Covenant with divinity, with a chosen worship community, and the curses broken by the death of Jesus upon the cross are topics, today. Curses are manifestations of the wrath of GOD against sin. The Savior’s death on the cross granted mankind a new level of freedom as believers in GOD. What we speak of as “the curse of the law” are the errors and limitations that result from the character, nature, and operations of the divine directives that expose and identify sin, yet, do not eliminate and remove it. Being “under the works of the law” means being dependent upon correctly performing all the actions required within the law, and trusting the law for necessary sacred knowledge, relationship with divinity, and salvation. Curses may be broken through commitment, expiration, and the operations of faith; thus, we see Ruth of Moab, an ancestor of Jesus Christ, becoming accepted as a covenant-partner first through marriage, then through Naomi, and again through Boaz (see the Book of Ruth). In this a curse was broken (Deuteronomy 23: 3-4, King James Version (KJV): 3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever: 4 Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.) Believers who enroll as members of a congregation are given opportunity to “break the curse.” Members agree to cooperate with and obey those who have been appointed as leaders, supervisors and fellow-workers. Unspoken and unwritten terms may include agreement to avoid having firearms, quarreling, and committing criminal acts and physical violence on church grounds. The peculiar agreement for church membership shared among some congregations is no less a legal obligation than that for a credit card, and may include participation in meeting the financial needs of the group. In the same way, ones household must make payments to meet the demands of those supplying goods and services, the congregation must have a reliable and steady cash flow to respond to its various creditors. Many church groups now employ mechanisms and secular rules for association that have been used widely among businesses, schools, and government agencies. With this in view, an assembly may conduct some form of background check, and is not required to accept every candidate for membership. Consider again the Scriptures and the presentation below:
Hebrews 7: 14-19, King James Version (KJV): 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
Malachi 3: 9-11, KJV: 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. 11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
John 8: 34-36, KJV: 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Daisy” (Level 4 with 3,301 points, a member since April 20, 2011) posted the following:
If Jesus came to break all curses, then..?
Why do Pastors say a curse will fall upon us if we don't give our tithe? Please answer, I don't understand this...
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3: 7-14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Christ A Curse? (01/25/2016); Christ Receives the Tithes? (08/04/2015); Some Points on Tithing (03/19/2015); The Curse of Black Skin? (02/05/2015); A Curse Removed (12/26/2013); Intercession (12/27/2013)
“Daisy”, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing despite time and space to here and now. The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross did not totally eliminate or remove sin as an influence from the earth. A new divine provision was established that is crucial to atonement, forgiveness, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification, yet, did not automatically annul all curses, disobedience, and transgression. The many curses from GOD inflicted upon Israel even included condemnation of the Aaronic priesthood as a continuing line from the time of Eli (with his sons, Hophni and Phinehas) and Samuel the Prophet. Similarly, because those from the mob that demanded Jesus be crucified also agreed his blood should be upon themselves and their future generations, the divine provision for a remnant has been established, that does not automatically extend to every one.
Many of the “curses” described in the Bible are negative conditions in contrast to blessings that result from violation of “covenant law” that includes what we call the Ten Commandments, commandments to observe peculiar ceremonies, offerings, and observances as well as laws regarding diet, food, health and personal relationships. The 12 tribes of Jacob and the mixed multitude of Gentiles who left Egypt with Moses all agreed to the terms for continuing as a people of GOD when they heard the law proclaimed by Jehovah at Mt. Sinai. Realizing the covenant agreement would have to be repeated many times in order to maintain the commitment of the people, Moses commanded that, after crossing the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land, the blessings and curses of the law should be proclaimed from the top of two opposing mountains, Ebal and Gerizim.
Believers, today, often fail to recognize that their own membership within a congregation of believers is “on condition,” has been through their own word, and is a formal agreement and “signed pledge” that also may detail their accountability, specific duties, and necessary responsibilities. (At first, children only have place in the agreement through their parents.) The ceremonies of the church such as baptism, confession and confirmation are to establish ones spiritual commitment, while the bond of love and unity within the congregation must come through such practical tasks as decorating the altar, food distribution, fund raising, making repairs, and group study. The basis for agreement is different, and turns upon principles for association, and necessary discipline, not upon ceremonial law. Correctly understood, violation of ones “oath” is cause for denial of status as a “member in good standing,” dismissal, and excommunication. Consider how this is stated in the language of the Bible:
(1.) Deuteronomy 11: 26-29, King James Version (KJV): 26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: 28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known. 29 And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.
(2.) 1st Samuel 3: 10-14, KJV: 10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. 11 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. 13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. 14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
(3.) James 4: 17, KJV: 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, it should be shared, (4.) Romans 3: 20-22, KJV: 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:) I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The duty and privilege of prayer on behalf of others is the topic, today. Also, there is more on Gentiles being brought into covenant with GOD through David and Jesus. A “Yahoo! Answers India” writer using the ID “Aaa” (Level 1 with 86 points, a member since 24 December 2013) posted the following first asked at Yahoo Answers United States:
(Christians) Why you pray for others salvation ?
Do you pray for them so you can meet them again n heaven or for what, Does this important thing that most Christians do?
THE BATTLE AXE: A Curse Removed (12/26/2013)—(5.) In the virgin birth of Jesus, many streams of prophecy, redemption, conversion, and atonement come into view. Thus, the genealogy of the Lord includes the appearance of Thamar (the daughter-in-law to Judas son of Jacob that gave birth to twins when the father transgressed the levirate law that required she be allowed to bear children through her deceased husband’s brother). Ruth appears (a descendant of Lot, a Moabite, and the daughter-in-law of Naomi, a Jewess of Ephraim) signifying reconciliation of Abraham with Lot as well as divine provision for Gentile and Jew in the full kingdom of GOD through Jesus Christ. Also, the adulteress Bathsheba appears (first wife to Uriah the Hittite, after treachery wife to David, and mother to Solomon) in the genealogy of Jesus. All these became justified by faith and works. (See Ezekiel 18: 20-23, Matthew 1: 1-17, Luke 3: 21-38, Hebrews 11: 31, James 2: 25, KJV.)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1st Timothy 2: 1-6, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Prayer on Behalf of Others? (11/25/2013); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013); A Tree Falls To The South (07/13/2013); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012); Double Standard (10/12/2012); Unanswered Prayers? (09/11/2012); When You Pray (09/12/2012)
“Aaa”, based upon teachings that appear throughout the Bible, here are a few points on prayer life and service among Christian believers:
(1.) Salvation is an experience of receiving a permanent endowment of divine substance from the living person of GOD. GOD is a spirit who is able to emanate and fashion material being, living creatures, and a context (we say, environment) for their existence. At Creation, mankind received the “breath of life”, a portion from GOD that continues the existence of divinity within created beings and living creatures (we say, indwells a believer).
(2.) The operations of sin have diminished and eroded sacred consciousness and self-will within angels, mankind and others. The incarnate ministry of GOD appearing in the form and person of Jesus Christ has been provided so humanity (and thereby all) may achieve intended (and new) levels of awareness, purpose, and self-control through a transformation of their existing spirit content. Recovery of Creation from the effects of sin requires agreement and harmonious interaction of both flesh and spirit.
(3.) One is “born again” in baptism, a sacred operation wherein a person is established as dead to sin, yet, alive in relationship with GOD. The same Spirit that generated the earth, the heaven, and the full universe, allows a believer to operate as though born anew from divine DNA. In addition to guiding a believer to repent, turn away from sin, and turn to GOD, the Holy Spirit, enlightens a believer with understanding of divine processes, and eternal purposes. Also, the Spirit provides enthusiasm and energy for godly action (we say, zeal).
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) Believers are not simply “saved” for their own enjoyment and personal benefit. All are to work as sons and daughters of GOD to complete multiple tasks necessary for such divine works as proclamation, redemption, salvation, judgment, and sanctification. All must prophesy (i.e., comfort, edify and exhort); and thereby, believers serve as intercessors, mediators, and spokespersons both for earth and for heaven. This is spoken of in many ways: believers must evangelize; they must spread the Gospel; they must share love through their sacred practices and daily living routines.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Grow in grace.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. (1st Corinthians 4: 14, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The genealogy of King David and of Christ are in view, today. Also, there is more on thanking and blaming GOD. The writer at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia) using the ID “Adninos” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since November 2013) posted the following first asked at Yahoo Answers UK & Ireland:
How could David be the King of Israel when?
The Bible says:
Due 23:3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:
Yet David's maternal great-grandmother was a Moabite?
Additional Details
Kenneth- But Jews today count their Jewishness (is that a word lol ?) through their mother.
no1home his great-grandmother was a moabite, you uneducated person.
THE BATTLE AXE: Thanking and Blaming GOD (12/25/2013)—(5.) Christ is the same forever. (Hebrews 13: 8, KJV.) Believers are to anchor themselves through sure and certain expectations (we say, hopes), and be grounded in faith that rests upon tested and unchanging truth. The divine substance of GOD does not change in response to movements and shifts among finite circumstances, conditions, created beings, and objects of sacred focus. Just as divine love, faith, holiness, wisdom and wrath against sin are permanent aspects of full divine makeup for GOD, there also are constant and ever-present elements of eternal process, purpose, and sovereign will. Believers are taught to recognize the continuing operation and presence of GOD when enduring experiences and times of correction and punishment as well as when rejoicing in those overflowing with blessings and gifts. GOD is awesome, righteous and worthy of glory and respect at all times, in all seasons and textures of life experience. (See Luke 6: 46-49, 1st Corinthians 3: 11 and Hebrews 12: 1-13, KJV.) (6.) Grace in time of need. (Hebrews 4: 16, KJV.) Even more than by the recognition of forgiveness and mercy in all divine judgment, believers have joy in times of affliction, hardship and suffering by maintaining awareness and recognition of divine grace. Grace does not come and go—nor does our status as confirmed believers—so much as our attention to grace as an aspect of GOD waxes and wanes. The maturity we seek as those born again is the balance, completeness and stability to correctly discern divine grace at all times. (See 1st Peter 4: 12-19, 2nd Corinthians 12: 6-10 and 1st Peter 5: 6-11, KJV.)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2: 11-22, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Why GOD Does Not Tell All (09/11/2013); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013); Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013); The Root of Jesse (01/03/2013); Newness of Spirit? (01/04/2013); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012)
“Adninos”, here are a few points shared among Christian believers as more of the gift of GOD through the holy writings:
(1.) The sanctification of any people who covenant with GOD—even ourselves today—is accomplished by setting them apart in every aspect of their carnal experience. Included for Israel were practices for animal husbandry, farming, and land use; cleansing, hygiene and sanitation; civil and moral law; commerce, finance, and trade; devotions, praise and worship; diet and foods; homemaking, marriage, childrearing; bequests and inheritance. The things of covenant were granted as further preparation for the lifting of death and removal of divine curses against Creation.
(2.) Various patterns of intermarriage were forbidden, while many others were acceptable and allowed. Those that left Egypt with Moses included a “mixed multitude” (we might say, Gentiles), who also experienced divine love through deliverance. These received the proclamation of covenant and sacred law standing within the congregation at the foot of Mount Sinai. Further, they received portion of the Promised Land, and their generations were registered and recorded among those of the pioneers of Israel within the genealogical records.
(3.) Christian believers are cautioned against becoming immersed in arguments about genealogy (see Titus 3: 9, KJV). Those records were first maintained in the holy writings to trace the lineage of priesthood from Adam, and later became important as documents of inheritance and property ownership vital to the economy and stability of Israel as a covenant nation. Failing to acknowledge the shift in the purpose and value of such records, many are swallowed up by spiritual confusion.
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) The throne of David is a symbol of the unified kingdom of GOD. Like Adam and Eve (“the mother of all living”), both Mary and Joseph (the earthly “parents” of Jesus) are more to be understood as agents, “caretakers”, regents (those who rule on behalf of a monarch who is a minor child), and stewards. Jesus is born as the prophesied son of David to fulfill divine proclamations and promises. In addition to the restoration of all twelve tribes as a united Israel, there is to be a broader inclusion of the Gentiles; and a tearing down of the middle wall of division depicted by covenant law, the cultural traditions of the Jews, and the veil of the Temple separating the Holy Place from the Holiest of Holies (we say, the Sanctuary).) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Grow in grace.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (2nd Timothy 2: 15-16, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
