(05/10/2020) Jesus and the Moneylenders

Matthew 21: 12, King James Version (KJV): 12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

Today, reply is on the account of Jesus using physical violence against the moneylenders within the courtyard at the Temple in Jerusalem. Like the Tabernacle of Moses, the Temple was to be a visible place of the unseen GOD’s continual presence with Israel. The sanctuary and other devoted places that are aspects of the church created by Jesus Christ are now also acknowledged as houses of GOD, and places of his appearing in Spirit. The holy writings show that, without correction from divinity, many will not realize that they are endowed with blessing and material prosperity from the Creator. GOD does supply evangelists, priests, prophets, rulers, and other of his servants with all they need (food, shelter, water, etc.) for accomplishing the sacred tasks they are assigned and trained to complete. Yet, the word of GOD, the divine process and substance we receive are not to be used as merchandise or personal property that we may dispose of as we please. Believers are equipped with divine gifts so they may resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Most Christian parents prefer to provide experiences of affection, gentleness, and tenderness to their children, and many are reluctant to accept that there also must be displays of commitment, firmness, and sternness against wrongdoing. Scolding and spanking will not make a child (or an adult person) permanently change to behave as a reliable and trustworthy daughter or son of GOD who is a sanctified believer; even so, as a member of the household of GOD, receiving in ones own flesh the consequences of their own errors and unwillingness to change may provide correction and otherwise unavailable warning regarding the consequences of judgment to come. It is written: Revelation 3: 15-19, King James Version (KJV): 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Jesus hurt those money lenders really badly when He brutally whipped them. Why is Jesus THAT hurtful?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. (John 2: 13-22, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Lost For 40 Years? (09/17/2018); Divine Anger at Harvest? (05/26/2019); The Presence of GOD (04/02/2019); Jesus Rebuked The Moneychangers? (05/16/2018); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Money-changers in The Temple? (06/23/2013); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013)

“Anonymous”, a parent may scold or spank a child, yet, does not disown their own offspring. Similarly, the process of GOD for sinners who repent is one of change, correction, and challenge. Jesus addressed all the money-changers as partners in a consecrated covenant with divinity, who had agreed when called upon to accept correction from GOD, and to acknowledge the wrath of GOD against their nation, their own sins, and the sins of their fathers. Just as children who lack adult intellect and logic cannot justify and reason out all their behavior and conduct to their own parents, and often must be trained using graphic, memorable, and physical experience that reveal the displeasure of their caretakers, those in covenant with GOD, as babes, also may require challenges and rebuke for betrayal, disobedience, disrespect, and irreverence. The spiritual instruction that comes to us in the account of Jesus driving the money-changers away from the Temple in Jerusalem proclaims that correct covenant relationship with divinity is one that includes benefits, inheritance and privileges to mankind, yet also requires integrity, sacred service, and continual acknowledgment of the holiness of GOD by all who are in the covenant relationship. In effect, the money-changers created a marketplace on holy ground where there was the buying and selling of livestock for sacrifices to travelers who would come to worship, and the exchange of local currency for letters of credit and cash from other areas (e.g., coins, salt, silver, gold). The Temple community could influence and defile the entire nation, and was made up of more than the High Priest, the Sanhedrin Court of 70, the Levites, or the scribes and lawyers who argued cases using the sacred law. Beggars, lepers seeking to be certified by the priests, those in lives of devotion to GOD (e.g., Simon and Anna, the prophets who first acknowledged Jesus as the fulfillment of divine promise), those seeking to make special offerings and petitions, pilgrims, and those seeking power through self-promotion frequented the Temple. To the extent the Temple continued worldly customs and traditions that the people thought were divinely approved, the Temple was a source of great error. Sacred law required that the heads of households and the primary heir from every family must assemble during specific annual feasts and festivals. This was a divinely given method to transform Israel from being a collection of tribes into a united people. Secular concerns such as politics, regional government, celebrations of sacred events (we say, miracles), and social welfare were not to be their agenda. Rather, focus was to be on fellowship with divinity. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Jeremiah 5: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it. 2 And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely. 3 O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return. 4 Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God. 5 I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.

(2.) Jeremiah 10: 23-25, KJV: 23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 24 O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. 25 Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

(3.) Hebrews 12: 3-8, KJV: 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

(4.) 1^st Peter 4: 12-18, KJV: 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5frx0hqWVqw.) 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

(03/16/2020) "GOD, I Thank Thee..."

Today, the reply presents parables spoken by Jesus Christ revealing that the divine provisions for a “second chance” to mankind following the sin of Adam are to be seen as forgiveness, new life, and mercy to those found guilty in sacred judgment. In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, two men turn to the same GOD in prayer, however, like Cain and Abel, the two sons of Adam, the Pharisee and publican must be recognized as using two different forms of worship, and both are appearing before divinity in judgment. A second account and parable also appears where Jesus defends the actions of a woman judged and despised as a prostitute, and clarifies the meanings of gratitude, humility, love, repentance, and unselfish service. It is written: 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. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

Why should murderers, abusers and rapists have a second chance?

While there are many people who have been abused, suffering from personality disorders, genetic predispositions, etc. yet made choices to do the right thing from the start. I actually think it's an insult to these people who have made sacrifices to do right and to help make the world a better place. If you choose to live at the expense of others, you should suffer for it. It was YOUR choice. You could've chosen differently like these people did.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. 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. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 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: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath 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; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3: 19-26, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: TWO Kinds of People? (02/21/2020); Mankind A Divine Instrument (02/16/2020); Miracles and Christian Belief (01/30/2020); Accounts To Reveal Divinity (04/28/2019); “Big Time Sinners” Receptive? (11/05/2018); Christ Rejected By Pharisees? (06/17/2018); The Cross and The Pharisees? (04/21/2016); Sadducees and The Cross? (03/13/2016)

“Anonymous”, the response Jesus Christ made to those raising your question while he was alive ministering on the earth was shared in the form of a parable (we say, an object lesson; an account based on real events used to provide instruction) that used local events and figures to describe the spirit nature and process of divinity. Two men, who both believed they were in the same correct covenant inheritance from GOD that had been established on earth through Moses, went up to the Temple in Jerusalem to present themselves before GOD. One is labeled as a “Pharisee”, a respected member of the most strict sect of believers among the Jews, and those who exalted fulfilling the demands of sacred law as our highest duty to GOD. The other was labeled as a “publican”, a Jew who served as a government worker (perhaps a tax collector; a spy; a paid informer), who, contrary to Hebrew customs, law, and traditions, lived and worked in close association with the Roman rulers. Can you see where you might appear in what is written?:

(1.) Luke 18: 9-14, King James Version (KJV): 9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Mature Christian believers trust that mankind is now in a season of grace where the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) makes themselves knowable, known, accessible, and approachable through revelation, rather than mystery. Otherwise inseparable and unseen aspects of the makeup of GOD have appeared on the earth embodied in human flesh (we say, Incarnation) as Jesus Christ; and those who become “born again” are to receive a fresh endowment of the same life essence (breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup of GOD to Adam at Creation, and to Jesus Christ in his resurrection. Included are balance, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. As vessels of divine DNA, so to speak, believers are the children of GOD, joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, and the new creation.

Divinity is not only to be understood as the origin of existence and life, GOD also is to be acknowledged as an impartial and righteous Judge, who extends mercy to those who have been found guilty through sacred judgment. In the same way atonement is provided for the guilty rather than for the innocent, adoption, forgiveness, protection, and reconciliation are intended for those most in need of them. Consider the following that shares a second parable that speaks regarding a woman once a prostitute:

(2.) Luke 7: 36-50, KJV: 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?  50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. For example, (3.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G8dZTWwvmU.) 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

(07/05/2019) No Wall of Partition

Today, reply is on the prophecy of 144,000 Jews who will be separated to Christ, and the oneness without sameness that will prevail within the heaven and earth made new. Hierarchy as a tool for divine order will likely continue to appear; yet, there will be no ambition, covetousness, distrust, or envy. However great or small the full number of Jews will be among those that appear in heaven (like the amount and size of ones faith and the measure of ones works), the amount or quantity of Jews will be neither an indication of divine imbalance, nor partiality on the part of GOD. Distinctions of ethnicity, national origin, and race will not be meaningful within the new heaven and earth. Moreover, such labels as Catholicism, Judaism, and Protestantism will have to take on new substance. Merit and reward will be on the basis of adding value, the perfection of fit and supply through shared duty, the merging of multiple contributions, and the unselfish service of those who make up the kingdom. It is written: Judges 7: 1-4, King James Version (KJV): 1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 2 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. 3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. 4 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “black hawk” (Level 1 with 10 points, a member since June 18, 2017) posted the following:

The Jews will be vastly outnumbered by other Christians in the new heaven and earth: Revelation 7:4-8. Do you agree or not?

Revelation 7:4-8 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND OF ALL THE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL WERE SEALED: of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.

The above Scripture (bold type) has served to highlight the FACT that there will be no more than 144 thousand Jews in the new heaven and earth and New Jerusalem. Revelation 21

Consequently, the Jews will be vastly outnumbered by other Christians in the new heaven and earth.

Because the New Testament says that only a FEW people from every nation and tribe will survive to enter the new heaven and earth: Matthew 7:13-14 and 22:14.

But what exactly is a "Few"?

A "few" could be any figure between 1 and 100 million people, which is still a FEW compared to the +7 billion who are alive on this earth.

Update: Consequently, any nation with 100 million people could easily OUTNUMBER THE JEWS in the new heaven and earth.

Therefore, we know that the JEWS WILL NEVER DOMINATE the new heaven and earth due to their lack of numbers.

Because 144 thousand Jews would stand no chance at all against 100 million Christians in terms of their military and economic manpower.

Therefore, the JEWS WILL NEVER DOMINATE the new heaven and earth due to their small numbers.

Update 2: However, the New Jerusalem will be DOMINATED BY OTHER CHRISTIANS who would vastly outnumber the Jews in the new heaven and earth.

Do you agree or not?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (Revelation 21: 21-23, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Scripture Has No Ethnicity (05/27/2019); An Irreplaceable Nation State? (12/05/2016); Does GOD Hate Jews? (10/03/2016); Christ Brought A New Nature? (07/15/2015); A Wandering Jew? (04/09/2015); One Faith, One Lord? (09/26/2014); Healing is By Relationship? (09/27/2014); One Root, One Harvest (11/12/2017)

“black hawk”, within the perfected sanctuary of the heaven and earth made new, meaning for “the number” of Jews will not derive from cultural, material, ethnic and social differences that once existed. There will be no “middle wall of partition” based on kinship and tribe; covenant laws; peculiar observances for offerings and sacrifices; languages and tongues; and determination of fitness to serve divinity through clean and unclean, pure and impure. Even so, there will continue to be diversity in acknowledgment and worship. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Ephesians 2: 11-17, King James Version (KJV): 11 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; 12 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: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 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; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

2. Romans 10: 1-4, 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.

3. Romans 11: 16-24, KJV: 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Ephesians 2: 18-22, KJV: 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.) 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

(04/17/2019) The Keeping Of Relics

© Provided by CBS Interactive Inc. A priest wipes the Crown of Thorns, a relic of the passion of Christ, at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, April 14, 2017.

Today, reply is on the keeping of sacred relics among Christian believers. Many are presently offering their prayers in response to the massive fire that raged on April 15, 2019 through areas of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. There is great concern for the irreplaceable art treasures, stained glass windows, and sacred relics maintained there. The first house erected on the earth as a dwelling place for the divine presence was a tabernacle featuring panels of cloth and boards of cedar wood. In addition to daily offerings and sacrifices of blood being made there, sanctified objects that compare to relics were gathered. The Ark of the Covenant was found within the tabernacle that was a storage chest to preserve and transport selected sacred objects commanded to be kept by divinity as memorials. These items were to be maintained within the ark beneath the platform where the Shekinah presence of GOD appeared (we say, between the cherubim; the Bema Seat; the Mercy Seat; the throne of judgment). The ark held two tables of stone displaying the covenant law that first had been written by the finger of GOD, and later was proclaimed by the voice of GOD to those assembled at Horeb; a pot of the manna that fell daily and not on the Sabbath for 40 years during the wanderings of Israel; and the almond rod of Aaron that GOD made to bud and blossom overnight to indicate the family and tribe whose inheritance would be the priesthood of Israel. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Why would Catholics store what they claim to be Jesus' crown of thorns in a wooden building?

The Notre Dame cathedral was built mostly of wood.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; (Hebrews 9: 4, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Virginity of Mary (01/14/2019); Attend Chapel or Church? (02/04/2018); The Pattern To Follow? (01/19/2018); Flesh As Divine Vessels? (01/14/2018); Worship and the Cross (11/27/2017); Spirit, Spirit Beings, Spirit Persons? (10/13/2015); About Praying to Mary (08/21/2015); Ark of the Covenant? (03/17/2015)

“Anonymous”, among the faithful, houses of worship (tabernacles, temples, cathedrals) are to be fashioned after the pattern of things in heaven. In the same way Christians rely on GOD for the keeping of the physical body (often called, a house), the cleansing and keeping of buildings and places for assembly by the people of GOD rely on continuous operations by divinity. In addition to copper, gold and silver, the architectural materials for the first sanctuary prepared on the earth at the time of Moses featured the use of cedar wood. The sacred discipline of acknowledging and preserving relics is in harmony with maintaining observances, memorials, and sacred practices as an inheritance for the children of GOD upon the earth. Mature believers in divinity seek to capture and repeat the authentic proclamations, promises, divine utterances, and testimonies they receive as benefit and privilege from GOD, and that they are challenged to share by unselfishly ministering to others.

While relics are accounted as objects that have been set apart for divine use (we say, made anointed, consecrated, holy, sanctified), and are preserved following sacred events that may include miracles, relics are not believed to embody life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word) from the makeup of GOD that appears within all the living. Relics are not idols; yet, may be displayed using ceremonies, customs and traditions. Only sinners who return to GOD through rebirth and repentance will contain the inseparable aspects of divine fullness that join mankind to divinity in ongoing relationship. Included are faith, holiness, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Relics are lifeless objects having no independent ability, or sovereign will that allows communication, exchange, or their own continued existence among the living.

Mankind’s continued use and keeping of relics may be understood as another demonstration of faith that the proclamations, promises, prophecies, and eternal purposes of GOD concerning mankind’s salvation and eternal life will be fulfilled. Value for the Scripture record is affirmed and acknowledged, and the holy writings are endorsed as a genuine revelation of divine authority, grace, integrity, and righteousness. The hope (i.e., what believers are commanded by divinity to expect) regarding their benefits, gifts, and provisions from GOD emerges through the fresh endowment of spirit substance each believer receives from the makeup of GOD. For overcoming mortality, sin, and the second death, such finite human tools as determination (we say, a made-up-mind; willpower), carnal reason, logic, philosophy, science, technology and worldly wisdom are secondary to godly commitment, discernment, sacred knowledge, and holy vision. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Numbers 17: 6-10, King James Version (KJV): 6 And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods. 7 And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness. 8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. 9 And Moses brought out all the rods from before the LORD unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod. 10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron’s rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.

2. 2^nd Corinthians 5: 1-10, KJV: 1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

3. 1^st Corinthians 3: 11-17, KJV: 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Hebrews 9: 11-15, KJV: 11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

AN AFTERTHOUGHT: The acceptance of relics is very much a matter of ones faith, rather than doctrine, liturgy, and the practice of sacraments. Due to ignorance, incomplete knowledge of the occult, fascination with the supernatural, and superstition among developing believers, relics often are taken to be keepsakes or souvenirs from sacred events and miracles; objects that allow a person to have control, influence and power over the minds and conduct of others; items that ensure good fortune, luck and prosperity; and even, devices said to have magical properties. The holy writings do contain accounts that appear to describe the workings believed possible for a relic. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible: 2^nd Kings 13: 20-21, King James Version (KJV): 20 And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. 21 And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. Also, it is written: Acts 19: 11-12, KJV: 11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. In the church, relics are instruments of prophecy (comfort, edification, exhortation), and are associated with healing, miracles, and resurrection.

Image downloaded 12:43 PM, April 16, 2019 @ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/a-brave-chaplain-and-a-human-chain-saved-holy-relics-from-notre-dame/ar-BBVZLyJ?ocid=spartanntp&fullscreen=true#image=1

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/02/2019) The Presence of GOD

(see reference below)

Today, reply is on the cloud spoken of in the holy writings that appeared as a visible manifestation of the presence of GOD (we also say, the angel of GOD; the glory of GOD; the Shekinah). Accounts of GOD appearing and becoming known in the awareness of created beings and living creatures include the appearance of divinity to Moses as a burning bush, the star that appeared over Bethlehem, and the presence that rested within the Sanctuary (also called the Holiest of Holies; the Most Holy Place) on the judgment seat upon the Ark of the Covenant. It is written: Leviticus 16: 1-2, King James Version (KJV): 1 And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died; 2 And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Lunablossom” (Level 2 with 278 points, a member since September 24, 2010) posted the following:

Can you tell me more about the shekinah/ gods presence?

Is the shekinah god or idolatry?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. (Exodus 14: 19-20, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Is With Us (03/15/2019); Not By Bread Only (02/22/2019);Divine Holiness and Sanctity (12/25/2017); Idolatry -- Exalting Human Devices? (09/21/2017); Acknowledging the Divine Presence (02/22/2017); Ark of the Covenant? (03/17/2015); Filling the House With Glory? (08/17/2014); Holy Ground (03/30/2014); A Second Adam? (03/25/2013); GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013)

“Lunablossom”, many mature Christian believers agree that the Garden of Eden first served as the meeting place for divinity and mankind. When Adam and Eve were thrust out, mankind would assemble “in the gate” with blood offerings for sin, and with petitions for indications and signs that would express the divine will. The sons of Jacob (Israel), and those who joined them in leaving Egypt with Moses themselves were to be the sanctuary, dominion, and abiding place of GOD. Later, the tabernacle (fashioned according to the pattern of things in heaven that was revealed to Moses) and the house of GOD (the temple fashioned in accord with the things revealed to Solomon), became the places of assembly for the consecrated priests and Levites. These things were to serve as sanctified and set apart for the presence of GOD, yet, they were not idols that would embody divinity, receive worship, or serve as man-made objects having authority, dominion, personhood, or power as gods. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Genesis 3: 6-9, King James Version (KJV): 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 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.

2. Exodus 40: 32-38, KJV: 32 When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses. 33 And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. 34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: 37 But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

3. 1^st Kings 8: 6-11, KJV: 6 And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims. 7 For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above. 8 And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day. 9 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10 And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. 2^nd Chronicles 5: 13-14, KJV: 13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; 14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Downloaded 10:18 AM, April 02, 2019 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT7-4lpbsNvsqc7BroyeA2eohGqBsqijbb6L1K-bLXTuEQ3B-62Ns8oMUHzID5LnekAK1u8Hz4gUSdnmhganV0ZkbD1lXi4-RFdtoYfoXNZJ5ow5_uHqLvpCJBwCw0PmGcAp8GqrS108/s1600/shekinah+glory.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/14/2018) King Solomon and Predestination?

The splendor of Solomon portrayed by Edward Poynter (1890) The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon (see reference below)

Today, reply is on the figure of King Solomon, and divine process as continuous and unfolding, yet, fixed and unchanging. Mankind exists on the earth as humanity’s sphere of life, and also must respond to mechanical and natural law. The idea of predestination introduces spiritual confusion by using language that denies sacred law, eternal purpose and divine order are the primary origin for human events, while mankind’s expression of self-will is the primary determinant for the carnal, material, and social aspects of ones life experience. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “Stonehaven” (Level 1 with 1 points, a member since March 21, 2018) posted the following:

Solomon was predestined to be a Great King or not?

As Solomon was one of the Great Kings of the Old Testament it would seem to suggest that his career was predestined by the Creator.

Since we know that all of the Major and Minor prophets of the Old Testament have been predestined in some way: Isaiah 46:10.

The mere fact that Solomon was born at all is predestined by the Creator.

Which begs the question: Did God have anything to do with King David’s adultery with Bathsheba and the death of her husband Uriah the Hittite in the specific context of “God creating evil” in Isaiah 45:7?

Had David not committed adultery nor killed Uriah, Solomon would never had been born at all; but we seem to think that the latter was predestined to do great things.

So, was God behind David’s adultery and the death of Uriah in the specific context of Isaiah 45:7?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. (2^nd Corinthians 4: 6-11, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Descendent of David? (03/18/2018); Neither “All-knowing” Nor “Omniscient” (11/07/2017); The Bible on “Soulmates”? (03/12/2017); Divine Knowing, Finite Will? (09/28/2016); Solomon Punished For Sins Of David? (08/28/2015); Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013); Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013); GOD Knows Tomorrow? (04/12/2013); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012)

“Stonehaven”, here are some points intended for Christian believers that you may find useful; our focus is to be on the greatness of GOD, rather than on any carnal, material, or social element:

1. Within the revelation of Jesus Christ, Solomon appears as a figure or type (the Son of David) who is to display and embody the greatness of divinity (we may say, divine fullness; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).

2. Sacred gifts to mankind were to become visible through Israel in covenant relationship and through an inheritance of dynasty provided to King David, that included faith, forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, priesthood, prophecy, and sacred wisdom.

3. The prophetic demonstration wherein Solomon was married to 700 wives and was joined to 300 concubines speaks to the condition of Israel as married to her maker who is GOD. Viewed as a political or secular fact from the life of Solomon, his marriages appear only as abuse, exaggeration and spiritual confusion from a man in the flesh expressing sexual desire, lust, and passion.

4. The character, makeup, and process of GOD revealed to Moses was that of Lawgiver and the GOD of judgment, who does not punish the children for the sins of the parents, yet, challenges the offspring by continuing the conditions and consequences of parental transgressions for as much as 160 years (the 4^th generation). The offenses of King David included failing to command his household in the matters of Tamar and Absalom as well as the infidelity demonstrated when the King commanded that a census be taken.

5. By the workings of human events and finite self-will, rather than eternal purpose, there would be division; and Israel would become two kingdoms: the two tribes, Judah and Benjamin (the Southern Kingdom) and the ten tribes (Israel, Samaria; the Northern Kingdom). Israel existed as a united kingdom only during the reigns of King David and his heir, King Solomon. (Solomon was anointed and crowned king while David was still alive; and Israel briefly had both father and son as ruler at the same time.)

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) Solomon understood his anointing from GOD to be no less that that bestowed upon David. In addition to being authorized as builder of a permanent house for GOD (a palace; a temple), he himself would be judge, king, priest, and prophet. Even so, David’s offenses were coupled with King Solomon’s indulgence of idolatry by his foreign wives, and the arrogance expressed by Solomon’s lawful heir to the throne, Rehoboam. The ten tribes would elect as their king Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the enemy Solomon had forced out and who returned from Egypt at Solomon’s death. It was Jeroboam who then introduced worship of the golden calf in two separate places.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Edward Poynter (1890) The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon downloaded 10:00 AM, 11-13-2018 from the Wikimedia Commons Internet site @ https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/%27The_Visit_of_the_Queen_of_Sheba_to_King_Solomon%27%2C_oil_on_canvas_painting_by_Edward_Poynter%2C_1890%2C_Art_Gallery_of_New_South_Wales.jpg/1280px-%27The_Visit_of_the_Queen_of_Sheba_to_King_Solomon%27%2C_oil_on_canvas_painting_by_Edward_Poynter%2C_1890%2C_Art_Gallery_of_New_South_Wales.jpg

(10/10/2018) Judgment Will Occur Forever

The picture depicts the conclusion of the present ongoing judgment that many call the Rapture

Today, reply is on whether divine judgment will be completed on the earth or in heaven. In the same way the holy writings teach there is a first death that may be followed by the second death and there are the first and second resurrections, the Scriptures also teach there are multiple judgment events that occur in heaven as well as on the earth. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Stonehaven” (Level 1 with 5 points, a member since March 21, 2018) posted the following:

The Last Judgement will take place on earth or in heaven?

Matthew 25:31-33

31 ‘When the SON OF MAN comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left.

The above Scripture refers to the SON OF MAN, which means that Jesus Christ is fully HUMAN and fully divine when he returns to Judge the Living and the Dead, and to be Judge of all the Nations.

However, these verses are in reference to the Last Judgement, which implies that this Judgement will take place on the earth, but contrary to the traditional view that it should take place in heaven: Revelation 20:11.

This seems like a contradiction, but how do we resolve the apparent dilemma?

Any suggestions?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1^st Corinthians 3: 11-17, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Incurring “The Second Death” (04/02/2018); “I Never Knew You” (03/23/2018); Mankind’s Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); Events During Final Judgment? (11/28/2016); The Earth Made New (11/13/2013); Hierarchy (11/14/2013); The Place for Eternal Life? (01/06/2013); Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013)

“Stonehaven”, relying on the Bible, many mature Christian believers increasingly understand judgment as an aspect of the existence, ongoing divine process, eternal purpose, and full sacred substance of GOD along with such elements as faith, holiness, longsuffering and lovingkindness. In the same way the personhood of GOD would be incomplete without immortality, immutability, incorruption, and wisdom, judgment will exist and appear as an eternal expression of complete divine order, sacred prerogative, righteousness, and sovereign will. Consider again the following:

(1.) At this time, the sacred process of judgment is being carried out to determine those who will meet the Lord in the air at his appearing (we say, the first resurrection; the harvest; the Rapture; the Second Coming), and those who thereafter will continue as his immortal life companions. In addition to identifying from the books of life those whose sins are covered by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, the sacred process also is being carried out whereby reconciliation to, refreshment for, and the refinement of multiple provisions within divine law are being established.

(2.) The Great White Throne judgment is the divine tribunal provided to hear the cases of the wicked. The second resurrection must occur to allow those under review to be present and alive in the celestial court, and to speak in response to the necessary sacred exchange. Satan will not appear as the Accuser or Prosecutor (he will already have been cast into the Lake of Fire); nor will Jesus Christ. Cases will be heard on the details from the record of ones own deeds, opportunities, praise, prayer, and privilege.

(3.) The judgment for rewards that will be distributed to the faithful will occur in heaven along with the allotment of property within the New Jerusalem. Included may be selection to learn and perform the sacred liturgy (a new song); positions as captains over fifties, captains over hundreds, captains over thousands; and the privilege to serve as assistants to Jesus, the High Priest. When the Holy City descends to the earth an entirely new set of divine records will have been added.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) On the earth made new, mortality will no longer exist as the human condition, and there will be no temple, yet, divine law will continue as eternal. Capital punishment and imposing a “death sentence” will not be practiced; and there will be no judgment to punish sin. There will continue to be standards for assessments, assigning value, and making sound decisions.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC