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

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

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

Are Jews gods chosen people?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image downloaded 11:15 AM, September 20, 2020 @ https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=NZwAgpME&id=213EDEEA2F0A71CB55675E88C0435CC2A59ABD80&thid=OIP.NZwAgpMEDXt2Ytind7ZFOgHaFj&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fimage.slidesharecdn.com%2f08resteng-090524122738-phpapp02%2f95%2f08-rest-eng-16-728.jpg%3fcb%3d1243168326&exph=546&expw=728&q=perpetual+

covenant&simid=608037386455548546&ck=8BEC8E58744958E9AB480E10FB0C2FF0&selectedIndex=23&FORM=IRPRST&ajaxhist=0

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

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

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

(09/07/2020) Chosen Because Already Committed

A depiction of the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she is to be the mother of Jesus

Today, reply is on whether the Virgin Mary was free to refuse carrying out the will of GOD, and could quarrel against the Angel Gabriel who announced to her that she was chosen by divinity to become the mother of Jesus. The visitation she received was in the nature of a sovereign proclamation to publish a royal decision, rather than a request for acceptance and accord, or a secret communication intended to preserve confidentiality and trust. The purpose of the visit to Mary was not the foretelling of future events or an occasion for her to worship an angel so much as the making visible of otherwise invisible and unseen divine purposes. There would be no question and answer sessions; and the young woman would have to develop her understanding through such tools as discovery, gradual growth, edification by the Spirit, study of the holy writings, and suffering. Mary was raised as one dedicated, sanctified, and set apart for divine service. Her lifestyle and daily routines would encourage no defiance, no hesitation to serve, and no rebellion. She was chosen to serve because she was both committed and prepared. It is written: Luke 1: 28-35, King James Version (KJV): 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

What if Mary had said "No thanks" to the angel?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4: 3-7, KJV)

DOUBLE DAGGER: Angels Appearing As Men (04/09/2020); Divinity and Human Reproduction (11/08/2019); The Virginity of Mary (01/14/2019); Mary and Joseph Followed (11/28/2018); Jacob Wrestled With GOD? (09/26/2018); Doctrine, Faith and Mary? (09/01/2017); The Mother of GOD? (12/09/2016)

“Anonymous”, the Annunciation should be accepted as another important aspect of full gospel truth. Christian believers have found that conjecture and speculation that contradict Bible truth often generates confusion and does not edify or increase their spiritual growth. Mary was chosen to serve as the female vessel for the birth of Jesus because she was sanctified and connected to GOD through her faith. Mary’s responses to angelic visitation flowed from her inner spirit that had been nurtured and prepared to unselfishly serve and exalt Almighty GOD. The divine process and substance of such sacred events center in the message, and not in the appearance or manner of the messenger. The one who receives a divine communication has understanding of the event by exercising discernment. Only through operations by the Holy Spirit are the authority, origin, source, value, and weight of the message established and proclaimed as authentic expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, prophetic revelation, and the sovereign will of GOD. The frameworks of divine law, covenant relationship, redemption and salvation are correctly understood as the context wherein the message must fit, more than the frameworks of politics, secular knowledge or time and space. As servants who also carry out and perform aspects of the divine will that include judgment, angels are privileged to use admonition, sharpness, and warnings even when dealing with those beloved and blessed of GOD. Because matters having eternal consequences and effects are involved, the messenger expects and requires displays and responses of accountability, gravity, maturity, and sobriety. The angels are to tolerate no challenges, impropriety, presumption, or skepticism. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible describing the birth of John the Baptist, and a selection from the music ministry of the Pro Musica Girl’s Choir from Hungary acknowledging the Angelus that was offered as daily prayer by Catholic believers:

(1.) Joshua 5: 13-15, King James Version (KJV): 13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my LORD unto his servant? 15 And the captain of the LORD’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

(2.) Luke 1: 9-20, KJV: 9 According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. 11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. 20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

(3.) Luke 1: 59-66, KJV: 59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. 61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. 62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. 64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. 65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. 66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

(4.) Luke 1: 67-79, KJV: 67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;  70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV7l0uqOD_8&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLN0d5BuUaMYlRM-Z4tim65s&index=4&t=0s.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:23 PM, September 07, 2020 @ https://billditewig.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/annunciation.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/08/2019) Those Who Are Convinced

Today, reply is on the comprehensive operations to reveal divinity on the earth as being characterized by concentration and focus, rather than being all-inclusive. GOD calls men and women into service as disciples, healers, judges, prophet, priests, and kings. Even so, all will not be chosen to reign with Jesus Christ as joint-heirs, and the new creation. In the same way that sacred tribunals for judgment expose and uncover otherwise hidden and unseen aspects of content and substance among and within mankind, where the living accept accountability, declare commitment, complete duty, and perform required service they also present the image of GOD and the likeness of Jesus Christ. It is written: Matthew 22: 8-10, King James Version (KJV): 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “ImAtheist” (Level 1 with 2 points) posted the following:

If the Christian God is all knowing all powerful how come it has yet to convince even half of the population that it exists?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2: 8-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Ones Spirit Must Grow? (09/29/2019); The Saved Are Numberless (04/29/2019); Atheists And The Word? (09/11/2018); Chosen Through Sacred Process (09/06/2018); Life And Divine Purpose (05/04/2018); Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013); Church is Good? (06/15/2013)

“ImAtheist”, sharing things understood among those who declare what they believe instead of what they disbelieve, before the creation of the earth there were fixed standards in place; and only those meeting the standards will be continued in eternity. Mankind’s response to the operations of sin required mortality and separation as continuing conditions for the existence and integrity of created beings and living creatures on the earth. The sanctions against that appear within unchanging divine law make necessary such sacred works as atonement; birth, development to maturity, anointing for ordained ministry and priesthood, living as a nomad and an itinerant preacher, and the death of divinity on the cross (we say, the Incarnation of divine fullness as Jesus Christ); redemption; resurrection for the dead to appear in final judgment; salvation; sanctification; and the second death that eliminates and erases all sin.

GOD is a spirit, and the operations of divinity are spirit in process and substance. Spirit remains invisible and undetectable to those relying on finite human tools of flesh (e.g., sensations of hearing, seeing, tasting, touching, etc.), or mind (e.g., carnal reason, imagination, logic, recall, thinking). Divinity is made knowable, known, accessible, and approachable (we say, revealed) by inseparable aspects of divine fullness that are imparted to exist within the consciousness and self-will of the living. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

GOD maintains all Creation and the entire universe using authority, divine order, dominion, mechanical process and natural law, power, sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will. Divinity responds to the presence of life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) within created beings and living creatures as an aspect of divine fullness. The living are to be companions to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity; and they are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the image of GOD. Achieving the gifts of salvation and eternal life are not based on self-promotion and humanity choosing GOD, so much as GOD choosing mankind and responding to those who bear his mark. Therefore, mature Christians speak in terms of divine concentration and focus upon the living through adoption, grace, judgment, and purchase. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Psalms 15: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

(2.) Romans 6: 23, KJV: 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(3.) Psalms 51: 15-17, KJV: 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

(4.) Ephesians 2: 4-6, KJV: 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

(5.) 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnM4a3TKPro.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:45 AM, December 08, 2019 @ https://soulution101.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/chosen.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/19/2019) Judas Chosen By Jesus

A contemporary depiction of Jesus identified in the darkness of night to be arrested by the kiss of Judas (image reference below).

Today, reply is on the choosing of Judas as an apostle of Jesus in spite of the Savior’s awareness that Judas was likely to betray him. Judas represented Israel defiled through captivity and exile, that nevertheless was in perpetual covenant with divinity. It is written: 2^nd Kings 17: 14-15, King James Version (KJV): 14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God. 15 And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. Jesus did not covet a large donation from the Temple at Jerusalem, as did Judas. Thus, the character of divinity revealed through the ministry of Jesus Christ includes faithfulness (fidelity), forbearance, forgiveness, grace, longsuffering, and wisdom. Jesus behaved with a conviction that the doctrine and tools provided by the Father and the Spirit would allow every man missing opportunities for repentance, and a portion as the new creation. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “David” (Level 7 with 173,130 points, a member since September 05, 2009) posted the following:

Why Did Jesus Choose Judas Iscariot as One of the Twelve While Knowing in Advance Judas Would be the Betrayer?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. (Psalms 65: 4, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Blaspheming the Holy Spirit (05/08/2019); Accounts To Reveal Divinity (04/28/2019); The Use of Money? (01/07/2019); The Discernment of Godliness (07/13/2018); Judas Kept The Bag (03/22/2018); Someone Who Is Kidding? (03/24/2017); A “Successor” To Jesus? (02/22/2018); Doing GOD’s Plan (02/20/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014)

“David”, Jesus’ choice of Judas must be seen in the light that all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD. Developing Christians are to understand that, because Adam and Eve transgressed the divine law, mankind is to exist displaying a condition of mortality, and now experiences life under a continuing sentence of condemnation and death. Even so, ongoing operations, relationships, and the official tribunals of judgment allow mankind to communicate, exchange and interact with divinity without bias, prejudice, and prejudgment. Sinners are granted opportunities to display their own integrity of being, their own content of divine substance, and their willingness to be returned to GOD through operations of the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

The assessment and weighing of human attitudes, behavior, and conduct are more to identify and reveal the character and nature of sin than to attach a list of offenses to someone’s name (reputation). Many are blind to the “exceeding sinfulness of sin,” and fail to realize that sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the entire Creation. Sin is contrary to both divine and human nature; yet, sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (willpower) within created beings and living creatures. Through judgment, the harshness of divine condemnation appears balanced against sacred completeness, discernment, impartiality, lovingkindness, mercy, restraint, and righteousness.

Jesus knew “what was in mankind” (i.e., understood the possibility for a man to express either an animal, human, or divine nature—or even a nature that is a confusion of the three). He understood that those to whom he was sent were capable of hatred, murder, and violence against himself. Even so, he trusted that the outcome of operations by GOD through Incarnation would provide redemption, renewal, and salvation for both heaven and earth. A new creation and the fulfillment of eternal purpose would be accomplished by imparting fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD; immutable assurances, covenant, and testimony as well as forgiveness, clear expectations (hope), rebirth, sacred knowledge, and greater strength to endure suffering.

The ministry of Jesus was to provide grace to mankind. Jesus did not choose Judas desiring that Judas be a betrayer; and the Lord acknowledged Judas (and all the others) were capable of treachery. Jesus admonished and warned the twelve; however, he made no angry declaration of punishment against Judas or any one of the others. Jesus remained steadfast, and did not despair or quit his efforts to guide and prepare the full twelve. At the time they were introduced, Jesus recognized the pattern presented by Judas (ABCDEFG...XYZ is coming); and understood Judas would most likely be the one to betray the Christ. Even so, Judas was given opportunities to discover, to fellowship, to learn, repent, and be made new. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Ezekiel 18: 19-24, King James Version (KJV): 19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? 24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

2. Matthew 26: 20-25, KJV: 20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. 21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? 23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Romans 6: 15-23, KJV: 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:36 PM, May 19, 2019 @ https://bibleartists.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/6a-the-kiss-of-judas-jesus-mafa.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/29/2019) The Saved Are Numberless

A depiction of the sealed 144,000

Today, reply is on the number of those who will be saved by grace and taken up into heaven. The holy writings do not proclaim a total or specific number of sinners forgiven, of those who are the remnant from the Covenant of Moses, of those who are reconciled to GOD through Jesus Christ, of those who repent of their sins, or of those translated and otherwise taken up (e.g., Enoch, Moses, Elijah). In the same way the saved are not numbered, a number for those who lose their inheritance and welcome into the kingdom is not recorded. Even so, there are passages that developing and mature Christians are encouraged to consider prayerfully. For example, Jesus also used the following to warn those of the 12 tribes in permanent covenant as Jews who were not responding to the call of GOD delivered by his ministry. It is written: Matthew 22: 1-10, King James Version (KJV): 1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Truth is within you” (Level 7 with 36,919 points, a member since January 28, 2007) posted the following:

What did Jesus say about heaven and hell? What do you think this means?

Lord, will only a few people be saved? —Luke 13:23

But remember, some who are now last will be first. And some who think they are first will be last. —Luke 13:30

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22: 11-14, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mysteries Of The Kingdom? (09/28/2018); “I Never Knew You” (03/23/2018); Mankind's Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); An Irreplaceable Nation State? (12/05/2016); Where Will Believers Go? (10/26/2016); A Perfected Body (03/09/2014); Immutable GODhead (03/10/2014); The Place for Eternal Life? (01/06/2013); Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013)

“Truth is within you”, consider the following that uses language from the vision of John in addition to the Gospel:

1. John 10: 14-17, KJV: 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

2. Revelation 1: 1-2, King James Version (KJV): 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Revelation 7: 1-10, KJV: 1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. 9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:28 PM, April 28, 2019 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aZ6FL_DKR20/hqdefault.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/24/2018) Areas Where Change Appears?

Today, the reply identifies five areas wherein developing Christian believers should be able to see evidences that they truly have been called and granted redemption, salvation, and eternal life through Jesus Christ. The beginnings of permanent change that will be completed through operations of the imparted Holy Spirit become visible through fresh life experiences of accord, discernment, focus, spiritual growth, and eternal purpose. Other indicators that a sinner has become a “divine work in progress” by answering the call of Christ may be seen through the replacement of their traveling clothes of complaining, irreverence, mocking, and moping with the wedding garments of increased accountability, commitment, dutifulness, meekness, patience, respect, and restraint. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

How do I know if I am being called like the Bible says?

Matthew 22:14

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (Revelation 17: 8-14, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Changed And Made Christ-like? (06/19/2018); To Bear Wrongs Patiently? (02/13/2018); Standards For Godly Behavior (02/01/2018); Proper Training For Belief? (01/10/2018); Standing On The ABCs? (11/09/2017); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); Many Are Called… (10/15/2015); Few Are Chosen (07/06/2015)

“Anonymous”, here are areas where repenting sinners will experience permanent change through the Holy Spirit to become Christlike, display the image of GOD, and exist as developing Christian believers:

1. Accord. Christian communities are characterized by such features as acceptance, agreement, consistency, and corroboration among their divine law, doctrines, practices, principles, and teachings. Given the focus is truth proclaimed and provided from the Creator—who displays himself through diversity, yet, is immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging—there will be a oneness without sameness that appears as continuing and interwoven threads throughout that join what may seem to be disparate and unrelated material. Believers come together with multiple levels of growth, knowledge, maturity, and skill. Therefore, the sacred process also is one of affirmation, communication, cooperation, exchange, interaction, and interdependence.

2. Discernment. Within the household of faith, increasingly all are to practice discernment (i.e., using their own spirit substance from the makeup of GOD to recognize and respond to the same spirit substance as it appears within events, other persons, themselves, the holy writings, etc.). Through water baptism that depicts the death, burial, and rebirth of ones own inborn spirit, the believer is given a fresh endowment of life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) from the makeup of GOD. Included are inseparable aspects of divinity such as balance, completeness, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

3. Focus. Among believers acquiring sacred knowledge and having a lifestyle that includes the performance of sacred practices (e.g., sacraments; praise; prayer; unselfish service; worship) increasingly will replace such interests as acquiring wealth; politics; seeking secular knowledge; study of philosophy, science, and technology; and pursuing worldly routines.

4. Spiritual Growth. Those who become “born again” through baptism are to be regarded as the children of GOD, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and a new creation. Even so, all must “grow up again” and become mature/ripe for harvest from the earth by the Lord at his Advent (we also say, his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Developing believers are to endure “growing pains” living on the earth, and are built up (edified) through sacred tools that generate discovery; fellowship; prophecy; and suffering.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Eternal Purpose. Believers will use discernment to recognize and respond to otherwise invisible and unseen spirit aspects deposited within life challenges, settings, and situations. The absence or presence divine intent (we also say, aims, motives, opportunities, possibilities, thoughts) are to be acknowledged at all times.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/06/2018) Chosen Through Sacred Process

Today, reply is on the participation of mankind in divine revelation, racism, and the elements created beings and living creatures must use to be in continuing sacred relationship. Racism does not make visible the authority, character, integrity, power, purity, and righteousness of GOD. Only where the living continually embody inseparable substance from the makeup of GOD can a true sacred relationship with divinity appear. Included must be such elements as faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, reverence, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Those who are beloved and chosen of GOD appear as having a special relationship because of sacred operations such as divine chastisement, inheritance, judgment, oneness without sameness, ordination to minister godliness, and suffering with praise, thanksgiving, and consecrated worship. Being divinely chosen is to demonstrate sacred possibilities, and should remove bias, hate, malice and unlawful judgment (we say, prejudice) among men, for there is no assignment of benefits and privilege intended to create or maintain exploitation and imbalance. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Why is God, creator of all humankind, a racist who chose only a certain people?

Why didn't he give his message to ALL people?

How did people invent so many other gods? I mean, what gave them the idea that those other gods were real, when, clearly, their beliefs were a delusion?

Why did God need the Israelites to tell people they were delusional, because only God is real? Why couldn't God reach them the way he reached the Israelites?

What was the point of his racism? What was the point of talking to a select few? Why not talk to everyone?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. (Deuteronomy 14: 1-2, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Judgment Against The Canaanites (08/01/2018); Deposits Of Sacred Substance (06/27/2018); When Speaking Of Christlikeness (06/25/2018); Changed And Made Christ-like? (06/19/2018); Tools for Revelation? (10/26/2015); Few Are Chosen (07/06/2015); Why the Jews Were Called Out? (06/15/2015)

“Anonymous”, racism is a finite, carnal, and temporal social process found within groups of men, and is not an appearance or expression of divine personhood, a spiritual operation performed by agents and spokespersons sent by GOD, or a sacred process carried out by divinity. Even so, there are many patterns in human affairs that are mistakenly taken to be displays of favoritism and preferential treatment by GOD shown to mankind on the earth. The errors that appear derive from many sources. Included are sanctions and other aspects of divine law (e.g., admonitions; correction; curses; punishments); differences that result by genetic diversity, culture and tradition, education, personal maturity, home-training, and nourishment; events and occurrences expressing divine blessing, disfavor/favor and wrath against sin; relying on secular knowledge (e.g., academic studies; recorded history; logic; philosophy; politics; science) in place of sacred knowledge (e.g., divine covenants; proclamations; sacred promises; prophecy; visions) as well as cynicism, disbelief, ignorance, and skepticism.

While the present revelation that makes visible the unseen divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit; the Trinity) does not expose all of the mysteries and secret truths from GOD, revelation can be clearly understood as the process GOD is using to make divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. In addition to the appearance of divinity using human flesh as Jesus Christ (we say, the Incarnation), there are displays of spirit presence and power that include imparting endowments of sacred substance (we say, breath; life essence; spirit; word) and that use mankind as instruments having divine consciousness and as godly vessels containing divine will. The living are to become set apart (many say, anointed; chosen; sanctified) by their responses to the revelation they receive. Thus, as developing believers they will display accountability, commitment, dedication, a lifestyle proclaiming divine righteousness, and willingness to continue unselfish service to GOD.

Living in ongoing relationship with divinity is not a process that originated and has been maintained through exercise of human consciousness and willpower; and because devices used by GOD to provide his revelation to all Creation include familiar human elements of family, inheritance, judgment, and tribes, the error persists that mankind's focus should be upon human achievement. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Deuteronomy 29: 29, King James Version (KJV): 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
2. Exodus 19: 3-8, KJV: 3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. 8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
3. Titus 2: 11-15, KJV: 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. John 14: 21-26, KJV: 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20180906135133AAGE89O

(08/01/2018) Judgment Against The Canaanites

GOD created the army of Israel led by Joshua having more than 1/2 million men.

Today, reply addresses the revelation of GOD through continued ongoing judgment.   One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:



Why did the God of the Bible wage war against the Canaanites?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.  And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.  Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.  (Joshua 3:  9-11, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The First "Chosen" People (05/03/2018); A Holy Nation (02/20/2018); On Recognizing Divine Judgment (01/24/2018); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); Moses Killed? (09/23/2013); Salted with Fire? (09/24/2013); What is Worship? (10/18/2010)



“Anonymous”, here are some points that many mature Christian believers are careful to consider:

(1.)  The Creator who uses divine law and judgment to establish mankind and the earth also has used condemnation and widespread destruction to express wrath against sin (e.g., Sodom and the cities of the plains).   Along with displays of awesome authority and power against defiance and rebellion, through such men as Noah, GOD has revealed divinity is forbearing, forgiving, longsuffering, patient, and willing to bestow divine grace.

(2.)  GOD first revealed himself to Moses in a way that indicated his dominion over the natural earth, and used the form of a burning bush whose flaming branches gave off no smoke and left no trace of ashes.  Moses was instructed to acknowledge that he was on ground made holy by the divine presence.  When Moses later asked to physically see the true image of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), GOD passed before Moses once the prophet was placed within a cleft of the rock.  Displaying his deeds and the train that followed himself, GOD proclaimed that he is to be known, spoken of, and understood as a GOD of covenant, law, and judgment, who will punish the guilty, yet, will display mercy.

(3.)  The ten plagues brought against Egypt were not mere demonstrations to intimidate the Egyptians, the surrounding nations, or the 12 tribes of Jacob.  While the plagues were unleashed as an aspect of the deliverance of the twelve tribes, they were sacred events performed as judgments against Pharaoh, the Egyptian people, and the gods of Egypt.

(4.) The invasion by Jacob and plagues that accompanied them were fulfilling GOD's word of promise and prophecy to Abram, that he would judge against the seven tribes of Canaan who were in covenant with GOD, yet, continued to practice idolatry and sin.  GOD would use his son (the tribes of Jacob) and the mixed multitude that left Egypt to remove the seven covenant-breaking tribes.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Deuteronomy 7:  1-8, King James Version (KJV):  1 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;  2 And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:  3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.  4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods:  so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.  5 But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.  6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God:  the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.  7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:  8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC