(03/18/2020) Leadership By The Church

Today, reply is on the response by Christian congregations to recommendations from health care providers and government officials that social distancing and the suspension of public gatherings be practiced during the current global health crisis focused on the coronavirus. There can be no surrender to depression, despair, or other emotional and psychological extremes. All are encouraged to go forward relying on the same determination and values that ensure our survival as families, households, neighborhoods, and nations. The need is for accountability, commitment, cooperation, endurance, maturity, respect, and vigilance, rather than complaining, divisiveness, fault-finding, laying blame, negativity, quarreling, and seeking to gain advantage over others. It is written: Romans 13: 9-14, King James Version (KJV): 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 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. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appeared) posted the following:

Why are churches closing down at this time of despair in the world?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17: 15-17, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Do They Sing? (11/14/2019); Justified By Church Attendance? (06/21/2019); A Possible “Home Remedy?” (11/08/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); Not All Are Welcome (11/28/2017); Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013)

“Anonymous”, this is a time of challenge, yet, not a time of despair. The leadership that now must be shown by Christian believers in the church is to be seen in its cooperation with the policies and recommendations from health professionals and government officials who are acting on behalf of the commonwealth and well-being of vast communities having many diverse groups. The coronavirus, and the contagious disease it is promoting within our communities, are threats to the flesh of mankind and our continuing social order, rather than a threat against the spirit substance that divinity has deposited within mankind on the earth. The virus is only one more challenge to the duration (longevity) and quality of life that can be dealt with as major public health problems that operate in accordance with mechanical process and natural laws, and are not subject directly to the will of GOD. In the same way mortality is now a human condition (angels are neither mortal nor immortal, and only GOD is immortal), the consciousness that all (parents, children, employers, co-workers, etc.) may die at some point requires that humanity embrace specific values and standards to meet the challenges that come by living on the earth. Included are adopting attitudes and behaviors that express accountability, balance, commitment, integrity as human beings, maturity, and respect. Also, there should be willingness to change through discovery, gradual growth, learning, practice, unselfish service, and suffering. Correctly understood, many aspects of existence and life that the living are to embrace should be acknowledged as necessary duty and responsibility that must be discharged to become complete and full persons. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot

(1.) 2^nd Timothy 1: 7, King James Version (KJV): 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

(2.) Romans 8: 22-23, KJV: 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

(3.) 2^nd Corinthians 4: 5-12, KJV: 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

(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.

(5.) Romans 13: 1-8, 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. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5PLdnz5UdU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:30 PM, March 18, 2020 @ https://biblepic.com/53/15847.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/15/2018) The Gift Of GOD

Today, the reply is on salvation as a gift from GOD that rewards, yet, challenges and chastens those who receive it. Salvation is a divine process not one that has been fashioned by mankind. Salvation serves against sin, and does not satisfy every finite desire or temporal lust. The immense value of salvation comes by its inclusion of such elements as balance; being accounted as someone having great worth and value; becoming Christlike and displaying his image; completeness; focus; forgiveness; life; and eternal life. Believers are encouraged to “stir up the gift,” however, correctly understood it is the process of GOD that it is the believer who is to be stirred up, and that, by the gift. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Is my life worth living anymore?

I listen to people like Paul Washer, David Platt, etc and they say things like Jesus does not love everyone or did not die for everyone. I guess I was not worth dying for to him so maybe my life is not worth much. It sucks to be like this. I just want truth. I can barely cry out for repentance and I can't stop sinning. I need to forsake all sin. I am ready to give up.

Update: This is so hard... Who is telling the truth? I do not want to commit suicide over religion

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1: 16-18, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Given Us From Heaven? (09/25/2018); First, Become Born Again (09/21/2018); Blessed Assurances Are Provided (09/19/2018); Believers Must Become “Ripe” (09/02/2018); Rendering Our Reasonable Service (06/15/2018); Forsaken Upon The Cross? (03/17/2016); We Are Still Sinning (11/30/2013); Like A Thief? (12/01/2013); Struggling (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013)

“Anonymous”, here are some thoughts shared among mature Christian believers who acknowledge that life as a follower of Jesus is often difficult, distressing, and perplexing. Developing believers are to acknowledge that the multiple operations of divinity within their own lives are freely given gifts from GOD. The nature and process of sharing divine gifts is one that goes beyond simply igniting gratitude or lending fuel to obligation. Those who become endowed are also to display accountability, decision-making, dutifulness, longsuffering, patience, restraint, quiet strength, trust, and zeal. Believers are to avoid overly relying on the counsels and opinions of clergy, family, friends and one another by acknowledging instead the teachings from Scripture as their sacred standard and measuring rule. Thus, consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 2: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

(2.) Jeremiah 29: 11, KJV: 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

(3.) Joshua 1: 9, KJV: 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

(4.) Ephesians 2: 1-10, KJV: 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 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: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

(5.) 2^nd Corinthians 4: 6-10, KJV: 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) 2^nd Corinthians 4: 17-18, KJV: 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/15/2018) Rendering Our Reasonable Service

Coming to Christ as a Living Sacrifice

Today, reply is to the idea that created beings and living creatures must respond to life challenges, disappointments, frustration, and suffering without always being given payment or rewards from GOD.   Regular practice of giving, offering, and sacrifice (i.e., enduring cost, discomfort, and loss to acknowledge divinity; giving up something valued) further establishes the bond and permanent relationship with a sovereign GOD who has practiced Incarnation, sacrifice, and resurrection for the recovery of Creation from sin.  While eternal life and salvation cannot be gained, paid for, or won on the basis of human effort, obedience to sacred law, will power in the created and their finite works, the living do receive place as companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity through divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will.  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ men may be commended for balance, commitment, faithfulness, perseverance, sobriety, and stability.  Ownership of the earth, every other sphere of life, and all the fullness of the known universe belong to GOD.  The living are to display the inseparable aspects of spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  In accord with the Creator, it is our acknowledgment, and presentation of active presence and divine substance that determines our benefits, duration, existence, outcomes of judgment, privilege, quality, and value to GOD.  Accountability and duty make it that our lives often center more on demands and things that must be done (like it, don’t like it), rather than works within our comfort zone, our personal preferences, and our favorite things.  Divinity is no less faithful, holy, righteous, and true.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Road Trip” (Level 3 with 1,156 points, a member since May 12, 2006) posted the following in the Religion and Spirituality forum:


If few people get into heaven, then why should anyone try? Especially if it is so difficult.?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  (Luke 12:  32, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Self-will And Christian Integrity (06/11/2018); Blessed In Our Deeds (05/29/2018); What Divine Salvation Requires (05/15/2018); The Nature of Death (04/25/2017); The Need for Incarnation? (09/29/2016); The Cross a Human Sacrifice? (04/18/2016); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013) 


“Road Trip”, even though we must face challenges, obstacles, and reversals, mankind is not to despair.  To ensure that this Creation has every possibility of continuing as immortal and incorruptible, eternal divinity has even appeared on the earth using the form of flesh and blood (we say, Incarnation).  While it is true that the Creator is also a God of judgment whose inseparable spirit substance and makeup includes wrath against sin, with him there is also forbearance, forgiveness, longsufferering, lovingkindness, mercy, personhood, restraint, righteousness, and wisdom.

The transgression (violation) of divine law committed by the first pair resulted in mortality (dying and death) becoming a permanent condition for mankind on the earth.  Even so, annihilation and the second death (utter destruction) is held back through the multiple divine operations that provide adoption as the sons and daughters of GOD, discovery, gradual growth, inheritance, obedience, “oneness without sameness,” rebirth, repentance, sacrifice, sanctification, and unselfish service.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 12:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

(2.)  Micah 6:  7-9, KJV:  7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?  9 The LORD’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name:  hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.

(3.) Ezekiel 18:  4, KJV:  4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine:  the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

(4.)  Ezekiel 18:  20-23, KJV:  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?

(5.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  Romans 15:  4, KJV:  4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/17/2016) Forsaken Upon The Cross?

Scripture points are shared, today, on Christ crying out from the cross.  On behalf of the prophets and apostles that were sent, Jesus made a cry to GOD expressing their despair and frustration at having only finite tools for the ministry to mankind.  This uncharacteristic exclamation is found repeatedly throughout the Bible.  Consider the following Scriptures, and the presentation below:

Numbers 11:  11-15, King James Version (KJV):  11 And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?  12 Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?  13 Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.  14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.  15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

Jeremiah 15:  15-18, KJV:  15 O LORD, thou knowest:  remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering:  know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.  16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart:  for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.  17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand:  for thou hast filled me with indignation.  18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?

Lamentations 3:  40-45, KJV:  40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.  41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.  42 We have transgressed and have rebelled:  thou hast not pardoned.  43 Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us:  thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied.  44 Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.  45 Thou hast made us as the offscouring and refuse in the midst of the people.

Luke 24:  13-17, KJV:  13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.  14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.  15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.  16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.  17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

Galatians 3:  1-3, KJV:  1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?  2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “GrowABrainStem” (Level 3 with 2,139 points, a member since April 11, 2013) posted the following:
 

If jesus chose to die for people, whyd he say *why have u forsaken me lord???!*?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.  Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.  And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.  But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree:  and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.  And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.  And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.  And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.  And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.  And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?  And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts:  for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.  (1st Kings 19:  1-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Names From The Cross? (03/03/2016); Focus Upon The Cross? (03/01/2016); The Cross Must Occur? (02/23/2016); The Only One Sent? (02/19/2016); Abandoned by GOD? (06/23/2014); Salvation Before Christ? (06/24/2014); All Sins Are Equal? (06/25/2014)

“GrowABrainStem”, the sacred knowledge and practices necessary to answer you are still available, today, because the ministry of life and death shared by Jesus Christ is to exist for eternity.  Mature Christian believers trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  It requires the application of ones own endowment of  inner Spirit from the makeup of GOD to acknowledge and recognize the spirit content within events, messages, and even other persons.  The Father and the Son did not betray or deny one another.  While Jesus declared the work upon the cross to be “complete” and “finished”, his birth, death, resurrection, and ascension are only part of a full work by divinity that was begun before the creation of the earth, and will continue after the present universe has been reconfigured.  The Savior has demonstrated the transition from life to death to life again, that makes possible the elimination of sin as an influence upon the living.  Answering as the Son of Man, Jesus was the divinely provided advocate, spokesperson, and substitute for the heirs of Adam who were to continue a priesthood upon the earth patterned after that in heaven.  In crying out upon the cross, the Redeemer voices the same confession, lament and petition made by many of the prophets.  Consider again how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Job 3:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day.  2 And Job spake, and said,  3 Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.  4 Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it.  5 Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.

(2.)  Lamentations 1:  20-22, KJV:  20 Behold, O LORD; for I am in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled:  abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death.  21 They have heard that I sigh:  there is none to comfort me:  all mine enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done it:  thou wilt bring the day that thou hast called, and they shall be like unto me.  22 Let all their wickedness come before thee; and do unto them, as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions:  for my sighs are many, and my heart is faint.

(3.)  Daniel 9:  8-12, KJV:  8 O LORD, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.  9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;  10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.  11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.  12 And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil:  for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Jonah 4:  8-11, KJV:  8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.  9 And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.  10 Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:  11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC