(01/17/2019) The Bible on Divorce

Today, reply is on divorce and the divine use of life companions through marriage. One of the most revealing incidents regarding the divine character, sanctification, and use of marriage appears in the accounts from Nehemiah the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest and scribe. Rather than the issues of emotions, love, or pride of family, the issues of accountability to GOD, duty, and sacred promise were primary. The two served as leaders and organizers of the Jews who returned home from the 70-year captivity of Babylon. Their efforts to restore Jerusalem included rebuilding the city walls, reinstating the Levitical priesthood, and reestablishing worship in the Temple. When it became clear that many of the Levites were now defiled by having married women who were not in covenant with GOD (we say, foreign or strange women) and had fathered children by them, hundreds were required to “put away” their profane marriages in a process of divorce. Those who would not willingly dissolve their unlawful union would lose their standing and family inheritance as men of Judah. It is written: Ezra 9: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. 2 For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass. 3 And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied. Also, Ezra 10: 10-17, KJV: 10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel. 11 Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives. 12 Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do. 13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing. 14 Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us. 15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them. 16 And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter. 17 And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives by the first day of the first month. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Why's divorce wrong in Christianity, what if you're married to an abusive person?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. (1^st Peter 3: 1-7, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Transgression of Sacred Law? (10/25/2018); Applying The Divine Standards (10/02/2018); Two Become One Flesh (01/07/2018); When Believers Practice Divorce (12/10/2017); Marriage Is A Sacrament? (06/11/2017); The Wife of Your Youth? (12/22/2015); The Mistakes In Youth? (08/24/2015)

“Anonymous”, counsel and instruction for those who enter into covenant with divinity through the blood of Jesus Christ includes the following:

1. Deuteronomy 24: 1-4, King James Version (KJV): 1 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. 2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife. 3 And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; 4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

2. Malachi 2: 11-16, KJV: 11 Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. 12 The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts. 13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. 14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. 15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

3. Matthew 19: 3-9, KJV: 3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

4. 1^st Timothy 1-3, KJV: 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. 1^st Corinthians 7: 10-16, KJV: 10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. 12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/16/2018) An Account of Lawlessness

A depiction of the Levite whose concubine was attacked at Gibeah by men from the tribe of Benjamin.

Today, points are shared on topics that include accountability, covenant law, priesthood, reconciliation, and sacrifice within marriage. Divine justice and the sacred process of judgment are ongoing, and do not depend upon human institutions, politics, or secular knowledge among men. Early Israel was not organized as a kingdom, and neither law enforcement nor judgment were administered by a centralized government, or by one who was anointed to be chief and ruler. Their struggle continued to complete driving from the Promised Land the original nations that were in covenant with GOD. The voices of those serving as Levites, priests and deliverers (judges) were often contested. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “Pat C.” (Level 7 with 49,625 points, a member since December 10, 2011) posted the following:

What's the moral of the story of the Levite and his concubine? It's ok to send a girl out to be raped all night then cut her into 12 pieces?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah. And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father’s house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months. And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father’s house to Bethlehem Judah, and was there four whole months. (Judges 19: 1-3, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: That GOD Is Judge (11/01/2018); Divine Law Is Demanding (04/10/2018); A Lawless, Violent GOD? (11/16/2017); Making and Keeping Justice? (05/25/2017); No Excuses For Judgment (07/26/2016); To Study the Book of Judges (09/09/2015); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Why GOD Does Not Tell All (09/11/2013)

“Pat C.”, here are some points of consideration shared among Christian believers that provide divine correction and proper understanding for the account you refer to from the Book of Judges that resulted in civil war, and the near destruction of a single tribe:

1. The framework of divine law is provided to permit choice guided by consciousness and self-will, rather than appetite, sensation, emotion, and mind. In the language of the holy writings, the hosting of sin within the heart and pursuing the operations of sin appearing as desire are iniquity, lawlessness, and wickedness. It is because of sin that divine instruction and law have been proclaimed for created beings and living creatures.

2. While an entire generation of those from Egypt heard the voice of GOD proclaiming covenant law for their affiliation with divinity and for themselves to continue in association with mankind as a full nation rather than a family or collection of tribes, a single figure (monarch) or mechanism to enforce the sanctions within the law was not established.

3. The pattern for government provided by Moses centered in collective worship with the daily and routine resolution of conflicts and the settlement of disputes being performed through the system of captains and judges over units that increased in size (10s, 20s, 50s, 100s, etc.). Every member within the camp was to respond with self-government displayed as commitment, conscience, faith, and obedience to the law.

4. The pattern for holy matrimony in the Scriptures is that of offering and sacrifice wherein a woman leaves her mother and father; is joined to her husband to be one flesh before GOD through operations performed by the Spirit; comes under the authority and law of her husband; and continues in shared, unselfish commitment.

5. Outrage, transgression and violations of the covenant law were to be published and reported throughout the entire covenant community as admonition, correction, guidance, and rebuke.

6. The wife who left her husband and returned to her father’s house (we say, returned home) is characterized as having “played the whore” (i.e., offered herself as a sex object and romantic partner to men outside the marriage relationship for gifts, goods, favor, payments, etc.).

7. The 27,000 men of Benjamin refused to be held accountable, or take responsibility to investigate and punish the crime that had been committed among themselves; and the tribe determined to withstand the condemnation of the more than 400,000 fighters with the collected elders and spokespersons of the covenant.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 8. During the course of warfare, the combined tribes pronounced a curse on Benjamin, and swore to never intermarry with that tribe; however, when only 600 men from Benjamin survived the armed conflict, a solution through marriage was chosen to continue their divine inheritance, and repopulate their lands.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/25/2018) Transgression of Sacred Law?

Today, reply shares Christian beliefs regarding adultery, fornication, the betrayal of divinity, and the seventh commandment of the Decalogue. Husbands and wives are not merely to show respect to one another; they are to reverence (acknowledge) the sacred presence, eternal purpose, and divine qualities residing within one another. The fighter using the ID “GenuineGuy” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since August 30, 2011) posted the following in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum:

What is adultery?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Ephesians 5: 22-33, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Two Become One Flesh (01/07/2018); Faithless Israel, Unfaithful Judah? (08/18/2017); On Law and Sin (06/07/2017); The GOD Named “Jealous” (09/15/2016); Iniquity Forgiven? (02/16/2016); We Call Him Jealous? (10/25/2015); GOD and Adultery? (06/11/2014); A Hardened Spirit? (06/12/2014)

“GenuineGuy”, many of the understandings among mature Christian believers at first appear harsh and imposing. Adultery is more than simply an issue of joint ownership of material property, forswearing oneself (we say, breaking your promise; not keeping the marriage vows), and sharing sexual behavior or pursuing romantic relationships outside of ones marriage. Adultery is conduct that opposes the continued existence of divine law (we say, iniquity; sin; transgression; wickedness). Adultery annuls, overturns, and undermines the integrity and soundness of personal accountability; duty; covenant relationships; proclamations of divine will; prophecy; sacred promises as well as the immutability and weight of final utterance (we say, breath; speech; spirit; truth) that establish lasting bonds. Adultery usually entails fornication (i.e., the defilement of ones own spirit makeup and that of their spouse through sexual joining with unknown and unseen partners who earlier had sexual contact with the adultery-partner that are not physically present and visible).

Throughout the holy writings, the dominion and sovereign rule of divinity over Creation is described and expressed using language and names that indicate GOD is not a mere abstraction or product from the human mind; and divinity operates through continuous relationship such as seen with marriage and parenting. While GOD, whose name also is Jealous, will remain immortal and invisible, Deity is to be known as accessible and approachable like ones own father, or their own spouse. Thus, the figures and types that created beings and living creatures are to use when speaking of GOD include, betrayal, divorce, fidelity, forgiveness, holy matrimony, inheritance, joining, permanence, playing the whore, and reconciliation. Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.) Isaiah 54: 4-9, King James Version (KJV): 4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. 5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. 6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. 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.

(2.) Titus 2: 1-8, KJV: 1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

(3.) Ezekiel 23: 36-39, KJV: 36 The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations; 37 That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them. 38 Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths. 39 For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house.

(4.) Galatians 5: 19-23, KJV: 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Revelation 21: 1-3, KJV:  1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/02/2018) Applying The Divine Standards

Today, the reply is on the differences between divine and human qualifications for serving GOD through Jesus Christ. In the same way many refuse to label gossip, innuendo, lying, and slander as the work of the devil, and are willing to view verbal aggression as acceptable among mankind, many believers want to avoid a conclusion that divorce is a sin, or that social behavior is a genuine indicator of ones spiritual condition. Yet, within the church, it may not be denied that patterns of behavior emerge in keeping with having spirit content from the makeup of divinity. Included are gradual growth, permanent change, learning, repentance, and stability. Multiple incidents that display forswearing commitment, immaturity, breach of promise, and self-contradiction do not encourage mutual respect and trust. Even when considering the recent events in government hearings regarding the Supreme Court, the sacred principles and process provided by Jesus Christ should be in effect, for only they continue to mark and set apart those who belong to the Lord as his disciples and followers. The goals to comfort, heal, and show compassion are rarely achieved by complaining, continuing accusations from ones past, law enforcement investigations, or political manipulation that emerge from the flesh. Fitness to serve in the divine priesthood (we say, being ceremonially clean; purity) should appear among all those receiving atonement and sharing themselves as living sacrifices where Jesus Christ is named as High Priest. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Patty” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since October 01, 2018) posted the following:

An assistant pastor has been divorced 2 times. Is single at this time. Is he qualified to hold this position in the church?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. 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. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 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? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (1^st Peter 4: 14-19, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Bible Definitions Of Sin (09/30/2018); Those Apt To Teach? (06/20/2018); Standards For Godly Behavior (02/01/2018); Caution! Work In Progress (10/19/2017); All Have Come Short (10/11/2017); Sanctify Yourselves for Tomorrow (05/07/2017); Temporal and Eternal Judgment (02/15/2017); Servants To The Body? (01/17/2017)

“Patty”, because the operations and process of the church must be different from that for the World, among many Christian believers, your question will be understood as asking “Is the assistant pastor faithful (i.e., filled with the Holy Spirit)?” There is a danger when judging those who seem to be sent by GOD and to be the Lord’s anointed (e.g., clergy; evangelists; prophets) that GOD will be unjustly accused. On surface, we should expect that human behavior focusing on things carnal, material, secular, and social will not be same as that expressing accountability, commitment, and devotion to GOD. In the church, such elements as forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, reverence, wisdom, and wrath against sin are to be understood as making visible the character, makeup, and substance of divinity; and are to routinely appear within those who are born again as tools and vessels of the “active presence” whom we honor as our GOD. Discerning faith and the other inseparable aspects imparted to indwell mankind from the divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is a sacred process that pertains to being in accord, acknowledgment, “oneness” without “sameness,” recognition, and the display of godliness.

Behavior in marriage includes the expression of appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings) and sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) along with communicating emotion/mind (e.g., anger, fantasy, fear, recall). Only where marriage acknowledges a joining to divinity (we say, holy matrimony; sacred union; the two become one flesh, and GOD is the other) are we correct to expect to see the expressions of rebirth that include completeness, maturity, obedience to divine law, sacred practice (we say, sacraments), sobriety, and unselfish service.

For those existing as the church, the body of Christ on the earth, ongoing judgment establishes the resolution of conflicts and the settlement of disputes through the application of divine law. In addition to impartiality, judgment must display balance, consistency, mercy, restraint, and righteousness. Correction and restoration are more the objectives of judgment than displaying disfavor or punishment. As an aspect of revelation, judgment further proclaims the personhood and sovereign will of divinity. Forgiveness may respond to (yet does not cancel) the sanctions against sin that are written within the law. Resurrection of the dead permits all to appear before GOD in required living tribunals. Thus, touching judgment, circumspection and discretion are to appear with openness and thoroughness; the confidentiality and secrecy of confession and private prayer may not appear. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Malachi 3: 13-18, King James Version (KJV): 13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? 14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? 15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. 16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 2: 9-15, KJV: 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

(3.) Matthew 18: 15-17, KJV: 15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Matthew 5: 13, KJV: 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/15/2018) The Shared Divine Glory?

While many in America and around the world are honoring Citizen, Martin Luther King, Jr., today, our blog is on the sharing of glory among the three persons of the full GODhead (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and the glory bestowed by Christ upon his disciples.  When speaking of Deity and sacred persons, glory is understood as the excellence attributed to divine actions and deeds, that may include marvels, sacred events (miracles), signs, and wonders.  Divine traits and defining features also are spoken of as glory such as humility, the thoughts of GOD, and virtue.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “fixerken” (Level 7 with 30,276 points, a member since August 30, 2006) posted the following:

At John 17:22 it speaks of God's glory [do'-ksä] that the Heavenly Father gave his?

only begotten Son Jesus Christ that Jesus gave to his disciples so they could be one just as Jesus and his Father are one! What is this glory Jesus is speaking of?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;  Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility:  for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  (1st Peter 5:  2-11, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  From Glory to Glory (11/14/2017); Our Glory From GOD (09/24/2017); The Hope of Glory (03/02/2017); Recognizing Jesus in Glory (02/05/2017); To Give Glory? (11/11/2015); The Glory of GOD? (06/23/2015); Filling the House With Glory? (08/17/2014); False Angels of Light? (08/16/2014)

“fixerken”, glory has to do with how divinity is known by what is shared as well as by what is distinct or separate among the consecrated persons (i.e., the divine name; reputation).  Glory may be thought of as a facet of divine dominion, majesty, sovereignty, and splendor.  There are multiple appearances, displays, and forms that have served and been used to reveal the glory of full divinity.  Included have been the covering that was on Adam who was made in the image of GOD; the Tabernacle fashioned on earth patterned after that in heaven; the Ark of the Covenant; the Shekinah who rested on the seat of judgment within the veil; Jesus Christ Incarnate in his hour of transfiguration; the Resurrected Christ ascending into heaven; and the Holy City (New Jerusalem) that will descend from heaven to the earth.  Commitment, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, mercy, and purity should all be discerned as displays of divine glory.  The earth itself and the universe that envelopes the earth also are expressions of the glory of GOD who is their Creator and Maker, and who continues to put forth existence, duration, judgment, life, righteousness, and truth. 

Sinners who become “born again” will become vessels containing spirit substance from the makeup of GOD.  As those who will become known as Christians, “developing believers,” and the sons and daughters of GOD, they may be thought of as sharing glory from the Son of the Highest in the same way guests are to share the joy of a bride and groom becoming blessed through holy matrimony, yet, do not receive the same authority, presence, privilege, and relationship as the divinely blessed pair. 

The appearances of divine glory display differences in their expanse, extent, and fullness.  Even so, members of the church headed by Jesus, and saints within his kingdom will exist eternally as inseparable aspects of the personal glory manifest by the Son before the Father, the Spirit, the Host of heaven, and before all that has ever existed and, will ever exist.  Glory should be understood as pertaining to the integrity of divine being, oneness without sameness for the full GODhead, the multiple elements of sacred personhood, and their mutual affirmation that is the bond of perfection (we say, love).  Consider again the following that use language from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 48:  9-11, King James Version (KJV):  9 For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.  10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.  11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it:  for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 15:  39-50, KJV:  39 All flesh is not the same flesh:  but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.  40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial:  but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.  41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars:  for one star differeth from another star in glory.  42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:  43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory:  it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:  44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.  45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.  46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.  47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.  48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy:  and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.  49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.  50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended regarding the person of Jesus Christ.  (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.

Washington, DC

(01/07/2018) Two Become One Flesh

Today, gender roles in marriage, holy matrimony, and being joined to GOD are topics.  Much of what we read regarding family and marriage in the holy writings speak to the social institutions made by mankind, not the sacred institution used to generate life and impart godliness to human couples.  Marriage in Bible times often responded to population events such as epidemic disease, crop failures, famine, and warfare that repeatedly might result in the destruction of from twenty to one hundred thousand or more males in a single battle.  Initially, polygamy (1 man, many wives) and polyandry (1 woman, many husbands) were practiced for survival, and to restore communities that otherwise would be wiped out.  Union of two Christian believers can be thought of as “arranged marriage” and “pre-ordained” in the sense that both partners of the pair already are committed and “belong” to a divine person, Jesus Christ.  Just as a couple becoming husband and wife does not eliminate their accountability and duty as individuals having their own parents, siblings, or an employer, their union as spouses does not remove all their privilege as distinct persons having separate self-will, and who are to maintain both self-government and integrity of conscience. A writer in the forum shared by “Yahoo! Answers” who  uses the ID “Krystal Rice” (the profile information was lost) posted the following:

Biblical roles as a husband and wife?

Me and my husband are both growing in our spiritual walk with God. But we are having a huge issue!!! He thinks the only role a woman plays is to submit to the man, which is true, but it’s not the only role. Bible says we are to submit to eachother out of reverence for the Lord & that the man provides and puts the woman’s needs first. With his issue lingering for the past week he has begun to be cold and dictates I do certain things. I want him to lead us as God leds the church but I also want to be heard. He posed that I either submit/ do what he says or leave the relationship.

What do you guys think and how should I handle this? Its more about understanding than anything. & perception.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband:  But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband:  and let not the husband put away his wife.  But to the rest speak I, not the Lord:  if any brother have a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let her not leave him.  For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband:  else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.  But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart.  A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases:  but God hath called us to peace.  (1st Corinthians 7:  10-15, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  When Believers Practice Divorce (12/10/2017); Separate Yet Not Alone (06/28/2017); Conforming to Divine Standards (06/18/2017); Marriage Is A Sacrament? (06/11/2017); The Relationships With GOD? (11/30/2016); In Relationship With Divinity? (08/16/2016); The Wife of Your Youth? (12/22/2015);  Sermons About Good Sex? (08/25/2014); About Good Sermons? (08/26/2014); The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012); On Asking Why (11/08/2012)

“Krystal”, consider the following that comes from a focus wherein the divine purpose for marriage is to establish oneness without sameness.  In sacred marriage, the two become one flesh, and GOD is the other.

Even, within the body of Christian believers, today, spiritual confusion may be found regarding gender roles, and sexuality for men and women.  The church is to understand that, by the sacrament (sacred practice) of holy matrimony, a man and a woman undergo a divine operation—one akin to the creation of Eve from the rib of Adam, and that is not merely sexual joining (we say, coitus, congress, intercourse)—to become “one flesh” as life companions with divinity.  Where both members have lives in commitment to GOD through Jesus Christ, their separate obligations and relationships to the three persons within the GODhead (the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) are not annulled, canceled, diminished, or replaced.  Correctly understood, the two are even more the new creation in Christ, and are gifted to serve as those who display the imparted Spirit of GOD. 

There are other divine operations that are being carried forward.  Sinners are “recruited” to become reborn and endowed with divine substance through repentance, and water baptism.  The inborn spirit is to die, be buried, and restored from the dead; and a “born again” believer is to result.  Even so, the transformation for mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible (we say, perfected) is not complete.  Salvation is not a “one-time” event; those who are born again must “grow up again,” and become ripe (mature) for harvest at his appearing (i.e., the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ).  They are to display their own divine substance as developing believers who are now offspring of GOD, and joint-heirs with Jesus.  Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, respect, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Husbands and wives are to be co-workers through their shared lifestyle and daily routines that can proclaim the good news (we say, the Gospel) of salvation, rebirth, and the return of the Lord for those members of his body (the church), who are to reside in the heavenly City (the New Jerusalem).  Arbitrary differences are put aside.  In the newness of his resurrection (rather than what men are quick to call “Christian law”), believers continue to encounter the same “growing pains,” life challenges, and suffering with others on the earth.  Through the imparted Spirit, the pair will experience permanent change that prepares them for the day of the Lord.  There must be discovery, fellowship with more mature believers (e.g., clergy, prayer leaders, their own parents), gradual growth, sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge, as well as comfort, edification, and exhorting the church through prophecy.  The transformation will be completed “in the twinkling of an eye” as they are lifted up to “meet the Lord in the air.”  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 19:  4-6, King James Version (KJV):  4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,  5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife:  and they twain shall be one flesh?  6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

(2.)  Ephesians 4:  4-6, KJV:  4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

(3.)  Mark 10:  2-5, KJV:  2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.  3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?  4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.  5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own developing belief.  (For example, (4.)  Galatians 3:  27-29, KJV:  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Washington, DC

(12/10/2017) When Believers Practice Divorce

Today, holy matrimony within the church body, fornication, and divorce among Christians are topics.  The outcome of divorce is to be peace.  As a sacred practice (we say, sacrament) within the church, holy matrimony addresses more than the happiness, love, and prosperity of a single couple.  There are issues of eternal life, family stability, godliness, new creation, oneness without sameness that should appear throughout the assembly, and developing believers becoming ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing.  In sanctifying Israel as a covenant people and nation belonging to GOD, Moses introduced divorce to release women from the abuse they were suffering in marriage.  In the early church, believers are encouraged to marry and avoid fornication; however, during times of persecution, unmarried believers are counseled to remain single.  Divorce is not automatically a condemnation of ones spirit content and divine makeup.  Even so, in addition to situations of adultery, divorce also may be a remedy where a wife hinders her husband’s prayers, nags, practices idolatry, irreverence, prostitution or witchcraft, and is a “stranger” outside the covenants of GOD.  The annulment of holy matrimony through divorce acknowledges that the holiness of the Lord is profaned.  Divorce is mistakenly taken to be a form of excommunication; yet, the disunion of joined spirits is only accomplished through the operations of divinity.  Among those commanded to “love your enemy,” divorce separates and denies a couple a right to cohabit; however, it does not remove their duty to acknowledge accountability, or to continue showing forbearance, forgiveness, and respect.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “East” (Level 1 with 116 points, a member since September 06, 2015) posted the following:


Why do Christians not frown on divorce?

In the Bible, Jesus Himself says that you should not get divorced except if your spouse was unfaithful, and that marrying a divorced person is adultery.

Why do Christians focus on so many "values" issues but not divorce?

I'm asking as a Christian. I will ignore answers that bash Christianity.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.  The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts.  And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.  Yet ye say, Wherefore?  Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously:  yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.  And did not he make one?  Yet had he the residue of the spirit.  And wherefore one?  That he might seek a godly seed.  Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.  For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away:  for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts:  therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.  (Malachi 2:  11-16, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Conforming to Divine Standards (06/18/2017); Marriage Is A Sacrament? (06/11/2017); The Wife of Your Youth? (12/22/2015); Dating and Worship? (09/11/2014); Quality Time Together? (09/12/2014); GOD and Adultery? (06/11/2014); A Hardened Spirit? (06/12/2014)


“East”, the future soundness of a marriage relationship can not be predicted; however, by following familiar and fixed patterns (e.g., ABC), we can have a sense of sequence and what else may be on the way (XYZ).  Many mature Christian believers regard divorce as a peculiar divine judgment intended to resolve ongoing and recurring conflict between two or more spirits that have been joined through the sexual intercourse provided to consummate marriage.  The application of divine law for the settlement of disputes comes into view.  Where marriage is only a carnal and social institution, marriage comes under the jurisdiction of civil law, family courts, and the oversight of the community-at-large and the general public.  Law enforcement and the courts become involved to establish equity regarding such issues as joint financial obligations, credit ratings, custody for the children, the disposition of ownership for jointly held property, and domestic violence.

Even where young adults and their parents are careful to practice discernment during the dating and courtship phase of relationship and trust-building before emotional, psychological, and sexual commitments are made, correctly apprehending the spirit content and eternal purposes within another developing believer is not a simple process.  There are many subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning, quality, and value), and the candidates for holy matrimony often are driven by finite human tools such as intellect, secular knowledge, and romanticism.  Sexual joining may occur through behavior that appears innocent (e.g., kissing (oral sex), holding hands), because joining occurs on multiple levels, and is not just “physical”.

Fornication (the defilement of ones inborn spirit by sexual partners who may not be physically present) can result in a couple being bound to, or dominated by strangers, and those whose spirit makeup are not compatible.  Where she has had 6 partners, 7 will be joined to her mate; where he has had 7, 8 will be joined to her; and, where the Spirit of Christ does not reign and rule over the conjunction of 15 spirits, expressing such elements as disposition, inclinations, and moods can regularly display anger, confusion, fear, and self-contradiction.  More than this, where the 6 each have had 5, and the 7 each have had 5—do the math!  And their partners may have had multiple partners.  (Many think this may have accounted for the demoniac who told Jesus his name was Legion.)

Where couples who are learning and growing as individuals do not, in fact, grow together in the same direction, with shared goals and experiences of new knowledge, divorce may become necessary for the sake of conscience, and for the sacred commitment to Christ.  Thus, in counsel through the Apostle Paul, it is written:  1st Corinthians 7:  10  And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband:  But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband:  and let not the husband put away his wife.  12 But tot the rest speak I, not the Lord:  if any brother have a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let her not leave him.  14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband:  else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.  15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart.  A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases:  but God hath called us to peace.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own developing belief.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

https://truephoenix.blogspot.com/2017/12/12102017-when-believers-practice-divorce.html