(11/05/2020) On Giving and Tithing

Today, reply is on the differences among charitable giving and the rendering of a holy tithe to divinity. There must be a sacred transformation provided by GOD. For many, tithing is primarily an institutional practice for funding evangelism, maintaining ordained priesthood, and sustaining communities for praise and worship. Yet, the promises and prophecies of GOD declare that there will be a holy city (New Jerusalem) that will come down to the earth from heaven; and a time must come when giving and sharing are no longer acceptable as works of repentance because they are to be permanent features of everyone’s ongoing lifestyle. Giving to GOD and receiving from GOD are to be like breathing, a continual life-process required for created beings and living creatures. The revealed goal and purposes of divinity are intended to provide an enduring relationship with divinity and the living. There are multiple traditions among Jews and Christians that proclaim the offering of blood sacrifices to atone for sin, that celebrate harvesting the earth, that certify and make a covenant agreement binding, and that dedicate or provide material tributes to GOD. Rightly understood, such offerings as burnt sacrifices from your own flock on a holy altar that serves as a point of contact for heaven and earth are divine transactions. Common fire may not be used to separate divine substance from material features such as form, shape, size and texture, and can not convey from mankind to GOD the inseparable aspects of his spirit that include commitment, gratitude, humility, life essence, oneness without sameness, personhood, rejoicing, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Tithing confuses many because paying a tithe also speaks to mankind’s dependence on one another, and therefore may trigger finite human emotions of anger, anxiety, embarrassment, guilt, rebellion, and shame. Elements from human economies appear such as boasting, debt-dodging, duty, obligation, reward, and self-promotion. Even so, it remains correct to acknowledge GOD as the origin and source of all physical and spiritual things needed for life (e.g., companionship, food, healthy relationships, shelter). The salvation we are offered in Jesus Christ extends assurances that mankind will be made to exist as perfected, and will reside on the earth made new having immortality and eternal life that have been paid for and purchased through the blood and body of Jesus Christ. Because the gifts from GOD are freely given, the measureless abundance, grace, lovingkindness, and righteousness the Father has revealed to the Son are displayed to the full Creation. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 2: 11-13, King James Version (KJV): 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. [Kehillah in Corinth I 2: 11-15, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): 11 For who of Bnei Adam has da’as of the things of Bnei Adam except the ruach of a man in him? So also the things of G-d no one has known except the Ruach Hashem. [Jer 17:9; Prov 20:27] 12 Now we have not received the ruach of the Olam Hazeh but the Ruach Hakodesh from Hashem, that we may have da’as of the things having been freely given to us by Hashem, 13 Which things also we speak, not in dvarim (words) taught by chochmah haBnei Adam, but in dvarim taught by the Ruach Hakodesh, making midrash [exposition, interpretation] of the things of the Ruach Hakodesh [2:12] by means of the words of the Ruach Hakodesh. 14 But a natural person does not receive the things of the Ruach Hakodesh of Hashem, for they are narrishkait (foolishness 1:21-24) to him, and he is not able to have personal saving da’as of them, because they are discerned in the Ruach Hakodesh. 15 Now the man of the Ruach Hakodesh discerns all things, but, by no one is he discerned.] A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Deana” (Level 3 with 1,756 points) posted the following:

Can we donate instead of paying tithes?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (Romans 11: 5-7, KJV) [Kehillah in Rome 11: 5-7, OJB: Thus, therefore, also in the zman hazeh, there has come into being a she’erit (remnant, remainder) in accordance with the bechirah (election) of chesed (free, unmerited favor or grace). But if on the mekor (basis) of chen v’chesed (unmerited favor, grace), then not on the mekor (basis) of [loin (wages), batsolen (pay) for] ma’asim (works), vi-bahlt (since) otherwise chesed would no longer be chesed (4:4-5). What then? What Yisroel sought for, that is what it did not obtain; but hannivcharim (the elect, the chosen ones) obtained it. And the rest were hardened (9:17-18)]

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why So Many Churches? (10/17/2020); The Inheritance From GOD (08/26/2020); Power To Get Wealth (01/15/2020); Where Is The Sacrifice? (12/26/2019); Giving, A Divine Discipline? (10/09/2017); Fundraising A Sacred Practice? (01/01/2017); About Giving to GOD (12/13/2016); Christ Receives the Tithes? (08/04/2015)

“Deana” here are some ideas that may seem strange because they are not familiar. The practice of tithing is continued among Christian believers as part of the permanent change to acquire sacred discipline that sinners must undergo through the operations of the Holy Spirit. Correctly understood, there must be a sharing with divinity—a “giving” without out giving; an exchange, release, and transfer of dominion—where sacred gifts and an unchanging inheritance of spirit substance will be continually acknowledged rather than possessed. Because they are often driven by emotions and feelings (the flesh), charitable giving, community gatherings, and social programs for assistance and relief to others are very different in process and purpose from those that continue consecrated ministry, that establish and maintain opportunities and possibilities for ongoing and lasting relationships with divinity, and that manifest the unseen presence of divinity within the behavior and conduct of others. Consider again the following that uses language from the King James and Orthodox Jewish translations of the Bible with a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Ephesians 2: 4-9, King James Version (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: 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.

[Kehillah in Ephesus 2: 4-9, (OJB): 4 But Hashem, being rich in rachamim (mercy), because of His ahavah harabba (great love) with which He loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in our peysha’im, He made us alive together with Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach (by the unmerited Chen v’Chesed Hashem you have been delivered in your personal Geulah and the Yeshu’at Eloheinu), [TEHILLIM 103:12] 6 And raised us up with Moshiach and seated us with Him in Shomayim in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua, 7 In order that, in the Olam HaBah, He might display the surpassing osher of the Chen v’Chesed Hashem of Him in chesed toward us in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua. 8 For by unmerited Chen v’Chesed Hashem you have been delivered from Hashem’s Mishpat (Judgment) and granted a share in the Geulah (Redemption), through emunah; and this is not [an einfal (intuitive idea)] of yourselves, it is a matnat Hashem (gift of G-d); 9 Not the result [of the zchus (merit)] of doing ma’asim (works) [Ac 15:1; Ga 5:3 4], so that before Hashem no man should be a ravrevan (boaster, braggart). [DEVARIM 9:5] ]

(2.) Isaiah 65: 17-25, KJV: 17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. 20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. 21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. 24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

[Yeshayah 65: 17-25, OJB: 17 For, hinei, I create Shomayim Chadashim and eretz Chadashah; and the rishonot shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for, hinei, I create Yerushalayim a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in Yerushalayim, and joy in Ami; and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying out. 20 There shall be no more in there an infant of days, nor a zaken (old man) that hath not filled his days; for he that shall die a hundred years old will be regarded a na’ar; but the choteh (sinner), a hundred years old, will be accursed. 21 And they shall build batim (houses), and inhabit them; and they shall plant kramim (vineyards), and eat the fruit of them. 22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat; for as the days of HaEtz are the days of Ami, and Mine Bechir shall long enjoy the ma’aseh of their hands. 23 They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for misfortune; for they are the Zera Beruchei Hashem (Seed of the Blessed ones of Hashem), and their offspring with them. 24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet medaberim (speaking), I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox; and aphar shall be the lechem of the nachash. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My Har Kadosh, saith Hashem. [T.N. This last chapter makes a reference to Gehinnom and the just retribution coming.]

(3.) Revelation 21: 1-4, KJV: 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

[Hisgalus 21: 1-4, OJB: 1 And I saw Shomayim Chadashim (New Heavens) and Eretz Chadasha (a New Earth), for the shomayim harishonah (the first heaven) and haaretz harishonah (the first earth) were passed away, and there is no longer any Yam (Sea). 2 And I saw the Ir Hakodesh, the Yerushalayim HaChadasha coming down and descending out of Shomayim from Hashem, having been made ready as a Kallah adorned for her Ba’al (Husband). [NECHEMYAH 11:18; YESHAYAH 52:1] 3 And I heard a kol gadol (loud voice), a Bat Kol from the Kisse (Throne) saying, "Hinei, The Mishkan of Hashem is with men, and He shall tabernacle with them, and they shall be His people, and Hashem Himself shall dwell among them. [SHEMOT 25:8; DIVREY HAYAMIM BAIS 6:18; YECHEZKEL 48:35; ZECHARYAH 2:10] 4 “And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall not be any longer Mavet, nor Avelut nor weeping nor pain; the former things have passed away.” [YESHAYAH 25:8; 35:10] ]

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Come Harvest Time by Steve Amerson @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJzjNcMj9Hg).) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:40 PM, November 04, 2020 @ https://tse1.explicit.bing.net/th?id=OIP.W-jDhowaQOktjqaTH2e1nwHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&w=277&h=157

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/25/2020) When Does Resurrection Occur?

The image depicts the resurrection of the dead at the coming of Jesus to harvest the earth of those who belong to his kingdom.

Today, reply is on promise, prophecy, and the coming resurrection of the dead. Resurrection for the dead is to be acknowledged as an expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD that does not strictly address and fulfill the sanctions that appear within the unchanging sacred law. Divinity has operated on the earth using human form and life-process (we say, the Incarnation as Jesus Christ) to establish salvation for mankind and provide a new creation. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 15: 12-23, King James Version (KJV): 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Roberta B” (Level 6 with 21,659 points) posted the following:

When will God resurrect people from the dead? Right after they die, or after the end times?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1^st Corinthians 15: 50-58, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Scriptures To Provide Comfort? (09/27/2020); Incarnation, Death and Resurrection (05/11/2020); The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020); Will Jesus Come Soon? (01/09/2020); Divine Preparations for Advent (03/17/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); Preparing For The Rapture (11/09/2018)

“Roberta B”, mature Christian believers trust that resurrection of the dead has been demonstrated on the earth as an expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of divinity. Resurrection does not appear from sequences under natural law or operations of men (we say, man-made) that appear as mechanical and planned events. Resurrection allows a display of divine mercy toward creative beings and living creatures even though there must be the fulfillment of immutable sanctions that appear within the divine law declaring death as the penalty for transgression. Mortality and temporal duration are commanded as conditions for existence and the life-process of those in heaven and earth. Through divine provisions mortality can be completed, yet, all who have lived may appear in final judgment and at sacred tribunals to determine their punishments or their rewards. Through forgiveness, judgment, resurrection, and other sacred provisions (e.g., rebirth, reconciliation, repentance, sanctification) mankind may escape the total destruction that is the second death. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and Listen, a selection from the music ministry of Marvin Sapp:

(1.) Genesis 3: 14-15, King James Version (KJV): 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

(2.) Acts 2: 29-35, KJV: 29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

(3.) Romans 6: 3-5, KJV: 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

(4.) 1^st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, KJV: 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aix9OoJ4rs.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/20/2020) "What if" and "Maybe"

 

Today, the reply focuses on the figure of Lucifer/Satan and the sufficiency of the sacred knowledge provided to mankind through the gospels, promises, prophecies, and the revelation from GOD by Jesus Christ. During the present season of grace, divinity draws mankind into healthy relationships that are grounded in trust. Displays of divine anger to arouse fear, guilt and shame are suppressed. It is carnal reason and secular knowledge that encourage asking “what if,” the proposing of contradictions, and the use of “maybe” and “perhaps” to make irrelevant suggestions. The imagination, or the flesh and the mind are their origin, not the Holy Spirit. The Bible provides guidance, information and instruction on sin and the transgressions of multiple sinners including the unclean spirits named as Adversaries to divinity. Even so, there is little focus on Satan as the Deceiver and an enemy to mankind’s salvation through Jesus Christ. Satan should not be thought of as all-knowing, immortal, or all-powerful. While the holy writings speak of spirits being cast out and exorcised, the Scriptures do not promote belief and study of death and the macabre, common dreams, the occult, belief in authority among beings who are supernatural, or belief in superstition; rather the Scriptures present the appearance of GOD within thousands of events, occurring in thousands of human lives, over the course of thousands of years. Defiance, rebellion, and wickedness appear to be artifacts and the residue of operations that were present during the chaos and flux in place at preexistence. Minor oddities that do not conform to the divine order seem to have continued as progressive corruption and opposition to the immutable, unchanging expressions of sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. These are to be acknowledged as aberrations, distortions, and ungodly influences that oppose the continued existence of divinity, the universe, and all Creation. Most mature Christian believers do not pose questions that go beyond the sanctified discourse encouraged through the holy writings. It is written: 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. A fighter in the “Yahoo Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

If God is all powerful then why couldn’t he prevent Lucifer from becoming Satan?

Or even realize it was going to happen before creating Lucifer?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. (1^st John 3: 4-12, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Tarrying For One Another (10/15/2020); Christian Teachings About Devils (08/21/2019); Doing The Devil’s Work? (02/21/2019); And There Was War? (06/12/2018); Opposing The Divine Will (03/30/2018); Names of the Adversary? (03/19/2017); Destruction of the Adversary? (01/06/2017); About Lucifer in Scripture (02/18/2016)

“Anonymous” a primary purpose of Christian belief is to preserve and restore divine fullness (we say, divine substance; the image of GOD; ongoing relationship between the Creator who exists within a consecrated and separate sphere of life) to all created beings and living creatures who will continue to exist upon the earth. Properly understood, just as Christian belief is broad and inclusive regarding the things that pertain to mankind’s existence, life essence (the breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup of divinity, and the sacred works of redemption and salvation that have followed the transgressions of divine law by Adam, Christianity is focused and avoids “what if” questions that continue conjecture, speculation, and spiritual confusion. What Christians receive as the gospel, divine promises, prophecy, and revelation are to be accounted as sufficient to establish faith and the many inseparable aspects of the divine nature within mankind. Included are balance, commitment, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While Lucifer (also called, Satan and the Devil) is a created being who represents the sum of wickedness that results by operations of sin, sin has not been created by divinity, and contains no sacred substance from the makeup of GOD. Christians are to know that Satan once had favor with GOD, appeared in Eden, and was present at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, yet, he will never be allowed to enter the New Jerusalem, and will not be welcomed at the meeting in the air when Christ appears to harvest his people from the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and Kyrie, a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Ezekiel 28: 13, King James Version (KJV): 13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

(2.) Romans 6: 16, KJV: 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?

(3.) Matthew 4: 1-11, KJV: 1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

(4.) Matthew 12: 43-45, KJV: 43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

(5.) Mark 8: 31-34, KJV: 31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. 33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. 34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

(6.) 1^st Peter 5: 8-11, KJV: 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G8dZTWwvmU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 4:40 PM, October 19, 2020 @ https://biblepic.com/53/21172.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/10/2020) Law And The Prophets

The image is from a frieze depicting the Law and the Prophets with Moses, Elijah and Joshua by John Singer Sargent

Today, reply is on “the law and the prophets” as described in the Scriptures. Through Adam and his sons who served as Patriarchs, a priesthood appeared that made atonement on the earth modeled after that in the heaven. The regular use of judges who would resolve conflicts and settle disputes by applying the law, and the ongoing use of prophets for admonition, guidance, and warning both would be established as part of the perpetual covenant of Israel began through Moses. It is written: Matthew 5: 11-20, King James Version (KJV): 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “andrew” (Level 1 with 100 points) posted the following:

how prophets are described ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2^nd Peter 1: 16-21, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why Is Passover Important? (03/01/2020); The Place to Start (12/23/2019); A Death Penalty Necessary? (11/27/2019); Moses Appearing Having Glory (11/25/2019); Prophets After Jesus Christ? (06/04/2019); How GOD Speaks Today (12/10/2018); The Priesthood of Adam (11/02/2018)

“andrew”, for many believers today, “the law” means the Torah, the Covenant of Moses, or the Ten Commandments; issues of correction, discipline, living routines, and punishment are foremost. While, “the prophets” mean the major and minor servants of GOD identified as messengers and spokespersons in the Old Testament writings. For Christian believers, “the law and the prophets” can be understood as the two earliest streams of divine revelation to mankind whereby divinity was made knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. The life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; utterance; word) imparted to Adam from the makeup of GOD included inseparable content from the divine fullness such as balance, consciousness, integrity, personhood, self-will, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The endowment of spirit from GOD is what Christians also call the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth. Transgression of the sacred law by the male and female pair disrupted divine order throughout the universe, for the divine law and its sanctions are immutable. Mankind became subject to imperatives within the law that require an utter destruction of sin that we speak of as the second death. Mankind presently is in a season of grace wherein, rather than interventions that display authority, dominion, and power to force and impose divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD, graphic and memorable displays of the character and nature of divinity (we say, the image of GOD) are being made that will allow mankind to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Those who become born-again also must grow-up again, and become mature and ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing. As vessels of divine DNA so to speak, the sons and daughters of GOD who are joint-heirs with Jesus are to develop through discovery, gradual growth, sacred practice, prophecy, unselfish service, study of the holy writings, and suffering. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Exodus 20: 18-21, King James Version (KJV): 18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.

(2.) John 4: 23-24, KJV: 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

(3.) James 5: 9-11, KJV: 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. 10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

(4.) Revelation 22: 8-10, KJV: 8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. 10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E91OE5u1wA.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 6:40 AM, June 10, 2020 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh8JxOFozc1Npx2SIXaDrzF9AQL_SuwVZyLM2Voxl7Iy4Y4AU3W6tELkUMWv0n7NwKHCxXi8QRGei0pU4Vi-hW19zfkiFrenG5d5U9nXlS8HmJbezTCsPHfbztPfii03NSIxQ_k70ONI/s1600/Central+panel+of+Frieze+of+Prophets+-+Moses+with+the+Tablets+of+Law%252C+fanked+by+Elijah+and+Joshua.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/21/2020) The Return of Yeshua

Today, reply is on faith, the close of our present season of divine grace, and the fulfillment of the covenants shared by GOD with mankind. Christian believers are not allowed to foretell future events and predict specific things that may happen to one another, our loved ones, or to those outside of Christ. Even so, the Holy Spirit displays the divine patterns in sacred law and prophecy that provide information on the coming of the Lord; and all are to acknowledge the opportunities and possibilities for divine faithfulness, enduring mercy, and unfailing love. It is written: Revelation 1: 7-8, King James Version (KJV): 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information displayed) posted the following:

Will Jews accept Yeshua upon his return ?

I also noticed that Jews are also waiting for their messiah to return.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 20-21, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: They Which Are Called (04/09/2020); More Required Than Crucifixion? (12/10/2019); The Tools Of Divinity (12/09/2019); Vessels Filled With Righteousness (11/06/2019); Disciples and “Little Christs” (11/05/2019); Likened Unto 10 Virgins (09/09/2019); The Imminent Return of Christ? (07/19/2015); Called “The Anointed One” (05/08/2018); Jesus And The Torah? (09/06/2017)

“Anonymous”, so to speak, in the Apocalypse, the acceptance of Jesus Christ by the Jews as a nation or a people will not matter. The return of Jesus to receive from the earth those who belong to him in covenant relationship and who are mature/ripe through the operations of the Holy Spirit is a sacred event wherein divine fullness (the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) accepts and acknowledges the integrity of mankind to exist on the earth as an immortal, incorruptible companion to divinity. The present season of grace wherein created beings and living creatures may choose to acknowledge or deny divinity will have been ended. Divinity has appeared alive on the earth using human flesh and life process as Jesus Christ; and the living have been allowed many opportunities and possibilities to resemble, reflect, and reveal the image of GOD, and the character and likeness of Jesus. Even so, using a process of self-promotion and self-selection, many have relied on such finite human tools as emotion, intellect, opinion, philosophy, carnal reason, science, critical thinking, and self-will (willpower), rather than embracing the gifts from GOD. When Jesus comes, the benefits and fruit of divine grace are to be present in those who belong to GOD and are to reside within the saved as their life essence (breath; spirit content; utterance; word) and as divine seed imparted from the makeup of GOD. Those born-again will have been changed through sacred knowledge and the revelation of GOD as Christ. Being the new creation of Jesus Christ, his church will have prepared themselves to meet the Lord in the air through consecrated works of discovery, gradual growth, practice, prophecy, repentance, unselfish service, study, and suffering. At the appearing of Christ (some say, the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming), those granted eternal life will already have been marked and sealed, and they will have passed through all the required examinations of final judgment. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 12: 3, King James Version (KJV): 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 15: 50-58, KJV: 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

(3.) 1^st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, KJV: 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKGl_6-DaVo.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:05 AM, May 21, 2020 @ https://mudpreacher.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/jesus-high-priest-sympathy.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/26/2020) On Behalf Of Others

Today, reply is on whether during the present covid-19 health crisis Christians should pray for the world or only for themselves. There are no layoffs or shut-down of ministry among believers; the sacred work of praise, fulfilling the promises of GOD, and manifesting prophecy (comfort, edification, exhortation) will continue. Ordinarily, to avoid meddling and spiritual confusion, many believers pray only for family, friends, coworkers, and persons they know through direct relationships. However, for mature Christian believers, earnest and fervent prayer are to be offered continually. This is so even where prayer is understood as intimate and personal communication with divinity that allows one to confess and share their darkest and deepest feelings as well as their most private thoughts. In the same way the operations of sin are impartial, irrational, and attack all that exists indiscriminately, epidemic disease and sickness that obey mechanical process and natural law also dismiss many sacred distinctions, and violate consecrated boundaries. Even in times like these when their gathering in public may be cut off, Christian believers are to behave as those in ongoing judgment; and all are commanded to be faithful, sober, steadfast, unwavering, and vigilant. Their duty to serve and share with others is not lessened. It is written: Ezekiel 34: 15-26, King James Version (KJV): 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment. 17 And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats. 18 Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? 19 And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet. 20 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle. 21 Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad; 22 Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle. 23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. 24 And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it. 25 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. 26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. A fighter in the public forum on Religion & Spirituality at “Yahoo! Answers” who used the ID “REAL” (Level 2 with 815 points) posted the following:

Do anybody anywhere in the world pray ti his/her God to save the world from this pandemic or pray for themselves only?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. (1^st Corinthians 7: 29-31, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Challenge of Covid-19 (03/22/2020); Leadership By The Church (03/18/2020); Believers Minister Through Prayer (09/23/2019); Fasting, Prayer and Sanctification (03/29/2019); Christian “Thoughts and Prayers” (03/01/2018); What to Do About Liars? (11/14/2014); Refraining Our Tongues? (11/15/2014)

“REAL”, there are unchanging aspects of eternal purpose that are to be fulfilled and performed by Creation that will not to be interrupted or suspended in response to conditions and events on the earth. Where divinity establishes evil (i.e., calamity; catastrophe; disaster; upheaval) it is for the further outworking of divine prerogative, sacred law, prophecy, and revelation. While a separation to identify and sanctify authentic authority must be continued, the divine example for men on the earth declares there also must be a manifesting of humility and unselfish service to others that includes intercessory praise and prayer specially on behalf of those who may be recognized as sinners in repentance. The primary focus for the church is to be salvation for those who are committed as members within the body. Thus, consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Hezekiah Walker:

(1.) Jeremiah 29: 4-7, King James Version (KJV): 4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; 5 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; 6 Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

(2.) Isaiah 45: 6-8, KJV: 6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. 7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. 8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

(3.) Romans 8: 26-27, KJV: 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

(4.) John 17: 9-17, KJV: 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

(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=uMcJL_UDAvw. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloadable 1:06 PM, March 26, 2020 @ https://thelifeididntchoose.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/pray-for-one-another.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/22/2020) The Challenge of Covid-19

A depiction of the corona virus that causes covid-19 infection as it might appear using an electron microscope

Today, reply is on whether covid-19 is a punishment sent by GOD against mankind. To Christians, death and the fulfillment of mortality are manifestations of the flesh, rather than the Spirit of GOD. While thousands of deaths are now being attributed to the spread of the virus throughout the world, the gift of spiritual discernment provided to Christian believers indicate no clear sacred events, divine manifestations, or operations of the divine fullness are appearing through covid-19. The fulfillment of divine promise, revelation, and salvation are being continued as the most necessary and visible works of GOD. That the Advent (day of the Lord; the harvest; the Rapture; the Second Coming) arrives “as a thief in the night,” states that there will be no further atonement or warnings as provided through the ministry of Jesus Christ. It is written: 2^nd Peter 3: 9-13, King James Version (KJV): 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Corey” (Level 2 with 830 points) posted the following:

Is God punishing mankind with the coronavirus?

I heard a traditional Catholic priest say in his sermon that God is punishing mankind for his sins. He was comparing the coronavirus pandemic to the Flood as recorded in the Book of Genesis.

Is God punishing mankind with the coronavirus?

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Leadership By The Church (03/18/2020); Judge Not The Appearance (01/12/2020); Divine Goodness Includes Accountability (11/21/2019); The Enemy Of Humanity? (04/25/2019); How Did Noah Know? (10/14/2018); GOD Has Come Down (10/09/2018); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); The Common Danger (01/02/2013)

“Corey”, Jesus Christ is to be received as an High Priest who makes atonement for sin. Divinity does not use corruption, decay, rot, and surprise attacks to communicate with mankind. Even so, there are ongoing acts of divinity that will be completed without further warnings. GOD has used consecrated spokespersons to announce and proclaim forgiveness, opportunities for repentance, and possibilities for reconciliation as well as plagues and punishments that appear as expressions of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Mature Christian believers are encouraged by the agreement that exists among the record of sacred events shared in the holy writings, divine law, the proclamations of prophecy, and the Incarnation of Jesus Christ that all demonstrate existence and life for mankind as a companion to divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) are unchanging aspects of divine intent. The commandments uttered to Adam and repeated to Noah, “Be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth”, were given no expiration dates, and have not been annulled, canceled, or yet completed to meet the highest divine standards. Thus, believers understand that the works of GOD include a vast range of “unfinished business.” Included are harvesting those who belong to Jesus Christ from the earth; resurrection of the wicked for their final judgment; the destruction of the Devil; the elimination of mortality and sin; placement of the New Jerusalem on the earth; and the second death. Much of the corruption and disease we see in the earth has appeared through the operations of mechanical process and natural law, and are not a direct expression of divine will. More than the destruction of life on the earth, the highest divine objective is salvation. Consider again the following expressions of love and divine admonition that use language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

(1.) Luke 12: 4-5, King James Version (KJV): 4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

(2.) Hebrews 10: 26-29, KJV: 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

(3.) 1^st Peter 1: 3-9, KJV: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

(4.) Hebrews 9: 24-28, KJV: 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

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

Image downloadable 3:03 AM, March 22, 2020 @ https://www.shutterstock.com/cs/image-photo/coronavirus-2019ncov-novel-concept-resposible-asian-1625951248

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC