than proclaiming the things of redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ, often those who embrace Halloween further the expression of things carnal, material, and demonic along with the occult, sorcery, the supernatural, and superstition. A use and focus on graphic images, icons, and symbols are promoted that contend against balance, faith, godliness, and maturity. Death, destruction, division, fear, and accepting the operations of sin unknowingly are endorsed and promoted. The recognition of such events as anniversaries, birthdays, and the completion of harvest also have become tainted by elements promoting depression, excess, gluttony, and imbalance. Major feasts such as dia de los Muertos, Saint Patrick’s day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter are in danger of losing all piety, righteousness, and their saintly spirit character. While you are in the home of your parents, you must respect their right to freely express their own beliefs and values without having to answer continual condemnation, criticism, or disrespect from their children and other members of the household. You are to “win them over” by acknowledging and displaying such aspects of sacred spirit as faith, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, and wisdom. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 13: 11-12, King James Version (KJV): 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

(2.) Galatians 2: 16, KJV: 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

(3.) Galatians 5: 16-23, KJV: 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmwRnDa-iXM&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLMTSzGiuTABz_u7Lqbc7AF8&index=5&t=0s.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:50 PM, October 23, 2019 @ https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/people/why-do-we-celebrate-halloween.aspx

AN AFTERTHOUGHT: For most Christians, the benefits and rejoicing through sacred and secular celebrations are not the same. Christmas should not be compared against Kwanzaa; family reunion should not be compared to Resurrection Sunday; Sabbath should not be compared with Sunday. Anniversaries and memorials of sacred events (we often say, miracles) should acknowledge acts of GOD and mysteries from the past, yet also invoke and call forth (1) the same benefits, blessings, duties, and gifts provided earlier, (2) completion, fulfillment, or repetition of the original works, (3) re-dedication and revival as of ones assembly and the full church as well as (4) renewal of each believer’s own relationship with divinity. Commanded expectations (hope) and sacred purpose are reignited and reinvigorated; and those who labor preparing the harvest to be taken up at the coming of Jesus Christ as Lord receive needed rest and refreshing.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/10/2018) Why Paul Observed Tradition

The image points to an annual Jewish feast recorded in the Bible, and Christ as the firstfruit from the dead through his resurrection.



Today, reply is on the observance of annual feasts by the Jews of the early church, and the transformation of the character and nature of their beliefs from ethnic, cultural, secular, and social to standards and values that are sacred, spiritual, and universal.  Passover and other annual gatherings of the heads of families in Israel focused on lawful inheritance, and the obligations of those who were firstborn and heirs through birth order.  All Israel were to acknowledge that a single tribe (all the males across several age groups of the Levites) represented and served as a living sacrifice to GOD on behalf of all the firstborn from the other eleven tribes.  In addition to the proclamation of changes in the traditional priesthood whereby Jesus Christ is to be obeyed as an High Priest after the order of Melchisedec, the new testament in the blood of Jesus proclaims a coming harvest from the earth, the fulfillment of sacred promises, salvation, and eternal life.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “?” (Level 1 with 4 points, a member since May 10, 2016) posted the following:


Apostle Paul observed/kept the annual Holy days: Pentecost, Atonement + Feast of Unleavened bread, AFTER Christ died. True? Why was that?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?  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:  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.  (1st  Corinthians 5:  6-9 King James Version (KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Changed And Made Christ-like? (06/19/2018); Firstborn Of Every Creature (05/09/2018); A Threat Against Judaism (07/17/2017); Differences Among Sacred Events (04/10/2017); The Firstborn of GOD (01/02/2017); Frequency of The Lord’s Supper? (10/30/2016); A True Apostle? (09/20/2015); The Spirit and Pentecost (03/27/2013); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013)


“?”, the feasts observed by Israel commemorated and foreshadowed sacred events that included deliverance from Egypt for the firstborn of Jacob as well as Jesus Christ being  the firstfruit from the harvest and resurrection of GOD’s people from the dead.  Observance of the annual feasts commanded by GOD ensured that the Nation would have strong currents of communication and structure promoting leadership.  The heads of families, those who were firstborn and the heir, would regularly assemble. 

Saul of Tarsus, a Roman citizen, who later became known as the Apostle Paul, had to undergo multiple sacred operations and permanent changes whereby sinners repent, experience being born again through baptism (the death, burial, and rebirth of their inborn spirit), and grow-up again to mature/become ripe for harvest from the earth by the Lord at his appearing (the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming).  Saul had an experience of the resurrected Christ while traveling on the road having authority from the Temple at Jerusalem to identify and stamp out the Christians he might find at Damascus.  The Temple community wanted the Christians dealt with as a cult; however, their doctrine, history, and practices were increasingly being examined and studied as a new, legitimate sect within Judaism. 

In the same way GOD divided those at Babel confusing the language in order to complete the plan to overspread the earth (be fruitful and multiply), GOD brought persecution against the church at Jerusalem to spur evangelism and the spread of the Gospel.  Believers today must be built up and edified to become full persons endowed with the imparted, indwelling Spirit; and we are then exhorted to go forth and share what we have received.  Paul had to discover and gradually learn that those in Christ are a new creation.  The Christians who all began as Jews were challenged to acknowledge and operate on the basis of their Spirit from GOD, rather than their culture, ethnicity, gender, national origin, scholarship, station, or wealth.  Christian believers have a new covenant relationship to the Father through the Son that continues and fulfills eternal purpose, and that features new promises, prophecy, the new testament in the blood of Jesus, and fresh streams of sacred truth.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Exodus 13:  11-15, King James Version (KJV):  11 And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,  12 That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD’s.  13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck:  and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.  14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:  15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast:  therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.

(2.)  Zechariah 14:  16-21, KJV:  16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.  17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.  18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.  19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.  20 In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar.  21 Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts:  and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein:  and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.

(3.)  Acts 8:  1-4, KJV:  1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.  2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.  3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.  4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Acts 11:  19-26, KJV:  19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.  20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.  21 And the hand of the Lord was with them:  and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.  22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem:  and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.  23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.  24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith:  and much people was added unto the Lord.  25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:  26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/10/2017) Differences Among Sacred Events

Blessed Is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord

Today, continuing to acknowledge Holy Week, reply is made to a question on differences for scheduling Jewish and Christian observances of Passover, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.  The separation of Christian and Jew has been more the result of differences between being anchored in secular or sacred knowledge as well as the things necessary for survival of the doctrines and new testament from Jesus Christ, rather than from teachings to despise or reject Jews and the covenant of Moses.  As an expression of love to the Savior, and in accordance with the Scriptures, many Christians now pray daily for the peace of Jerusalem and all Israel.  During the Savior’s public trial before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, the High Priest and elders of the Sanhedrin urged the people to demand the Lord’s crucifixion; and following his death and resurrection they persecuted the early church to destroy it.  The crowd that called for his execution were so opposed to the Savior’s release, they even agreed to accept the curse of GOD upon themselves and their future generations.  Mature Christian and Messianic Jewish believers, today, also acknowledge a “remnant” among the Jews, who benefit from oneness without sameness and a shared spiritual truth:   “There is one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God, and Father of all.”  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Russell” (Level 4 with 3,779 points, a member since November 06, 2011) posted the following:

Why doesn't the Christian Church celebrate the Crucifixion/Resurrection at the time of the Jewish Passover, when it occurred?

Update: Easter in other words

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not:  thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.  (Isaiah 63:  16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Hosanna in the Highest (04/09/2017); Time and Sacred Events? (03/30/2017); The Complete Divine Revelation? (03/10/2017); Holy Writings and Spirit? (12/16/2016); The Cross and Judaism? (05/27/2016); Diversity and the Church? (07/22/2015); The Glory of GOD? (06/23/2015)

“Russell”, in the divine plan, the Jews were to exist as a nation that would be a sacred tool and mechanism for life in the earth.  The profound transformation of covenant with GOD that would be introduced by Jesus Christ was not intended to destroy the longstanding relationship between heaven and Israel.  However, by their repeated breach of covenant, the Jews called forth the appearance of divinity in the earth as a man, Jesus Christ.  The Son of GOD would reveal and respond to many divine demands, promises, and prophecies that existed among the Jews as overlooked, unaddressed and unmet.  By preaching, “you must be born again,” and the importance of rebirth and repentance through the Holy Spirit, the Savior would show there was a pressing need for change, reform, and renewal that would appear to be contrary to the customs, traditions, and standards that were in use for millennia among the Jews.   Sinners would be called from their immersion in things carnal, material and social to concentrate and focus upon the identity of GOD as a Spirit.  The salvation offered through the Son only would respond to things already on record in the holy writings that ranged from the obligations of faith rather than law; the operations of grace, gratitude, forgiveness, divine love and mercy, rather than sacrifice; the necessity of sorrow for sin; and the standing of men as children and offspring of divinity.  Members of the church founded by Jesus are to be understood as “new creations;” and their separation from the Jew is not on the basis of law or practice so much as the irrepressible operations of growth that come by receiving new spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  Consider again the following points from the holy writings:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 14:  1,  King James Version (KJV):  1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God:  ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.  2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

(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.)  John 7:  14-18, KJV:  14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.  15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?  16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.  17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.  18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory:  but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Luke 5:  36-38, KJV:  36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.  37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.  38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC