(06/19/2021) The Leper Keeps Sabbath?

John Steel, Jesus heals 10 Lepers

Today, we have a multiple-choice pop quiz! It is written: James 2: 14-18, King James Version (KJV): 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Select the best answer for the following question from the list below: Why does a leper keep the seventh day Sabbath?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. (Luke 17: 12-19, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why So Many Churches? (10/17/2020); GOD Can Forgive Us (09/13/2020); Divine Protection Against Covid-19? (04/26/2020); Getting Help From Church? (02/09/2020); He Healed Them All (10/20/2019); According To The Pattern (09/27/2018); Sabbath Now and Then? (08/15/2018); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012)

WHY DOES THE LEPER KEEP THE SABBATH?

• A. Because he is a priest

• B. Because he is a king

• C. Because he is a covenant-keeper

• D. Because he is a leper

• E. Because he is hoping to be healed

• F. Because he is hoping for rest

• G. Because he is hoping to be with family and friends

• H. Because he is willing to obey divine law

• I. Because it is a good/bad habit

• J. To stay alive (like breathing)

• K. Because it is his way of life

• L. Because it is a work of faith

• M. To stave off any further curse (afraid not to)

• N. Because he is a child of GOD

• O. To express gratitude and give thanks

• P. All of the above

• Q. None of the above

Consider again the following that uses language from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible:

1. Exodus 20: 8-11, KJV: 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

2. 2^nd Chronicles 26: 16-21, KJV: 16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense. 17 And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: 18 And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God. 19 Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar. 20 And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him. 21 And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Isaiah 56: 1-7, KJV: 1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. 3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

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

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

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

Are Jews gods chosen people?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

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

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

(01/30/2020) Miracles and Christian Belief

The image depicts the Pharisees confronting the man born blind who was healed by Jesus on the Sabbath.

Today, reply is on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the imparting of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD as the primary divine tools that result in commitment and Christian belief, rather than the Lord’s ministry of miracles. Miracles, wonders, and peculiar events conforming to mechanical process and natural law were used by divinity as signs to indicate the divine origin and certainty of fulfillment for demonstrations, proclamations and oracles delivered by those serving as consecrated seers, prophets, and spokespersons. The life and ministry of Jesus on the earth were to actualize, fulfill and seal the many sacred promises, prophecies, and signs that appear in the holy writings. Included are admonitions, covenants, judgments, divine law, revelation, and visions. Carnal and secular knowledge, superstition, and the occult all are exposed as vain (i.e., void of divine substance). It is written: 1^st John 4: 1-6, King James Version (KJV): 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shown) posted the following:

Jesus proved himself to be from God by performance of miracles. Those who saw believed in him.?

If in the future a man who claims to be another 'Son of God' performs proven miracles and says that he is the second 'son of God', would you believe in him?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 16: 13-17, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Tools Of Divinity (12/09/2019); A Complete Divine Revelation (11/15/2019); Acceptable Displays Of Faith (10/04/2019); Believing That GOD Is (06/24/2019); Where Be His Miracles? (05/07/2019); Why Spirit Displays Personhood (06/06/2018); Sabbath Acknowledges Divine Personhood? (05/14/2018); Called “The Anointed One” (05/08/2018)

“Anonymous”, among mature Christian believers, it is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the imparting of the Holy Spirit to indwell his followers that establish Jesus as authentic, and truly sent by GOD. The church has been warned that in the last days deceivers will present counterfeit miracles. The church displays the image of GOD through those born again who resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. More than simply teaching the proclamations, principles, promises and prophecies from GOD, Jesus went about fulfilling the word. Also, Jesus was acknowledged and endorsed by those whom the people respected as living prophets of the day including both Simon and Anna, who for years appeared daily in the Temple at Jerusalem awaiting the appearance of Messiah, and John the Baptist who had served in the priesthood there. As an evangelist and traveling preacher, Jesus taught from the holy writings, cast out devils and unclean spirits (we say, performed exorcism), and healed multitudes of the sick appearing in the synagogues, and in open areas (e.g., the seashore, the mountains, the plains). He did not rely on the miracles he performed that included changing water to wine, calming the storm, providing abundant supplies of fish when the fishermen first took nothing in their nets, feeding the hungry crowds using the small offerings that had been shared (e.g., 5 loaves, 2 fish), and walking on the water. While the operations of Spirit substance from divinity that include faith may result in miracles, miracles do not always result in faith. Some will respond to miracles with appropriate awe and express gratitude toward GOD, however, many also become afraid, confused, skeptical, and unbelieving. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Numbers 14: 20-23, King James Version (KJV): 20 And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: 21 But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. 22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; 23 Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:

(2.) John 9: 15-18, KJV: 15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. 16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. 17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. 18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

(3.) John 17: 17-23, KJV: 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

(4.) Acts 17: 29-31, KJV: 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

(5.) Revelation 13: 11-17, KJV: 11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w1TekpF-AU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/11/2019) A Divine Covenant Partner

Today, reply is on the error that legal and social contracts among men are the same as everlasting and perpetual covenant relationship with divinity. The divinity of GOD does not depend on his use of covenant; with or without covenant, he is GOD. Even so, the integrity and righteousness of GOD does depend on the divine fulfillment of promise and utterance. That Israel and Judah repeatedly broke covenant with GOD did not end the relationships of these nations with divinity, for they were being continued because GOD was committed to fulfilling his word to their fathers. The fellowship shared by the Creator with mankind within the Garden of Eden is seen continued through the device of covenant relationships for salvation. Mankind is granted opportunity to apprehend otherwise hidden and unseen aspects of sacred character and process. Included are commitment, faithfulness, forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation. It is written: Leviticus 26: 40-46, King James Version (KJV): 40 If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; 41 And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: 42 Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. 43 The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes. 44 And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God. 45 But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD. 46 These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

Why do Jews believe that breaking a contract still entitles you to benefit from the contact anyway?

Jews had a covenant with God but they broke it. So why do Jews still feel entitled to enjoy "God's Chosen" status and His promises when they didn't abide by God's terms and conditions?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever. (2^nd Chronicles 21: 4-7, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Committed To Unchanging Promise (04/09/2019); Continuing and Refreshing Creation (04/01/2019); Completeness, Integrity And Wholeness? (06/21/2018); Continuing A Perpetual Covenant (08/03/2017); GOD is Faithful (12/03/2015); That GOD Is Faithful? (08/31/2015); We Establish Covenant Relationship (05/01/2018)

“Anonymous”, the keeping of a covenant with GOD is not possible relying only on finite human willpower. Developing Christians often make the mistake of conceiving the many covenant relationships between GOD and mankind as having been agreements and contracts between the Creator and the created as though they were equals. The covenants of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David each introduced different levels of communication, exchange, and interaction that continued a single revelation of divine excellence. Rather than a condition of equality, divine law and personhood foster oneness without sameness. The transformation of consciousness that occurs as we live and walk in the Spirit allows the believer to realize that the character, process and substance of covenant is altered by the operation and presence of divine person. Using such devices as inheritance, proclamation, promise, and prophecy, GOD, who is immortal, incorruptible and invisible, establishes continuity where personal relationship is regularly ended through interruptions and instability from aging, death and mortality.

The terms of covenant extended to the twelve Hebrew tribes (the sons of Jacob), and the mixed multitude (some say, Gentiles) who left Egypt with Moses were to make divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable through the establishment of a peculiar nation and people. That the accords provided were to continue as everlasting and perpetual covenants immediately demonstrated the authority, fullness, prerogative, and sovereignty of GOD. More than this, features required for a genuine redemption and salvation appear that include chastisement, commitment, forbearance, forgiveness, judgment, longsuffering, lovingkindness, mercy, patience, renewal, repentance, and restraint. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

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

2. Exodus 31: 15-17, KJV: 15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

3. Jeremiah 31: 31-33, KJV: 31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. 1^st Peter 2: 6-10, KJV: 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:03 AM, June 11, 2019 @ https://biblepic.com/53/0405.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/17/2018) Lost For 40 Years?

Today, reply is on GOD revealed as sovereign by judgment, and the wandering of Israel following their separation from Egypt. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “STEVAN” (Level 1 with 04 points, a member since February 02, 2017) posted the following:

How was it possible for Moses to get lost in the desert for so long, did he have learning difficulties or something?

Surely nobody could be lost for 40 years lol

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward which have murmured against me. Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die. And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD. But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still. (Numbers 14: 28-38, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Fed From The Altar? (06/19/2017); The Generation That Wandered (06/14/2017); The Sheep Who Lost Their Way? (11/18/2014); Restoring The Lost? (11/19/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Covenants and Relationships (01/29/2014); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); When Does Judgment Begin? (06/27/2013)

“STEVAN”, the twelve tribes of Jacob and the mixed multitude that left Egypt following Moses did not become “lost” in the wilderness for 40 years as an accident, as the result of opposition and warfare by desert tribes and nations, or as errors by Moses and other human leaders who served as guides. The period of 40 years (a generation) was used by GOD for divine works that included chastisement, correction, purification, revelation, and sanctification as well as the fulfillment of proclamations, promises, and prophecy. Thus, for 40 years a pillar of cloud appeared by day and a pillar of fire by night as the visible presence of GOD. For 40 years, manna was provided as food Sunday to Friday; and no manna fell on the seventh day, the Sabbath.

Practice of divine law was to become maintained where once idolatry, fitting in, and adopting the fashions and lifestyles of Egypt were widespread. New meaning, standards and values were provided that included making regular offerings and sacrifices to GOD; maintaining decency and order through sacred judgment; and the seeking of counsel from GOD who would indwell the tabernacle. The armies of Israel were created using men most of whom had been laborers, shepherds, and handlers of livestock. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Deuteronomy 1: 13-17, King James Version (KJV): 13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you. 14 And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do. 15 So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. 16 And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him. 17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.

(2.) Deuteronomy 1: 22-27, KJV: 22 And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come. 23 And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe: 24 And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out. 25 And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which the LORD our God doth give us. 26 Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God: 27 And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.

(3.) Deuteronomy 1: 29-36, KJV: 29 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. 30 The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; 31 And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the Lord thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. 32 Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God, 33 Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day. 34 And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying, 35 Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers. 36 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Deuteronomy 1: 38-40, KJV: 38 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. 39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. 40 But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/10/2018) Unselfish Ministry To Others

Today, the reply speaks to how and when Christians should bury and memorialize the dead. Aside from restoring life to the dead, the most powerful gifts we may bestow upon those who have lost a loved one to death include our active presence; our example of restraint and self-discipline; our smile; our lovingkindness; our listening ears and hearts as well as the display of continued commitment, respect, and willingness to work for our shared goals. Through his ministry on the earth, Jesus acknowledged that, in times of mourning and loss there was a need for assurance, comfort, and good news that now has been filled by GOD through the death and resurrection of his Son. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Should a Christian go to a funeral on a Sunday?

One of my cousins teenage daughter died of a drug overdose. They are having funeral on a Sunday afternoon (today). I was taught as a Christian Sunday is reserved for celebrating Jesus' Resurrection and life so it's kind of blasphemous to try to to have funeral that day.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause. If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him. Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause. Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked. (Exodus 23: 2-7, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sabbath Now and Then? (08/15/2018); When Christians Attend Funerals (05/27/2018); Life Is GOD's Intent (11/15/2016); The GOD Who Loves? (10/02/2016); To Keep It Holy (02/23/2014); 7 “Godly” Sins? (02/24/2014); Our Present Comfort? (06/28/2013); Come As You Are? (06/29/2013)

“Anonymous”, in addition to the distress connected with performing or witnessing the raising of the dead at wakes or the internment of others, many people feel great inner conflict when asked to attend funerals and formal memorials for the dead. They may feel a powerful mix of conflicting emotions that includes arrogance, embarrassment, exaggerated pride, fear, guilt, shame, sorrow, and uncertainty. Here are some points Christian believers are encouraged to consider:

1. Many who are not members of a church congregation have attended Christian services and programs to acknowledge the decease of family or friends; such mourners may now mistakenly think of themselves as Christians, and may think that the meaning and purpose of attending church and religion pertains more to burials and funerals than to redemption, salvation, or anything else.
2. Among Christians, discomfort and uncertainty about burying the dead may be found because the holy writings teach that to bury or cremate the remains of those who are deceased is a work of the flesh, not a work of the divine Spirit.
   
3. Many still acknowledge traditions that teach the living become spiritually defiled, unclean, and unfit to serve divinity by contact with the dead.
4. Many are disturbed by conflicts regarding which day of the week is to be observed as the Sabbath and how to maintain holiness and sanctity for the Sabbath day.
5. Many Christians account it a sacred work expressing compassion and humility to bury the dead, and to comfort their living survivors.
6. Some developing believers are certain they have a duty to minister to those who are bereaved, yet, most are not formally instructed, and are unclear how to properly go about such service.

The following points from the Bible also are important:

Mark 10: 42-45, King James Version (KJV): 42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Hebrews 6: 10-15, KJV: 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

1^st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, KJV: 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Luke 9: 57-62, KJV: 57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/07/2018) Doctrine, Dropsy, and Sin

A Donkey In a Ditch photo shared by Lutheran Church of the Resurrection

Today, reply is on a healing by Jesus Christ; what makes divine law lawful; the revelation of divinity to mankind; and the permanent changes being made by GOD as rebirth within the consciousness and self-will of those living on the earth.  Many have insisted that the highest need of mankind is for the law of GOD to exist in the earth, for the living are approved through their obedience to law, and more than any other institution or person, the law embodies and makes present divine authority, justice and wisdom.  Rightly understood, however, the operation and process of divine law appear through displaying sacred spirit such as faith, humility and self-abasement, rather than personal achievement, ambition and self-promotion.  Many rely on their own self-discipline and willpower to impress and influence Deity, however, only those who trust and obey truly are lifted up and restored to GOD.  A fighter using the ID “Christian sinner” (Level 7 with 211,509 points, a member since November 28, 2006) posted the following in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum:

What was the point to Luke 14:1-6?

Luke 14

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 2 There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. 3 Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” 4 But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way.

5 Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child[a] or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” 6 And they had nothing to say.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15: 7-14, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sabbath Now and Then? (08/15/2018); Deposits of Sacred Substance (06/27/2018); Christ Rejected By Pharisees? (06/17/2018); Sabbath Acknowledges Divine Personhood (05/14/2018); We Establish Covenant Relationship (05/01/2018); The Law and The Prophets (03/07/2018); Sacred Law and Practice (02/12/2018)

“Christian sinner”, just as merely discovering a minor contradiction or technicality in sacred law is not enough to overthrow the dominion of divinity, merely obeying divine law is not enough to justify or redeem a sinner.  Here are some points we often fail to consider:

As Jesus began his ministry on the earth, the Savior was challenged and tested by Satan in the Wilderness, in the Synagogue, and even in the home of prominent community figures.  Numbered by some as his 3rd miracle, Jesus healed a man having dropsy--the doctrines of the Pharisees who insisted on the “law and the prophets” without the Spirit of Prophecy (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth).  Dropsy is a disease that appears through swelling of body parts, and is caused by toxins that may result in death.  Dropsy is a literary/narrative type representing sin and doctrine that is vain (i.e., lacking spirit substance from the makeup of GOD).  Thus, dropsy is like leaven (we say, yeast) that causes dough for bread to become puffed up.  A man is not to be commended for merely conforming to and following the law of GOD; such conduct is carnal, mechanical, and after the flesh, rather than an expression of ones divine content, and a genuine display of GOD's apprehension of mankind and all Creation.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Luke 17:  7-10, King James Version (KJV):  7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?  8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?  9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.  10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.

2.  Romans 3:  19-26, KJV:  19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law:  that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before GOD.  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:  23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  24 Being justified freely by his grace through redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  25 Whom God hat set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness:  that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

3.  Galatians 2:  16-21, KJV:  16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law:  for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.  17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.  18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.  19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.  20 I am crucified with Christ:  nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  21 I do not frustrate the grace of God:  for if righteousness come by the law, the Christ is dead in vain.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.) Roman 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.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC