(01/03/2020) Pray For Your Enemies?

Today, reply is on requesting peace from GOD, and praying on behalf of ones enemies. The more the church of Jesus Christ encounters contradiction, opposition and resistance, the more believers are to operate displaying faith and trust in the promises of GOD. The resurrection life of a Christian believer is to focus on the things that acknowledge and fulfill intimate relationship with divinity. Thus, conflict and dispute go out of ones life as though there no longer are enemies having dominion and power, and all have become possible allies and new members within the kingdom of GOD. It is written: 2^nd Peter 1: 2-8, King James Version (KJV): 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Christians, what happens when you pray for your enemies?

Does God help them come down on you even harder?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil. Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. (Psalms 36: 1-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Mediators Among Divinity (10/30/2019); Believers Minister Through Prayer (09/23/2019); Meaning of “Father, forgive” (03/14/2019); Driving Away the Enemy? (09/15/2017); Herein Is True Love (10/21/2016); By Law and Relationships (04/05/2016); Forgiving Enemies a Condition for Salvation? (05/11/2015)

“Anonymous”, prayer by Christian believers on behalf of ones enemies demands loving submission to GOD, and unselfish intercession as a spokesperson for their opponent in conflict. The prayer for peace can not be offered because we covet what belongs to another, we fear, or we want to dominate. Unrighteous conflict and opposition arise from the flesh, and not the Spirit imparted from GOD. Peace is always a blessing and the outcome of lawful judgment permitting life, hope, and prosperity; and further warfare for revenge and self-justification never remove damage and loss. Following judgment, renewed conflict can appear only as lawless, stubborn, and an insistence on unrestrained emotions (e.g., bitterness, fear, hatred). Believers who resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ are to approach the Father and the Spirit as spokespersons through the Son. By seeking to present only their own concerns and understandings of the circumstances and events, many commit the errors of presumption, exaggerated pride, seeking to manipulate divinity, and short-sighted self-promotion. Therefore, those who pray ought not request change within others and condemnation of their opposition so much as change within themselves that will establish a new and positive relationship with those by whom they are challenged. Correction, shared truth, the resolution of conflict, and the settlement of disputes are to be primary goals and objectives, rather than converting and proselytizing others to be “in our own image,” not the image of GOD. The believers are to align themselves with the will of GOD expressed as sacred law as well as such elements as forgiveness, divine order, maturity and ripeness for harvest by the Lord, mercy in the judgment against those who are guilty, peace, genuine repentance, salvation, and spiritual growth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the the music ministry and prophesies shared through Yolanda Adams:

(1.) James 4: 1-10, King James Version (KJV): 1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

(2.) Philippians 4: 6-8, KJV: 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq6mYhGyyT4.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:58 PM, January 02, 2020 @ https://media.buzzle.com/media/images-en/gallery/quotes/550-quote-by-matthew.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/11/2019) Spiritual Combat Against Sin

The image depicts the Whole Armor of God

Today, reply is on spiritual combat. Many claiming to be followers of Jesus Christ display an eagerness to physically fight with others, and a mentality declaring that GOD has granted Christians exclusive authority, divine entitlement, and full license to demonize, slander and verbally assault their enemies, to be victorious in war, to maintain stockpiles of weapons, and to deploy nuclear bombs throughout the earth at their own discretion. Properly understood, the divine goal is life using change, rather than destruction. Therefore, believers are called and recruited to serve as fishers of men, soul winners, and those who preserve communities by becoming “the salt of the earth.” The present day is a season of grace for sinners, wherein threats of damnation, punishment for sin, and the second death are replaced by opportunity for fellowship with divinity, gradual growth, rest, revelation, unselfish service, and vision. In place of coercion, brute force, deception, and lies, divinity draws to themselves and releases those living in error and sin by using sacred tools such as healing, forgiveness, mercy, nonviolence, prophecy, reconciliation, and spiritual rebirth. Christians are not to behave as hoodlums and thugs; however, neither are they to be beggarly, cowardly, undisciplined, and weak. The followers of Christ are to display the image of GOD, and will not make for others the choices others must demand from themselves. Developing and mature believers are not to shrink from the life challenges wherein sinners are helped to see and make the choice for new life through Jesus Christ. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 3: 11-15, King James Version (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. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

What is spiritual combat?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19: 11-16, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Conflict Among Multiple Wills? (09/20/2019); Justified By Church Attendance? (06/21/2019); Salvation Through Jesus Christ (03/25/2019); Peace Or A Sword? (01/29/2019); The Lion of Judah (01/22/2017); War and Peace? (07/17/2014); God Bless America? (09/12/2013); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013)

“Anonymous”, all Christian believers on the earth are warriors in spiritual combat against the operations of sin. Sin is understood as an “enigma” for mankind (i.e., a puzzle or question that has no clear origin, no fixed answer, and no reliable solution). Divinity has not put forth sin as part of Creation, and sin has no spirit content from the makeup of GOD, yet, the operations of sin may dominate consciousness and self-will within created beings and living creatures. Sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, the Lawgiver, and of divine order throughout the universe. Sin promotes destruction, nonexistence, and a return to the conditions of chaos, confusion, and movement of substance without direction and form that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth (we say, preexistence).

Divinity is the inseparable fullness of all spirit-matter; and where they remain in spirit, they must be known as immortal and invisible. Within the Godhead are to be found such elements as faith, holiness, forbearance, hope, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Using the form of human flesh, GOD has appeared through Jesus Christ to demonstrate that divinity are to be known by those on the earth through sacred operations, divine process, and by receiving fresh endowments of the same life essence (breath; spirit; word) imparted to Adam from the makeup of the Creator. The Creator is not an abstraction, an immaterial object, a mechanical device, or a man-made product from human imagination, mind, and carnal reason. Mankind is to have integrity of being, maintain self-government, and serve as a life companion to divinity; however, humanity must continue to exist within the boundaries and frameworks created and provided by divinity. Included are birth, death, resurrection, opportunity, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, possibility, reality, time and space.

The conflicts that exist within Creation are not all visible to the senses of mankind, and must be resolved without continuing corruption (decay, disintegration, rot) that is material, social, and spiritual. Believers must contend against such obstacles as anger, arrogance, covetousness, envy, fear, lust, presumption, exaggerated pride, selfishness, and stubbornness. The living are not to “fight the good fight” using gun violence and weapons of mass destruction. Rather than as the outcome of battles that exploit the mortality of mankind, the preservation of Creation and peace are the outcomes of divine judgment where conflicts are resolved and disputes are settled by applying the sanctions and standards in the law. Christians are to wage war against sin by displaying Christ-likeness and godliness in their lifestyles and daily routines. At every level—how they speak, what they say, and what they do—believers are to make choices, determinations, and sound decisions that acknowledge and conform to meaning, quality, and value from the Maker. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible, and the presentation from the music ministry of the Gaither Vocal Band:

1. Psalms 7: 9-11, King James Version (KJV): 9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. 10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. 11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

2. Ephesians 6: 11-18, KJV: 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

3. 2^nd Corinthians 10: 3-5, KJV: 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsDCH0Y2aiU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:14 PM, October 10, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/57/59/e6/5759e6ee190909539836b51d053db052.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/20/2019) Accepting Correction and Punishment

As a duty through covenant with GOD, Israel executed corporal punishment against juvenile delinquents and incorrigible sons (see photo reference below).

Today, reply is on accepting correction and punishment from ones parents. The topics considered include forgiveness, mercy, repentance, the needs of community, and how becoming sealed by divinity cuts off all possibilities both for further corruption and for further positive change within an offender’s spirit. In addition to providing justice, the operations of judgment from GOD are to crystallize and make known the unseen effects and spirit outcomes of finite, visible actions and deeds. The work of forgiveness to build up, encourage, heal and continue healthy relationship also is to call forth spiritual change; the operations of conscience; remorse; resolve to recover, renew and restore; and sorrowing for sin that appears as repentance. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who using the ID “goodgirlbecky” (Level 1 with 3 points, a member since April 06, 2017) posted the following:

If god always shows mercy when we repent and forgives, how come I have said sorry to my parents and still MUST suffer punishment ?

I got caught shoplifting alcohol from a local shopkeeper as I am only 15 and the shopkeeper knows my mum he called my mum instead of the police, she told the shopkeeper I would be severely punished.

I told my mum I was REALLY sorry , and she made me apologise to the shopkeeper, both my parents said I was forgiven but I MUST be punished with lockdown , so I learn my lesson, tomorrow after school I will be escorted to my bedroom and LOCKED IN for the weekend, I wont be allowed tv or any entertainment,

I will only be let out for the bathroom, lights out and bed 9pm ( PRISON )

I will have to write a 4 page essay on why its wrong to steal,

a 4 page essay on unacaptable behaviour and punishments,

I WILL HAVE TO SUFFER 4 WEEKENDS OF THIS POXY LOCKDOWN PUNISHMENT WHAT HAPPEND TO FORGIVESS

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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; 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: 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. 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. 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. 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. (Leviticus 26: 40-45, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Forgiveness and Justice (01/01/2019); Sacred Ministry or Parenting? (05/10/2018); Sin No “One-time” (01/03/2018); Event Having A Seared Conscience (10/29/2018); Accepting the Divine Will? (12/06/2016); Church Attendance and Inheritance (09/11/2016); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013)

“goodgirlbecky”, following a passage from the covenant law granted to Israel that would establish them as a people of GOD and an example to all the other nations on the earth, here are some points to consider that should be helpful among teens and sinners who have chosen to exist as developing Christian believers:

Deuteronomy 21: 18-21, King James Version (KJV): 18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: 19 Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; 20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. 21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

1. In the same way parents are held accountable in the law, and must make the otherwise invisible affection, authority, and presence of divinity knowable and known to their own children, they are to help their young ones realize the divine condemnation and unseen damage, loss, and ruin that results from disobedience, lawlessness, and rebellion. Simple actions and behavior, even when intended selfishly and only for ourselves, often have consequences that last indefinitely, are far-reaching, and are widespread.

2. The natural process of human development goes forward through such elements as aging, discovery, gradual growth, demonstrations of proper conduct, instruction, and risk-taking along with trial-and-error. However, the permanent changes that must occur to result in acceptable attitudes and behavior also have to appear within the makeup of ones spirit and self-will (we also say, willpower).

3. Among mature believers, judgment is an aspect of divine blessing because correction, impartiality, mercy, restraint, and righteousness are displayed. Peace is always the outcome of divine judgment, for conflict is resolved, disputes are settled, and respect is restored by applying the sanctions and standards proclaimed within sacred law. By contrast, the outcomes of warfare are not lasting, and usually include anger, bitterness, resentment, and the desire for vengeance that sparks a renewal of hostilities and war.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Simply talking, explaining things, and using verbal encouragements are not sufficient to bring about change and repentance. Also, it has been shown that punishment is only effective where a person is still growing, and not after they have grown and are sealed (i.e., divinity will no longer add to or reduce their sacred content). To accept judgment and punishment is to acknowledge the righteousness in the law and in the Lawgiver. Properly understood, punishment goes beyond retribution (eye for an eye), beyond the death sentence, and beyond forcing someone to themselves endure the pain or suffering they have imposed on others. Punishment can introduce order and structure to be internalized that are separate and from outside of the offender. Their character and nature must still include the inseparable elements of life essence from divinity (i.e., breath; spirit; word). Included as a fresh endowment of spirit from the makeup of GOD are faith holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, personhood, wisdom and wrath against sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Downloaded March 19, 2019, 12:35 PM see http://www.biblestudy1.com/images/rebellious.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/19/2019) Designed To Be Peaceful?

(See reference below)

Today, reply is on peace as the product of divine judgment and sacred law rather than warfare, and the World as a man-made system of belief. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Dark Places” (Level 4 with 3,708 points, a member since September 30, 2013) posted the following:

This world was not designed to be peaceful, what do you think?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (1^st John 5: 1-6, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Peace Or A Sword? (01/29/2019); Be Still Before GOD? (05/20/2018); Making A Perfect World? (09/20/2017); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); The Divine Peace Process? (09/27/2016); In Not From The World? (12/26/2014); The World Passeth Away (11/12/2013)

“Dark Places,” elements that appear within the makeup of the world system include anger, bitterness, fear, greed, exaggerated pride, and selfishness. Many Christian believers acknowledge teachings that say existence, life, the earth, and mankind have been the Creation of divinity while the world is a man-made system for human survival that relies on mechanical, natural and social law, rather than divine law and sacred knowledge. The world as a belief system promotes the use of finite tools such as logic, philosophy, politics, carnal reason, science, secular knowledge, technology, and warfare. The world generates and supports multiple finite beliefs, meanings, understandings, and values that respond to the operations of sin. Sin is no material or tangible thing created by GOD, yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the divine order that prevails throughout the universe. The world often operates in the manner of idolatry and the worship of false gods, for the world routinely dismisses sacred truth established through the covenants and relationships provided by GOD to edify and nourish his own image within created beings and living creatures living on the earth. The substance and makeup of peace from GOD is life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word) and sacred endowments established through operations of divine law. Peace is not the outcome of warfare, rather, peace is the outcome of judgment where value is correctly assigned, conflict is resolved, and disputes are settled by applying divine law. The peace of the world is illusory and temporal. Thus, consider the following counsel to developing Christian believers that uses language from the Bible:

1. Isaiah 26: 7-12, King James Version (KJV): 7 The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just. 8 Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. 9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. 10 Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD. 11 LORD, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them. 12 LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

2. Luke 12: 29-31, KJV: 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

3. John 3: 16-21, KJV: 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. John 14: 26-27, KJV: 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Downloaded March 03, 2019 @ https://www.rainbowtoken.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Bible-Verses-About-Love-God-No-Man-Can-Serve-Two-Masters.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/29/2019) Peace Or A Sword?

Today, reply is on divine government, peace, and warfare. Careful study of the holy writings shows that Jesus Christ comes to abide on the earth among mankind to establish holy law, rather than holy war. Just as the authority, privilege and rights for governments, nations, and sovereign states always exceed those of every individual or affiliation within its domain, divinity is at liberty to administer existence and life on the earth and throughout the universe. Even so, Jesus must fulfill a judgment of mankind that appears in prophecy through the symbols of burning and holy fire. It is written: Isaiah 9: 5-7, King James Version (KJV): 5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (Level 3 with 1,222 points, a member since January 07, 2019) posted the following:

According to the Bible is Jesus coming back to bring peace or a sword?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings. Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. (Numbers 35: 29-31, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Satisfying Creation and Law (01/22/2019); Divine Forgiveness and Justice (01/01/2019) Called “The Anointed One” (05/08/2018); Divine Wrath Against Sin? (10/17/2017); Righteousness Exalts A Nation (07/04/2017); Politics and The Kingdom? (05/31/2017); Temporal and Eternal Judgment (02/15/2017); Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); The Divine Peace Process? (09/27/2016)

“Anonymous”, here are some points that include verses from the Bible that are to be prayerfully considered among Christian believers:

1. Both the laurel leaf, a symbol of peace and victory, and the sword are symbols of government authority, might, power and rule. The rod of iron that may appear is divine law that does not bend nor break.

2. Lasting peace is the fruit and outcome of judgment, rather than warfare. In divine judgment, the otherwise hidden and unseen eternal purpose, spirit substance and consecrated value are acknowledged and determined for created beings and living creatures, events, expressions of self-will, life experiences, possibilities, etc. Also, sacred law and sovereign will are used as the primary standards to resolve conflict and settle disputes.

3. Righteous warfare is a tool used by government(s) to accomplish goals that include law enforcement and civil order; fulfillment of contracts, covenants and pledges that may include inheritance, marriage, and trade agreements; prosperity (i.e., comfort; commonwealth; security); the maintenance of boundaries that define the precise dimensions of their territory for exercise of control and ownership (i.e., domain and jurisdiction); and the disposition of resources that include mineral deposits, woodlands, and open space.

4. Isaiah 11: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

5. Romans 13: 1-4, KJV: 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

6. Revelation 19: 11-16, KJV: 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 7. Revelation 21: 3-7, KJV:  3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/16/2018) An Account of Lawlessness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/12/2018) The World War Centennial

WW1 British Soldiers Marching into Jerusalem (see reference below)

Acknowledging the great human event of World War I, and the greater event of armistice and multiple peace accords that have followed since that earlier time along with both Armistice Day 2018 and Veterans Day 2018, a blog is reprinted that was originally published as THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD: (01/06/2016) A Note On Spirit Warfare (the image above was downloaded from the Wikimedia Commons Internet site, 7:05 PM (11/11/2018) @

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Israel_in_World_War_I_-_British_soldiers_marching_into_Jerusalem_H_OP_040.JPG ).

Today, Scriptures are shared responding to a question on spirit warfare.  Properly understood, destruction and death are not the highest manifestation of divine glory.  The most sublime display of supernal glory is incarnation, where divinity takes on carnal form, or operates from within created beings and living creatures as an imparted, indwelling, Spirit from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  As those in warfare under the authority of GOD, believers do not decide who is the enemy, or what is their target, any more than those in secular forces may choose the flag to be raised, or the uniform to be worn.  Christian believers do not embrace any teaching on jihad that identifies divine warfare where mankind is set in opposition to mankind. Because cleansing, the works of faith, eternal life, healing, and salvation are the primary purposes revealed by divinity through Jesus Christ, Christian warfare does not center in the usual carnal objectives of conquest, conscripting laborers and slaves, expanding territory, and seizing the property and wealth of others.  The Holy Spirit empowers and enables operations to prepare a harvest from the earth of those who are spiritually ripe.  No works in the name of GOD—including those to carry out divine judgment and wrath against sin—are driven or fueled by the finite human tools that typically ignite and maintain deadly conflict such as anger, bitterness, spiritual confusion, envy, error, ethnic arrogance, hatred, immaturity, malice, racism, and revenge.  Readers are encouraged to think about the following verses from the Bible as they review the comments below:

2nd Timothy 2:  23-26, King James Version (KJV):  23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.  24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2nd Timothy 2:  3-5, KJV:  3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.  5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Romans 13:  11-12, KJV:  11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:  for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand:  let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

2nd Timothy 4:  6-8, KJV:  6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:  and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Romans 8:  35-39, KJV:  35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

One of several fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (required profile data not shared) posted the following:

What if God gave you some spiritual weapons, like a translucent glowing bow, a sword covered in fire, or a bible that shoots lasers?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  (1st Peter 5:  6-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Different From ISIS/Daesh? (12/11/2015); Agents of Allah? (01/26/2015); Holy Wars? (11/06/2014); Crimes Christ Crucified For? (11/07/2014); Prince of Peace? 07/18/2014); War and Peace? (07/17/2014); A GOD of War? (03/12/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Suppose I Am Wrong? (09/28/2012)

“Anonymous”, the Deity a Christian serves is a god of Judgment, and one who never separates from anger against and opposition to sin.  The serious language of conflict and spiritual warfare is used among those who are disciples of Jesus Christ to establish awe (i.e., the correct awareness of divine authority and power as eternal and matchless; we also say, fear of the Lord) and humility as well as to complete baptism (i.e., death of ones inborn spirit; rebirth from divine seed) and sanctification (i.e., being isolated, or set apart for sacred service).  What we endure here, now, gets us ready to be fully transformed at the appearing of Jesus.  Until then, multiple works are being carried out by divinity to make permanent changes in a believers character, spirit content, and living nature.  Those born again must gradually “grow up again” while living upon the earth, and becoming mature and perfected through growing pains that may include bereavement, life challenges, disappointments, duties, obstacles, losses, repentance, reversals, sacrifice, and sufferings.  Consider again the following Scriptures:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 15:  50-56, King James Version (KJV):  50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

(2.)  2nd Corinthians 10:  3-5, KJV:  3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

(3.)  Ephesians 6:  10-12, KJV:  10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC