(12/05/2016) An Irreplaceable Nation State?

 

Today, the divine covenants that have embraced Israel and America as beloved of GOD are in view.  As with judgment, the keeping of covenant and the fulfillment of promise and prophecy pertain more to the revealed righteousness of GOD than to the character, makeup, and substance of created beings and living creatures.  Even the holy angels are not “irreplaceable”, and those who lost their 1st estate will be replaced by those gathered from among mankind who belong to Jesus Christ.  Thus, it is the promise of GOD given to the fathers, the atoning ministry by the Son of the Highest, and the operations of the Holy Spirit that are “irreplaceable”, not the nations of men.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Political Commentator” (Level 1 with 2 points, a member since December 03, 2015) posted the following:

 

Do you realize that Israel is not America, and America is not Israel?

That Israel was the ONLY Jewish nation state in 1st century Galilee, and thereby IRREPLACEABLE?

But America is not the ONLY Christian nation in the Western world at the End Times, and thereby EXPENDABLE from the perspective of God's plan of salvation?

That America =/= Israel,

because history doesn't always repeat itself?

That 1st century Galilee =/= America at the End Times,

because 1st century Galilee = All of Christendom at the End Times?

That America is thereby Expendable - although Israel is Irreplaceable?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:  And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,  Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?  As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.  And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.  Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:  For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness:  because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.  And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.  What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.  But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.  Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;  (Romans 9:  22-32, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth? (07/10/2016); The Remnant? (10/12/2015); American Culture and Law? (07/13/2015); Jesus As America’s President? (05/20/2015); Secular Israel? (04/08/2015); Correctly Knowing Israel? (03/01/2015); Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014)
 

“Political Commentator”, the focus of divine covenants have  not been upon possessing livestock, slaves, or geographical territory.  Faith and the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD are at the core of true covenant.  Thus, by faith, Abraham acknowledged the promises of GOD before being circumcised, also, by faith, Moses experienced the burning bush before being circumcised.  Those who lack the “sacred knowledge” provided in the holy writings always mistakenly think that the status of Israel as a nation favored by divinity has been on the basis of their ethnic identity as Hebrews, their accomplishments as conquerors in the land of Canaan, or their ability to maintain family connection as kings, rulers, and tribes.  Similarly, those in error think the status of America as a “nation under God” is on the basis of political franchise and Constitutional law (we say, civic privileges and rights), per capita wealth, and the number of church buildings and communities of faith that are found here.  Those we call the Jews and followers of Jesus Christ throughout the world have been embraced by GOD as the offspring of Deity and citizens of a divinely established kingdom.  There have been multiple acts of grace and sovereign prerogative following events that required thousands of years.  Together they have carried out and continue to fulfill divine proclamations, sacred promises, prophecy, and eternal purposes.  Those in covenant relationship with GOD are being blessed, not on the basis of their own deeds and merit, so much as by being beneficiaries and heirs to Patriarchs, Deliverers (we say, Judges), prophets, and temporal rulers (e.g., kings, emperors, and others).  In the same way, Israel was selected to execute judgment and replace the seven tribes in the Promised Land who broke covenant with GOD, the kingdom of GOD through Christ has been established for judgment, the spread of Christian belief, and preparation of the earth for harvest at the coming of the Lord.  Consider again the following:

(1.)   Psalms 105:  8-15, King James Version (KJV):  8 He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.  9 Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;  10 And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:  11 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:  12 When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.  13 When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people;  14 He suffered no man to do them wrong:  yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;  15 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

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

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Acts 2:  14-21, KJV:  14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:  15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.  16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;  17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:  and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:  18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:  19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:  20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:  21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/06/2016) A Gift of Franchise?

Today, focus is upon Christian believers as voters, prayer, and response to a teen whose parents have agreed will decide their votes in the upcoming presidential election.  Politics and the electoral process are finite tools to determine the distribution of resources within the World system, and are intended to maintain balance, respect, survival, and unity.  Because there is emphasis upon things carnal, material and social, for many suffrage is practiced as competition, conflict, excess, idolatry, lust for power, and exaggerated pride.  Where citizens also continually acknowledge possibilities for the active presence of divinity within their own lives and that of their community, participation and self-government can crystallize and express a sense of freedom, maturity, shared goals, and fruitful standards.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Philippines)” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (profile information not supplied) posted the following:

November 8 is my birthday and my parents say that one of my "presents" is my option to chose which candidate for them to vote for?

One of my birthday presents is my choice for them to vote for Hillary or Trump. I don't know much about them latey, but I do know that they're both stupid retreads and unworthy of presidency. Parents told me ahead of time so I can make a choice on whom they can vote for. Both H and T fans, give my a reason why I should support Republican or Democrat. I'm 13 years old, so I'm not mature enough to know modern politics

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.  (1st Timothy 2:  1-6, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth? (07/10/2016); A Learned Council of Elders? (05/10/2016); American Culture and Law? (07/13/2015); Jesus As America’s President? (05/20/2015); The American Covenant? (03/03/2015); Faith not Politics? (12/02/2014); Ye Are Not In The Flesh (12/03/2014)

“Anonymous”, maturity is not a matter of chronological age (how old you are) so much as attitude, confidence, focus, and preparation.  There have been many times in history when a child or young adult became head of their nation as king supported by guardians and chief ministers.  For mature Americans who are Christian believers, franchise and the freedom to vote in elections are a lawful duty and legal obligation that one earns by commitment, hard work, performing honorably and with integrity, personal investment, and sacrifice that becomes visible as their ongoing participation in the collective creation of a fruitful, stable commonwealth, (we say, community, municipality, nation, state, township).  Many mistakenly embrace the idea of having a “right” to vote as an entitlement granted by GOD along with existence, or that automatically comes by birth, by membership, or as ones family inheritance and legacy.  Franchise demands “due diligence,” the careful  work of becoming informed and evaluating secular information from multiple sources (e.g., endorsements, public debates, media reports, polls and survey data, authoritative recommendations).  Concerning politics that decide the operations and quality of government, GOD should not be approached for “victory” on the basis of divine favor (we say, unearned) and not in accordance with the demands of sacred standards the way some call for the success of their favorite sports teams.  Contrary to the many demonstrations of civil disobedience, Christians are commanded to respect those in authority and obey the common law.  In our Nation today, many still cast their votes (even when serving on a jury) only after prayer, and seeking counsel and input from GOD.  Truly born-again believers do not respond to life challenges relying only upon desires, sentiment and superstition.  There should be accountability and the application of divine standards as well as sober responses to outcomes and consequences.  Thus believers may petition GOD for balance, clarity of mind, courage, and discernment to characterize their own decision-making as surely as they may request, Thy will be done.  Consider again how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 13:  1-5, King James Version (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.

(2.)  Romans 13:  7-10, KJV:  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.  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.

(3.)  Jeremiah 29:  11-13, 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.  12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  James 1:  5-8, KJV:  5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC