(12/12/2018) Sacred Characters, Not Fictional

The image depicts the promise to Abraham of an heir from GOD who would be a required lamb of sacrifice.

Today, the reply is on Abraham and Moses as sacred figures, rather than make-believe or fictional characters. The belief system provided to all Christians is intended to make visible the diverse actualities, opportunities, possibilities, and streams of sacred (rather than secular) truth that continue a permanent connection for our own existence and lives to that of divinity. In the same way, Israel was called out from a one-world empire, Egypt, to exist as the lawful heir and son of divinity, Christian believers are commanded to separate from this present world that is a man-made system for exchange, interaction, and survival to exist as divine offspring and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. Consider again the spiritual application and meaning for Revelation 18: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

Are Moses and Abraham real or fictional characters?

Even secular Jews say they are mythological characters and Jews were never held as slaves in Egypt

Only religious Jews and Christians say they are real

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: The Word From GOD (12/11/2018); Lost For 40 Years? (09/17/2018); The First “Chosen” People (05/03/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); The Goodness of Pharaoh? (02/19/2018); The Generation That Wandered (06/14/2017); Kingdom and One-world Empire (09/08/2016); Slaves to Sin? (04/13/2015); Adam, Pharaoh and All Mankind? (01/28/2015)

“Anonymous”, fictional characters are fashioned and intended for amusement, diversion, entertainment, and recreation. Christian belief shares a simple, yet, richly detailed and profound revelation of (1) the character, makeup, process, and substance of divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit); (2) the origins of existence, duration, order, purpose, sacred law, and suffering; and (3) meanings, principles, and values that continue human survival and the accomplishment of authentic humanity despite the condition of mortality, and the operations of sin. In addition to the origin of mankind, eternal purpose and operations of GOD are described highlighting divine dominion that appears through family, government, inheritance, judgment, covenant relationship, redemption, and salvation.

For Christians, Egypt is a symbol of idolatry, lawlessness, occult practices (i.e. sorcery; witchcraft), and spiritual confusion. Egypt became a one-world empire during the period of famine when the nation’s land, livestock, and entire population (except for the Hebrews) became chattel (private property) and slaves to the household of the Pharaoh. Even so, the Hebrews sought to assimilate, blend in, and coexist among the Egyptians. The Egyptians continually displayed bias, ethnic arrogance, and prejudice against the sons of Jacob; and the Hebrews were despised for amassing and gathering livestock (being herders), rather than be merely handlers and users of a few beasts. Later, reproduction among the Hebrews threatened imbalance within the population; and the tribes of Jacob would come under persecution as a threat to the survival of the Egyptian people. GOD would demand release for the descendants of Abraham (the offspring of Jacob) from all financial, political and other obligations to Egypt; and would set them apart (we also say, consecrate; purify; sanctify) the tribes of Jacob through exodus and separation. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Genesis 47: 19-21 King James Version (KJV): 19 Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate. 20 And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh’s. 21 And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof.

2. Exodus 4: 22-23, KJV: 22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: 23 And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.

3. Galatians 3: 6-9, KJV: 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. John 8: 31-40, KJV: 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. 39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/03/2016) Does GOD Hate Jews?

Today, focus is upon whether or not GOD “hates” and rejects Jewish people.  Many Christians feel the Jews annulled the covenant of Moses by demanding that the world—symbolized in the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate—condemn and crucify Jesus upon the cross.  Others are convinced that their emphasis as a people has always been upon things carnal, material, and social such that they now are Jews only as an ethnic, political, and secular group that no longer exists as sanctified and set apart under divine law, or covenant with divinity.  Jews, sinners, and unbelievers who reject Jesus do so because they lack experience and sacred knowledge, necessary divine substance from the makeup of GOD (such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, vision, and wisdom), and correct understanding of sacred events, prophecy, and the operations of GOD on behalf of the universe.  Included are definitions, lifestyles, meanings, and values that give expression to the will of GOD, rather than the awareness and self-will of the created beings and living creatures Deity has put forth.  The writer at “Yahoo!7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Kishore” (Level 5 with 5,497 points, a member since May 23, 2012) posted the following:

Does God hate Jews because they reject Jesus?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.  Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father:  he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.  Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.  (1st John 2:  22-24, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The GOD Who Loves? (10/02/2016); The Cross and Judaism? (05/27/2016); Tools for Revelation? (10/26/2015); The Remnant? (10/12/2015); Messiah and the Unthinkable? (09/25/2015); Ye Are Abraham’s Seed (07/10/2015); A Wandering Jew? (04/09/2015); Gentiles and the Law? (09/19/2013); According to This Word (09/20/2013)

“Kishore”, no; GOD does not “hate” Jews.  Many mature Christian believers agree that GOD continues to honor his word to Jewish people up to this very hour; however, like others around the world, all Jews do not correctly acknowledge and pursue their proper place with our Creator.  Throughout its history the church of Jesus Christ has been careful to demonstrate and proclaim the commitment and faithfulness of divinity to mankind and all Creation.  The relationships provided for the sons and daughters of Adam upon the earth have included covenant partnership, existence as a divine kingdom, service as priests, prophets, and kings as well as adoption to be children of GOD and heirs of the Father in heaven.  The offspring of Adam and Eve have been given special authority, duties, inheritance, instruction, opportunities, and privileges that supply them with sacred knowledge, divine substance from the makeup of GOD, and distinct practices (we say, sacraments).  As the offspring of Abraham (called “the Friend of GOD”) and his son Isaac, and grandson Jacob, the 12 tribes of Israel were chosen to make divinity knowable and known to all the earth.  While they appear having blessing and favor as a tool for divine revelation, the Jewish people also have been used to demonstrate divine judgment with righteousness, wisdom, and the wrath of GOD against sin.  More importantly, the Jews have served (1) as a device for the appearance of GOD using flesh and blood as a man, Jesus Christ; (2) a mechanism to bring about Christ being destroyed upon the cross as an embodiment of sin (in both cases we say, Incarnation); and (3) a stable framework for the establishment of rebirth, repentance, and “new creation” for mankind through the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Consider again how this is stated using language from the holy writings:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 7:  6-10, King James Version (KJV):  7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:  8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.  9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;  10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them:  he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

(2.)  Jeremiah 31:  31-33, 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.

(3.)  Romans 10:  2-3, KJV:  2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

(4.)  Psalms 94:  14-15, KJV:  14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.  15 But judgment shall return unto righteousness:  and all the upright in heart shall follow it.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Romans 9:  26-33, KJV:  26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.  27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:  28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness:  because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.  29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.  30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.  31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.  32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;  33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence:  and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/10/2015) Ye Are Abraham’s Seed

Scripture points are shared, today, on the status of Christian believers (Gentiles) as Hebrews and Jews.  Those who receive the New Testament covenant in the blood of Jesus Christ are heirs to all the earlier covenants, law, practices, and promises of GOD for the salvation of mankind.  Included are terms for sacred relationship provided to Adam (atonement), Abraham (circumcision), Moses (divine law), Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron (priesthood), and David (kingdom).  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “aidan” (Level 1 with 97 points, a member since July 09, 2015) posted the following:


If jesus is jewish, why isnt everyone who believes in jesus jewish?

The thing is I have always been told since im catholic that I will go to heaven and those who arent Catholic will go somewhere else. Then I realised that this is every religions perspective on other religion. But when you realise that jesus is jewish doesnt that mean everyone is wrong except the jews?


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


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Wandering Jew? (04/09/2015); Correctly Knowing Israel? (03/01/2015); A Common Heritage? (07/13/2014); Asleep Through the Holocaust? (07/14/2014); Gentiles and the Law? (09/19/2013); According to This Word (09/20/2013); The Children, not the Dogs (03/17/2013); Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013)


“aidan”, as Christian believers, followers of Jesus are to acknowledge the holy writings as one of the most important sources for sacred knowledge.  Consider the following points:

(1.)  Colossians 2:  8-13, King James Version (KJV):  8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:  11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:  12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.  13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

(2.)  Colossians 3:  9-15, KJV:  9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:  11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free:  but Christ is all, and in all.  12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;  13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

(3.)  John 4:  19-24, KJV:  19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.  20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.  21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.  22 Ye worship ye know not what:  we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.  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.

(4.)  Romans 3:  1-3, KJV:  3 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?  2 Much every way:  chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.  3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

(5.)  Romans 3:  29-31, KJV:  29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:  30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.  31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid:  yea, we establish the law.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (6.)  Romans 2:  28-29, KJV:  28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:  29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/27/2014) Healing is By Relationship?

Healing, divine intent, prayer and fellowship with GOD are topics, today.  Also, there is more on racism that appears through church attendance.  A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using ID “A B” (Level 5 with 9,106 points, a member since May 03, 2012) posted the following:


Religion and spirituality, why would God need prayers to decide to heal or do good?

If I see a child dying of ebola and it lies in my power to instantly cure it, I will unhesitatingly do it, without need to be prompted by someone else. But why does God need to be asked to do good and end suffering? Why prayer?


THE BATTLE AXE:  One Faith, One Lord? (09/26/2014)—(5.)  Most Christian believers abandon racist thinking when they see it cancels, interferes with, and directly opposes multiple doctrines and teachings from GOD.  For example, Christians are to embrace accountability, duty, and shared responsibility as custodians and spokespersons for Christ through the same imparted Spirit of power and wisdom from the time of Adam that was deposited in believers of the early church at Pentecost.  Inseparable aspects of divinity identify all those belonging to the kingdom of GOD.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, humility, innocence, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wrath against sin, and zeal.  Often racist behavior within the church is no less than defiance, envy, fear of exposure of ones weaknesses, lack of respect that results from issues of self-esteem, rebellion, rejection of divine law, and denial that divine authority may be exercised through or invested within others.

(6.)  Through Jesus Christ many accept an identity and inheritance as spiritual Jews.  It is a common error that Catholicism and Judaism are only for whites, just as many believe that Islam is only for people of color, and for blacks.  Because of bias, ignorance and prejudice many are unaware of African bishops, nuns, cardinals and congregations among Catholics as well as Spain and Portugal-based (Hispanic or Sephardic) Jews, Chinese, and Ethiopian Jews.  There also are records of the Marranos and black Moorish Jews (Maghrib, Sudan and Iberian Pennisula).  The Black Hebrew Israelites and similar organizations promoting Black Judaism have existed mainly in the United States among African Americans as early as 1886.  Since 1969, Black Hebrews have migrated to Israel, however, they did not attain legal status until 1990.  To many of us, this is curious and a sign of racism, for historically, Gentile converts and proselytes have appeared among the Jews from the time that Moses as a prophet to the Hebrews left Egypt followed by a “mixed multitude” who also entered into covenant with the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.    In many cases, the “high visibility” absence of ethnic and racial diversity within neighborhood churches and assemblies have been the result of separation and survival mechanisms required for those experiencing migration from the rural South to cities, and immigration to America from Europe.  Often, the effect of culture shock, disappointments and limitations for housing, income, and job opportunities have amplified distrust, fear, and the sense that cultural heritage is threatened with destruction.  As concern for maintaining the original customs, practices and traditions within communities becomes heightened, there are repeated efforts to restate and preserve fundamental principles, and to refresh (we say, revive) the elements of worship.  In addition to government policies of discrimination and segregation, there have been unseen patterns for inclusion within communities that have a controlling influence upon church attendance along with the social and spiritual growth of believers.  Included have been continuing to support extended families, problems from using dialects and language acquisition, maintaining small businesses and property ownership as well as the peculiar challenges to youth and to the aged.  Consider again Galatians 3:  27-29, Psalm 75:  5-7, Luke 13:  28-30, Colossians 3:  1-17 and Revelation 7:  9-10, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain:  and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.  (James 5:  13-18, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What GOD Demands (05/10/2014); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014); The 2nd Prayer Death (02/22/2014); Why Christians Pray for Others (01/12/2014); GOD is Jesus? (01/13/2014); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012); Did Jesus Know? (12/22/2012); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012);  Double Standard? (10/12/2012)


“A B”, here are a few points to consider that are useful to the followers of Jesus Christ:

(1.)  Start with this:  GOD does not know you in an intimate sense, just as you do not know GOD until a peculiar level of communication and shared experience are in effect.  Without change, cleansing, growth, you are another material object among millions, who lack godly quality, or divine substance that would fit you to be an eternal companion to the Most High.

(2.)  By the grace and divine prerogative demonstrated through Jesus Christ, you are being “called” and welcomed into new aspects of reality (they have been there all the time) where permanent changes are being made to your spirit content, how you function, and your ways of operating.  On the basis of intercessions by Christ as well as divine intent and eternal purposes, spiritual gifts and benefits are being provided to you from GOD.

(3.)  In part, GOD maintains distance and separation from created beings and living creatures in order to limit distractions and interruption of sacred operations, and to establish clear and inarguable authority.  Also, the infirmity of the living requires distance from the awesome presence of GOD.  In the same way divine law is provided to identify sin, and reveal the righteousness of GOD, law (we may say, rules, divine order, discipline) is a form of protection that is essential to right relationship.

Of course, there is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Life experience for mankind has been established by GOD as a “mechanical process” having fixed cycles, patterns and sequences.  However, disease and illness regularly appear through operations of finite human will, and as a consequence of men rejecting the divine frameworks, willfully violating the laws for health.  As surely as many deny the social order, men then seek to reverse the natural order.  The transformation of mankind to live as immortal and incorruptible requires multiple sacred processes.  Included are birth, death, atonement, forgiveness, resurrection, sacrifice, and sanctification.  While evil (calamity, catastrophe, upheaval) is a divine tool to reveal the active presence of GOD, many refuse to come to GOD for healing because they know they will have to fulfill their duty to GOD as their Creator.  Healing comes by relationship, not cures, elixirs, and medicines.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC