(11/05/2020) On Giving and Tithing

Today, reply is on the differences among charitable giving and the rendering of a holy tithe to divinity. There must be a sacred transformation provided by GOD. For many, tithing is primarily an institutional practice for funding evangelism, maintaining ordained priesthood, and sustaining communities for praise and worship. Yet, the promises and prophecies of GOD declare that there will be a holy city (New Jerusalem) that will come down to the earth from heaven; and a time must come when giving and sharing are no longer acceptable as works of repentance because they are to be permanent features of everyone’s ongoing lifestyle. Giving to GOD and receiving from GOD are to be like breathing, a continual life-process required for created beings and living creatures. The revealed goal and purposes of divinity are intended to provide an enduring relationship with divinity and the living. There are multiple traditions among Jews and Christians that proclaim the offering of blood sacrifices to atone for sin, that celebrate harvesting the earth, that certify and make a covenant agreement binding, and that dedicate or provide material tributes to GOD. Rightly understood, such offerings as burnt sacrifices from your own flock on a holy altar that serves as a point of contact for heaven and earth are divine transactions. Common fire may not be used to separate divine substance from material features such as form, shape, size and texture, and can not convey from mankind to GOD the inseparable aspects of his spirit that include commitment, gratitude, humility, life essence, oneness without sameness, personhood, rejoicing, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Tithing confuses many because paying a tithe also speaks to mankind’s dependence on one another, and therefore may trigger finite human emotions of anger, anxiety, embarrassment, guilt, rebellion, and shame. Elements from human economies appear such as boasting, debt-dodging, duty, obligation, reward, and self-promotion. Even so, it remains correct to acknowledge GOD as the origin and source of all physical and spiritual things needed for life (e.g., companionship, food, healthy relationships, shelter). The salvation we are offered in Jesus Christ extends assurances that mankind will be made to exist as perfected, and will reside on the earth made new having immortality and eternal life that have been paid for and purchased through the blood and body of Jesus Christ. Because the gifts from GOD are freely given, the measureless abundance, grace, lovingkindness, and righteousness the Father has revealed to the Son are displayed to the full Creation. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 2: 11-13, King James Version (KJV): 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. [Kehillah in Corinth I 2: 11-15, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): 11 For who of Bnei Adam has da’as of the things of Bnei Adam except the ruach of a man in him? So also the things of G-d no one has known except the Ruach Hashem. [Jer 17:9; Prov 20:27] 12 Now we have not received the ruach of the Olam Hazeh but the Ruach Hakodesh from Hashem, that we may have da’as of the things having been freely given to us by Hashem, 13 Which things also we speak, not in dvarim (words) taught by chochmah haBnei Adam, but in dvarim taught by the Ruach Hakodesh, making midrash [exposition, interpretation] of the things of the Ruach Hakodesh [2:12] by means of the words of the Ruach Hakodesh. 14 But a natural person does not receive the things of the Ruach Hakodesh of Hashem, for they are narrishkait (foolishness 1:21-24) to him, and he is not able to have personal saving da’as of them, because they are discerned in the Ruach Hakodesh. 15 Now the man of the Ruach Hakodesh discerns all things, but, by no one is he discerned.] A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Deana” (Level 3 with 1,756 points) posted the following:

Can we donate instead of paying tithes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/14/2019) Messiah Already Has Come

Messiah – Christ - “anointed one”

Today, the reply acknowledges that the Messiah promised from GOD has appeared in the person of Jesus Christ; also, Judaism and the process of full divine revelation are briefly considered along with the workings of sacred spirit imparted to Christian believers from the makeup of full divinity. Included are faith, holiness, joy, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Carnal history, secular events and eye-witness accounts that fulfill divine proclamations, promises, and prophecies recorded in the holy writings are not the primary anchor of Christian belief. The active presence of the Holy Spirit itself is received as a fresh endowment of life essence from the makeup of GOD that establishes certain knowledge, and conviction for all sacred truth. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Hindusufi” (Level 7 with 66,245 points, a member since April 09, 2011) posted the following:

Do you agree, the real Messiah is only for Jews and has yet to make an appearance?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. (John 1: 40-41, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Is With Us (03/15/2019); Faith Throughout the Scriptures? (01/04/2019); Sinners Must Become Convicted (11/27/2018); Christ Rejected By Pharisees? (06/17/2018); Called “The Anointed One” (05/08/2018); Sadducees and The Cross? (03/13/2016); Convicted By His Humility (09/10/2015); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); How To Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Lives Today? (11/25/2012)

“Hindusufi”, it is an aspect of full faith within most mature Christians that Jesus already has appeared among mankind as the Messiah promised from divinity who would rule over the people of GOD upon the earth. In agreement with the truth that GOD is immutable and unchanging, the operations and process of GOD include the use of diversity and one-time events that may be displayed through different presentations to establish their continuing presence and value. There are multiple streams of sacred truth recorded in the holy writings that include proclamations, promises, and prophecy concerning Messiah. The earliest is acknowledged as the assurances granted to Adam, the first pair; is continued in the vision and covenant relationship bestowed on Abraham as the Friend of God; appears in the promise to David of dynasty and inheritance; are seen in promises of relief and restoration following captivity and exile; and provide details of the end time, of the apocalypse, and of eternal life. The revelation of divinity using human flesh to be visible and knowable on the earth (we say, the Incarnation) begins in the accounts of Creation, where life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) from the makeup of divinity is imparted to a form fashioned to exist as a companion to immortal, incorruptible GOD. Communication, exchange and interaction with the Creator became possible for mankind through the deposit of inseparable divine substance. Included were faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The tribes of Jacob were already acknowledged by GOD as his “son,” and were the property of Pharaoh as all the land, its livestock, and the people. When Moses led the twelve tribes and a multitude from the Gentile nations out of Egypt, the Hebrews were being separated to serve as a nation on the earth under the dominion of the living GOD. They also were chosen to serve as caretakers and priests entrusted with divine oracles, sacred law, and holy sacraments. Those who are born again, and receive sacred knowledge, rather than worldly and secular knowledge, must “grow up again;” and by their indwelling spirit will be made able to discern and recognize correctly the spiritual events fulfilling the promises and prophecies regarding the Messiah. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Genesis 3: 8-15, King James Version (KJV): 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

2. Numbers 23: 19, KJV: 19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

3. Daniel 9: 21-27, KJV: 21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. 23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. 24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. 25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

4. 1^st John 2: 22-28, KJV: 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24 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. 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. 26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. 1^st John 5: 10-12, KJV: 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

The image downloaded 11:37 AM, April 14, 2019 @ https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8351/8275998600_7298b1fe9e_b.jpg

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

(03/07/2018) The Law and The Prophets

(The painting depicts Christ in transfiguration with Moses holding up the Tables of the Law, and the Prophet Elijah.)

Today, a reply is shared that could not be posted in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum (due to technical problems) on the enmity that exists between those who were held to be the guardians of the covenants of Moses, and Jesus Christ who appeared as an Incarnation of divinity.  That the ministries of Jesus Christ on the earth and from the heaven endorsed and promoted “the law and the prophets” can be seen through multiple sacred events that include the transfiguration, the renting of the veil separating the Holy and the Most Holy place within the Temple at Jerusalem, and the apostles receiving gifts of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:


Why did Orthodox Jewish leaders wanted Jesus to be put to death?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  John 3:  12-17, King James Version (KJV):  12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?  13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.  14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:  15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Yochanan 3:  12-17, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB):  12 If I told you [pl.] about things of the Olam Hazeh and you have no emunah, how will you have emunah if I tell you about the things of the Olam Haba?  13 And no one has ascended into Shomayim except the one having descended out of Shomayim, the Ben HaAdam [Dan 7:13-14; Prov 30:4; Dt 30:12].  14 And as Moshe lifted up the nachash in the wilderness [Num 21:8-9], so it is necessary for there to be a hagbah (lifting up) of the Ben HaAdam [Ps 22; Isa 53].  15 That everyone having emunah {Gn 15:l-6; Num 14:11; Ex 14:31] in him may have Chayyei Olam [Dan 12:2; Isa 52:13].  16 For Hashem so had ahavah (agape) for the Olam Hazeh that Hashem gave the matanah (gift) [Isa 9:5 (6)] of Hashem’s Ben Yechid [Gn 22:12; Prov 30:4; 8:30} so that whosoever has emunah in him may not be ne’evad (lost, perish, be ruined with destruction), but find Chayyei Olam [Daniel 12:2].  17 For Hashem did not send the Ben HaElohim into the Olam Hazeh that he might judge the Olam Hazeh, but that the Olam Hazeh might be brought to the Geulah (Redemption) of the Olam Haba through him (Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach). [YESHAYAH 53:11]


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What Is A Spirit? (03/06/2018); Divinity In Continuing Incarnation (02/07/2018); Flesh As Divine Vessels? (01/14/2018); A Circumcision of Hearts (01/22/2018); An Incarnation of Divinity? (10/12/2017); A Threat Against Judaism (07/17/2017); The Transfiguration of Christ (11/14/2016); The Cross and The Pharisees? (04/21/2016); Sadducees and The Cross? (03/13/2016); Blasphemy and The Cross? (03/10/2016)


“Anonymous”, for mature Christian believers, reports documenting the sacred events (we also say, miracles) and the operations of GOD using Incarnation that appear in the holy writings (e.g., the birth, ministry, transfiguration, death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ) must be received as sacred knowledge, rather than creative literature, world history, or secular knowledge.  Ability to correctly discern authentic divine content imparted from GOD (i.e., recognizing and responding to spirit substance and truth imparted from the makeup of GOD) requires that a person use their own spirit content received from divinity as a standard when examining the character, essence, and nature of doctrines, teachings, events, oneself, others, motives, purposes, etc.  In order to acknowledge and properly apprehend the awe and grandeur of GOD appearing and working among us as an active presence (we say, breath, spirit, Word), developing believers must turn away from earthy explanations, and use tools that are not finite.  Souls and the integrity of divinity are at stake.  It is incorrect to ignore divine intent, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD, and to then highlight ungodly elements such as ambition, ceremony, covetousness, money, politics, and exaggerated pride.

The sacred ministry of Jesus did not introduce a new “god”, or never before seen and heard of doctrines and teachings.  Jesus provided a revival of focus on “the law and the prophets” that acknowledged the Spirit of Prophecy (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth).  As both Son of Man and Son of GOD, Jesus worked to fulfill promises from GOD to Adam, the Patriarchs, Abraham, Moses, and even David, to restore and perfect the divine nature within mankind.  Even so, corruption of the things given from GOD had rendered Israel blind, and powerless as his “peculiar people.”  The Sadducees—who included the High Priests that ruled within the Temple at Jerusalem and their families dominated the entire nation through the Temple community—opposed the teachings on angels, healing, miracles, prophets, spirits, and resurrection from the dead.  The Pharisees insisted on practices of divine law that required strict obedience as the correct source for sacred knowledge and proper relationship to the Creator.  The revelation provided through Jesus Christ as the Word from the Father declared that, to endure as life companions to divinity, all must receive fresh endowments of the spirit imparted to mankind during Creation.  Included are completeness, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.


Consider again the following that uses language from the holy writings:

(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.

Yeshayah 8:  20, OJB:  20 To the torah (teaching of G-d) and to the te’udah (recorded testimony, see verse 16); if they speak not according to Davar HaZeh, it is because there is no shachar (dawn, light) in them.


(2.)  Romans 10:  1-10, King James Version (KJV):  1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.  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 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.  5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.  6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)  7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)  8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart:  that is, the word of faith, which we preach;  9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Kehillah in Rome 10:  1-10, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB):  1 Achim b’Moshiach, the great tshuka (desire, longing) of my lev and my tefillah to Hashem is for the Yeshu’at Yisroel (salvation of Israel).  2 For I can be meid (provide testimony, attest) regarding them that they have a kinat Hashem (zeal for G-d), but not in accordance with saving binah and da’as.  3 For, having no saving da’as of the Tzidkat Hashem (the righteousness of G-d), and seeking to establish their own (that is, self-attained) they have not subjected themselves to the Tzidkat Hashem (righteousness of G-d 1:17; 3:5,21,25-26; 6:18).  4 For Moshiach is the goal of the Torah as a means to being YITZDAK IM HASHEM, for all who have emunah.  5 For Moshe Rabbeinu writes with reference to the (accessibility of) Tzidkat Torah (righteousness which is from the Torah), “The man YA’ASEH OTAM VACHAI (“who does these things will live” by them VAYIKRA 18:5).  6 Whereas the Tzidkat Emunah (righteousness which is from faith) speaks thus:  “Do not say (looking for Messianic salvation being merited by superhuman attainments in works) in your lev, ‘Who will go up into Shomayim?’ (that is, to bring Moshiach down)?  7 Or ‘Who will go down into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Moshiach up from the Mesim).  8 But what does it say? “The Dvar is near you, in your MOUTH and in your HEART” [DEVARIM 30:14]. That is, the Dvar of Emunah which we proclaim.  9 Because if you make hoda’ah (confession) “with your PEH” of Adoneinu Yehoshua, and have emunah “in your LEV” that G-d raised him from the Mesim, you will be delivered.  10 For with the “heart” one has emunah unto being YITZDAK IM HASHEM and with the “mouth” hoda’ah is made unto Yeshu’at Eloheinu.


(3.)  John 3:  1-10, 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.  8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.  9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?  10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

Yochanan 3:  1-10, OJB:  1 Now there was a man of the Perushim. His name was Rav Nakdimon, a [Sanhedrist] katzin (leader) of the Yehudim.  2 This one came to Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach under cover of lailah and said to him, Rabbi, we have da’as that you are a moreh from Hashem having come, for no one is able these otot (miraculous signs) to do, which you do, unless Hashem is with him.  3 In reply, he said to him, Omein, omein, I say to you, unless someone is born anew [born again, Yn 1:13; Dt 10:16; 30:6; Jer 4:4; Isa 52:1; Ezek 44:7,9], he is not able to see the Malchut Hashem.  4 Rav Nakdimon says to Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, How is a man, being old, able to be born? Surely he is not able into the womb of immo a second time to enter and to be born?  5 In reply, Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach said, Omein, omein, I say to you:  unless someone is born of mayim (TEHILLIM 36:10 [9]) and Ruach Hakodesh [YECHEZEL 36:25-27; 37:14], he is not able to enter into the Malchut Hashem [Lk 17:21].  6 That which is born of basar is basar, and that which is born of the Ruach is ruach.  7 Do not marvel that I said to you, It is necessary for you to be born again, born anew.  8 The ruach (wind, Spirit) blows where it wishes, and the sound of it you hear, but you do not have da’as of where it comes from and where it goes [KOHELET 11:5]; so it is with everyone having been born of the Ruach Hakodesh. [YECHEZKEL 37:9]  9 In reply, Rav Nakdimon said to Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, How is it possible for these things to happen?  10 In reply, he said to him, You hold the teaching office of rabbi, of moreh b’Yisroel and of these things you do not have da’as?


There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  [For example, (4.) Isaiah 63:  7-16, KJV:  7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.  8 For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie:  so he was their Saviour.  9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them:  in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.  10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit:  therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.  11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?  12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?  13 That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?  14 As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest:  so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.  15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory:  where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?  16 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.

Yeshayah 63:  7-16, OJB:  7 I will rehearse the chasadim (lovingkindnesses) of Hashem, and the tehillot Hashem, according to all that Hashem hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the Bais Yisroel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His rachamim, and according to the multitude of His chasadim.  8 For He said, Surely they are My people, banim that will not be sheker (false); so He became their Moshi’a (Savior).  9 In all their tzoros He was afflicted, and the malach of His presence saved them; in His ahavah and in His mercy He redeemed them; and He lifted them up, and carried them kol y’mei olam.  10 But they rebelled, and grieved His Ruach Hakodesh; therefore He turned against them as oyev (enemy), and He fought against them.  11 Then His people remembered the y’mei olam (days of old), of Moshe. Where is He that brought them up out of the yam (sea) with the ro’im of His tzon? Where is He that put His Ruach Hakodesh in the midst of them?  12 Who led them at the right hand of Moshe with His zero’a tiferet, dividing the mayim before them, to make Himself a Shem Olam?  13 Who led them through the tehomot, like the sus (horse) in the midbar, that they should not stumble?  14 As behemah goeth down into the valley, the Ruach Hashem caused them to rest; thus didst Thou lead Thy people, to make for Thee a Shem Tiferet.  15 Look down from Shomayim, and behold from the habitation of Thy kodesh and of Thy Tiferet. Where is Thy kina (zeal) and Thy gevurah (might)? The yearning of Thy heart and of Thy rachamim are withheld toward me.  16 Doubtless Thou art Avinu, though Avraham not have da’as of us, and Yisroel not acknowledge us; Thou, Hashem, art Avinu, Go’aleinu; Shemecha is from everlasting.  17 Hashem, why hast Thou made us to go astray from Thy drakhim, and hardened libenu (our hearts) from fearing Thee? Shuv (return) l’ma’an (for the sake of) Avadeicha (Thy servants), Shivtei Nachalatecha (the Tribes of Thine Inheritance).]  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/11/2018) Secular History, Sacred Revelation?

THE JERUSALEM NOW AND THE COMING HOLY CITY

Today, reply is on the shared sacred origin, eternal purpose, and ongoing process for both Christianity and Judaism.  Correctly understood, “new wine must be put into new bottles,” the focus must be on divinity, for it is that GOD has used mankind to accomplish specific sacred works, not that mankind has used GOD.  The establishment of the Tabernacle, the Temple, and Jerusalem as the Holy City were all done to make visible the pattern of things in heaven as well as to direct the minds of men to the things that are to come.  The embodiment of divinity in flesh and human form, and the death of Jesus Christ on the cross has served to affirm the divine commitment to Creation, and depict the utter destruction of sin.  Even so, for Christians, the same cultural and secular history that serve as an heritage and platform for social identity as a Jew is (1) a foundation for divine revelation that makes Deity knowable and known to created beings and living creatures; (2) a sphere of existence, life, and active presence wherein divinity appears and expresses sovereign will (e.g., judgment, divine law, sanctification, wrath against sin); (3) a device for redemption and salvation that allows the living to recognize and resist, yet, does not completely eliminate the operations of sin; and (4) the sacred knowledge vital for comprehending divine operations to transform those joined to divinity through the Son of GOD to exist as immortal and incorruptible.  The establishment, events within, and operations of Israel as a kingdom or nation on the earth must be understood as a very small part of a vast divine work intended to impart spirit content from the makeup of divinity.  GOD fashioned the first pair (Adam) to display the image of GOD, and continues to use the living to demonstrate and proclaim his character, nature, makeup, ownership, and sovereignty.  Through his fellowship, friendship and promises to Abraham; the covenant agreements from the time of Moses; and the commitments to the dynasty of David, GOD became a certain hope of the Hebrews, and would manifest as the protector of ancient Israel.  Even so, GOD is never to be regarded as having become a material thing, their chattel, their possession, or their private property.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Dr Yes level 9” (with 114,449 points on Level 7, a member since August 27, 2007) posted the following:
 

What does biblical history have to do with Christianity?

Jesus never said the gentiles could have the Jewish bible. Jesus also never said they could rename it the “Old Testament”.
Biblical history is Jewish history.

https://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/eric-...

So why do Christians feel vindicated when something from Jewish history is dug up?

Update: Atheists don’t deny Judaism because it is an actual culture. Whereas Christianity is just a religion.

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Thoughts On Divine Personhood (12/07/2017); One Root, One Harvest (11/12/2017); The Peace of Jerusalem (08/09/2017); Continuing A Perpetual Covenant (08/03/2017); A Threat Against Judaism (07/17/2017); One Complete Divine Revelation (07/09/2017); Proclaiming A New Kingdom? (04/13/2017); Benefits of His Kingdom? (04/11/2017); More About the Trinity? (03/30/2015)

“Dr Yes level 9”, be careful not to confuse secular history and sacred revelation.  The GOD who made use of ancient Israel has sovereign authority and power over more than a single ethnic group having peculiar cultural traditions.  Consider the following that addresses the GOD of Israel as the GOD of the whole earth:

1.  For mankind on the earth to apprehend the existence and operations of divinity, there must be a consciousness and process among created beings and living creatures that responds to the existence of Deity as the origin and source for the spheres of life and all that appear within them.  While Deity (we also may say, the fullness of divinity; the GODhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) may appear occasionally, and not use a single, unchanging carnal, material, or physical form, there must be mechanisms among the living for recognition that divinity is an “active presence;” there must be aspects of personhood that allow communication, exchange, interaction, and continuing relationship; and the divine essence (we also say, breath, spirit, Word) must be manifest using the elements of continuum (we say, past, present, and future) from the finite frameworks of time and space.  Anything less would result in chaos, flux, and multiple streams of formless matter in place before the founding of heaven and earth.

2.  The living must manipulate a vast array of data from their senses (e.g., appetite, hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) and impose order on disparate experiences using features of the mind such as emotion, intellect, imagination, and recall.  They also are to contain deposits of spirit matter as aspects of their own finite makeup, whereby GOD is understood as knowable, accessible, and approachable.  The unchanging priorities and stability that describe divine “personhood” include the elements of immortality, incorruption, eternal purpose, purity, and truth.  Thus, a sacred process of revelation has been continuing on earth that may be spoken of for mankind as development, and unfolding spiritual progression.  In the same way there are multiple traits, behaviors, and expressions that distinguish individuals, Christian believers increasingly acknowledge that GOD is the sum and totality of all divine spirit substance.  Included are balance, completeness, faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

3.  Christians receive the Bible as a collection of holy writings that document the appearance of GOD (both in heaven and on earth) by using thousands of events within thousands lives over the course of thousands of years.  Where the Jewish people are named as the first guardians and keepers of this sacred library pertaining to holy gifts and tools that have come by revelation, Christian believers are the final recipients of these divine things as beneficiaries, heirs, and a new creation through Jesus Christ.  In addition to divine law, proclamations, promises and prophecy, the use of specific individuals as agents in service to GOD appear.  Bible reports also highlight the divine use of family, tribes, inheritance, and priesthood along with GOD’s use of assemblies and collectives such as nations, kingdoms, and one-world empire (e.g., Egypt, Rome, Babylon).  To continue mankind’s relationship with divinity GOD has required the participation of Gentiles as well as Jews; and has shown unwavering support that includes atonement, forgiveness, Incarnation, reconciliation, repentance, and even, resurrection from the dead.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended regarding the person of Jesus Christ.  (For example, 4.  Jeremiah 9:  23-26, King James Version (KJV):  23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:  24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth:  for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.  25 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised;  26 Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness:  for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.

Colossians 1:  16-22, KJV:  16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

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

Washington, DC