(12/11/2017) Circumcision of Infant Boys

A depiction of Simon the Prophet at the Temple in Jerusalem acknowledging Jesus as Messiah when Mary and Joseph presented the Lord at 8-days-old for circumcision in obedience to the covenant law.

Today, points are shared on the circumcision of infant boys as a sacred practice and sign of divine covenant relationship.  Circumcision continues as a device used by GOD that makes visible unseen divine operations to cleanse, heal, preserve and seal mankind by removing the overlay of inherited and individual sin upon the heart within the descendants of Adam.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “leveret” (Level 1 with 6 points, a member since June 07, 2014) posted the following:

Should kosher slaughter and circumcision of infant boys become illegal?

I think its wrong to kill animals without stunning them first. its cruel to make them feel physical pain.

also I think circumcision of children should become illegal. if someone wants to mutilate their genitals they can do so once they turn 18.

what do you guys think?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.  Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.  For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.  For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.  (Galatians 5:  3-6, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Flesh, Then Beyond (05/23/2017); The Heir To Abraham (10/23/2016); In Relationship With Divinity? (08/16/2016); Ye Are Abraham’s Seed (07/10/2015); Suffering Circumcision? (06/08/2014); Three Covenants? (06/09/2014); Circumcision and Promise? (07/16/2013); The Bible and Stupid People (07/17/2013)

“leveret”, here are some points you many find useful on circumcision as a seal of covenant and a visible incarnation of divine presence:

1.  Sacred knowledge and practice (we say, sacraments) among Christian believers identify circumcision as a sacred event and a response to the revelation that divinity can and will communicate, exchange and interact with created beings and living creatures in continuous, personal relationships.

2.  Divinity engages mankind using covenant relationships that are grounded in faith, hope, divine proclamation, promise, and prophecy.

3.  While GOD is a spirit (who has appeared on the earth using human form as Jesus Christ), divinity is no mere abstraction, explanatory principle, figment of imagination, or hypothetical construct.  GOD indwells the living as life essence (we also say, breath, spirit, Word).  Inseparable aspects of the divine makeup may be imparted to mankind on the earth such as faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, righteousness, wisdom and wrath against sin.

4.  To exist without mortality and continue as a companion to immortal, incorruptible GOD, mankind must undergo permanent change and transformations carried out by the Spirit of GOD (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  The primary focus and process for consciousness and self-will within mankind are no longer to be determined by aspects of the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation, emotion/mind), and features of the sphere of life such as time and space.

5.  Saying this another way, using language from the Bible:

    a.  Romans 4:  8-12, King James Version (KJV):  8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.  9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.  10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.  11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised:  that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:  12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

    b.  Romans 2:  25-29, KJV:  25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law:  but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.  26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?  27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?  28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:  29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

    c.  Isaiah 63:  15-17, KJV:  15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory:  where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?  16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not:  thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.  17 O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants’ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.

    d.  Colossians 2:  8-12, KJV:  8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:  11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:  12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/25/2013) Prayer on Behalf of Others?

Intercession and prayer as a spokesperson for others come into view, today; and there is more on hardness of heart against the gospel message.  A writer at “Yahoo! 7 Answers” (Australia) using ID “Joshua” (Level 4 with 3,101 points, a member since 12 July 2013) posted the following originally asked on Yahoo Answers United States:


Can a christian pray for people from other religion ?

I am a christian and I am wondering whether can I pray for people that come from other religion like Buddhist or Muslim.Maybe my question is stupid but I need a good answer.Thanks a lot :D


THE BATTLE AXE:  Hardness of Heart? (11/24/2013)— (4.)  All that will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2nd Timothy 3:  12-13, KJV).  Prophecy through the apostles of the early church describe hardness of heart and the process of opposition to Jesus and the Gospel as one that will continue until its final destruction through the completion of divine judgment.  Persecution appears where government authority, legislation, and physical force—by Satan and those within the hierarchy of heaven as well as within nations of the earth—are used to attack and suppress the sacred message, its followers, and those who foster its spread.  Oppression by those in government is only one form of the denial and rejection believers should be prepared to encounter.  Political and social movements as well as fashion and trends in popular culture will operate as barriers to those seeking to enter the kingdom of GOD.  Heresy and false messages will be eagerly embraced by believers who do not obey the Lord’s command to “watch and pray.”  Such are open and vulnerable from lack of prayer, and from repeatedly refusing study to internalize the plain teachings of Scripture.  Conviction for those who desire an easy way to GOD will be frustrated and overturned by doubt and unbelief, where they instead should be firmly rooted through the sure promises and prophesies provided by the ministries of Jesus.  Familiarity that gives sin the appearance of normalcy, reality, and truth will not be resisted from within themselves, for it will appear consistent with ones own true feelings and understandings.  Only by rebirth do created beings and living creatures escape the process whereby ones heart becomes “dead in sin” and completely closed to the divine provisions (see 2nd Timothy 3:  1-8, 1st Thessalonians 3:  3-4, 1st Peter 5:  6-11, and 1st Peter 4:  12-19, KJV).



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.  He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:  For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.  (2nd John 1:  9-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why GOD Prayed to GOD (09/07/2013); Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013); A Tree Falls To The South (07/13/2013); Unanswered Prayer? (09/11/2012); When You Pray (09/12/2012)


Joshua, most Christian believers experience a similar concern in the course of their learning and growing through Christ.  Here are a few points based upon Scripture you may find helpful:

(1.)  Prayers are spirit, thought and utterance directed to GOD, that may be offered aloud or silently.  Movement also is an aspect of prayer, and so there may be bowing, folding or uplifting ones hands, kneeling, and other gestures.  As intimate and private communication, prayer allows believers to discover aspects of their own character and personality as well as to affirm the operation and presence of GOD as he has become revealed to them.  The laws and rules for prayer, therefore, center in maintaining awareness of personal relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ, and are chosen or put into place as limits through the practice of each believer.  As for any fruitful relationship, there are basic demands for absolute honesty, respect, trust, and truth.  However, a believer is free to acknowledge and expose as much or as little of themselves as their needs and understanding permit.  How long or how often one prays may vary, just as the topics and subjects discussed may range.

(2.)  We are free to commend, make requests (we say, intercede, petition), and speak in a general way about others in prayer.  However, fervent and persisting prayer (importuning) will demand  detailed knowledge of their peculiar situation.  More challenging than speaking for ourselves is the prayer wherein we speak as if we are another person.  Through compassion and empathy, we “put ourselves in their place,” so to speak, and we then say to GOD what we understand to be appropriate.  Thus, were we to pray as prophets and spokespersons before GOD for those struggling to recover from the recent typhoon in Philippines, we might speak of our pain and uncertainty for still missing loved ones, our concern for rebuilding our homes and families, our need for strength to continue despite the lack of food, medicine, water, or true knowledge and correct information.

There is far more to be said, properly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (3.)  Because our lives are connected before GOD, and we are one Creation before him, the benefit to one aspect of mankind should be a benefit to all.  Yet, like a farmer only goes forth to plant seed in the field where the rocks are removed, and the ground has been plowed and prepared, believers are cautioned to not bestow inordinate focus upon those who reject their ministrations.  “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:  6, KJV), cautions one to assess their place with others carefully, and not to presume that all are willing to receive from GOD with genuine gratitude.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming soon.  Grow in grace.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/24/2013) Hardness of Heart?

Some points regarding hostility against the message of the Gospel are shared, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Jimmie” (Level 3 with 2,151 points, a member May 11, 2013) posted the following:


Do you think it's sad how some people become hostile to the message of the gospel, that has saved so many?


And continues to save many, even today? I dont get why people reject the important message it holds, and the lessons on love, humbleness, peace, by being angry and negative about it?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  (John 1:  10-13, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Another Gospel? (10/19/2013); A Visit from an Angel? (10/20/2013); The Limit to Believing? (09/16/2013); All Things Possible? (09/17/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); How To Accept Bible Truth? (04/17/2013); About Preaching the Gospel (04/18/2013); When Jesus Comes Back (04/19/2013)


“Jimmie”, here are a few difficult points to consider that nonetheless are correct for Christian believers:

(1.)  All men have not faith (2nd Thessalonians 3:  2, KJV).  The Gospel is sacred substance that is to be joined with the spirit content of created beings and living creatures.  Truth from GOD may only be received by those who have prepared themselves through such features as dutifulness, expectation (we say, hope), obedience, sacrifice, and submission.

(2.)  When Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart (Exodus 8:  15, KJV).  Hardness of heart is an operation of the Spirit from GOD, however, not by acting on, forcing, or manipulating a person’s feelings and thoughts.  Rather, the Holy Spirit acknowledges their enmity against GOD as irreversible without first ending their mortality, or by continued widespread death and destruction.  The Spirit may not righteously disregard or ignore persistent defiance of divine law, rejection of divine counsel, or denial of divine love.  The Spirit is obligated to abandon and make no further appeals where the minds and hearts of created beings and living creatures only invite being sealed against divinity.  Without the “pressure” of judgment, punishment, and divine wrath against sin many will not embrace what are, in fact, the difficult works of confession, repentance and truth. Sinners do not leave their “comfort zone” of arrogance, ignorance, selfish pleasure, and separation from GOD.

(3.)  But they have not all obeyed the gospel (Romans 10:  16, KJV).  To obey is to put aside ones own will to carry out or perform the will of another.  Thus, to obey is one of the most powerful ways of demonstrating love, the willingness to add value, and to unselfishly provide benefit to another.  Those who lack balance, poise, and stability (we say, maturity), and those who do not have a clear grasp of their own abilities, desires, and place in relationships usually also lack the awareness and strength necessary for love of Christ, and obedience to the Gospel.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  The carnal mind is not subject to the law of God (Romans 8:  7, KJV).  Human makeup (we say, the flesh) is designed to function in accordance with material and physical processes that are mechanical in their nature such as appetite, sensation, and mind.  Just like hunger, thirst, and sexual cravings cannot be eliminated by logic, reason and science, sin can not be overcome except through operations of the Spirit from GOD.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures, yet, can not control the will of GOD.  The added endowment of Spirit supplied through the Gospel enables believers to correctly resist sin, and to continuously seek the perfection coming forth from GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming soon.  Grow in grace.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/28/2013) A Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents

Continuing the Scriptures on Scripture format, discernment, judgment and recognizing spirit content in action and speech are in view, today.

SOME THOUGHTS ON

12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (Hebrews 4:  12, KJV)


Genesis 2:  7 (KJV)  7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.


Genesis 6:  5-6 (KJV)  5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.


1st Chronicles 28:  9 (KJV)  9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind:  for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts:  if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.


Psalms 10:  4-7 (KJV)  4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God:  God is not in all his thoughts.  5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight:  as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.  6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved:  for I shall never be in adversity.  7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud:  under his tongue is mischief and vanity.


Ecclesiastes 8:  11 (KJV)  11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.


Psalm 40:  4-6 (KJV)  4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.  5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward:  they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee:  if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.  6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened:  burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.


Psalms 94:  16-23 (KJV)  16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?  17 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.  18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.  19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.  20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?  21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.  22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.  23 And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.


Psalms 139:  14-20 (KJV)  14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.  17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!  18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.  19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God:  depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.  20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.


Isaiah 55:  6-13 (KJV)  6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:  7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts:  and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.  8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.  13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree:  and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.


Matthew 12:  24-26 (KJV)  24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.  25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:  26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?


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


There is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood.  Readers are encouraged to share Scriptures they feel should be added in the Comments area (see the example, below).  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/25/2013) With The Whole Heart?

Seeking to develop the most effective format for this blog intended to correct error and nourish faith, I introduce an alternative presentation approach, today.   It is necessary to replace the work of responding to questions from “Yahoo! Answers,” because the writers there do not seem to have a genuine hunger for the word from GOD.   When I began with the idea of a sacred writings blog, I wanted to share the holy writings as a way that would help readers realize that the Bible can be understood through the plain talk and healthy conversation of believers.  In order to be properly selfless, my approach was to be one of answering questions and replying to issues from others, instead of sharing only my own reflections upon my favorite Scriptures.  I’ve decided to put it before my readers, today, asking that you let me know after the next few posts whether the following, where Scripture answers Scripture, is more useful or not:

 

SOME THOUGHTS ON

1 Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart. (2nd Chronicles 25:  1-2, KJV)



2nd Chronicles 16:  9 (KJV)  9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly:  therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.


Psalms 111:  1-3 (KJV)  1 Praise ye the LORD.  I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.  2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.  3 His work is honourable and glorious:  and his righteousness endureth for ever.


Psalms 119:  33-35 (KJV)  33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.  34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.  35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.


Psalms 119:  144-146 (KJV)  144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting:  give me understanding, and I shall live.  145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.  146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.


Jeremiah 24:  7 (KJV)  7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD:  and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.


Mark 12:  28-34 (KJV)  28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?  29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:  30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:  this is the first commandment.  31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.  32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:  33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.  34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.


Of course, there is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming.  Grow in grace.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/09/2013) Heart, Brain or Spirit?

Resolving the conflicts of feeling and intellect when seeking to know GOD is the topic, today.  Also, there is more on war and judgment.  The “Yahoo! Answers United Kingdom” writer using the ID “Whatever!” (Level 3 with 1,235 points, a member since 8 August 2012) posted the following originally asked on “Yahoo! Answers United States”:


My Heart Knows There is A God But My Brain is 100% Sure There isn't One?

How can I reconcile between what I feel in my heart and what I know in my brain? The more I read about religion, (Christianity, Judaism, Islam......whatever), the more I am convinced there isn't a God. However, deep my heart, I feel there is one (Just not what religion is saying it is) and I pray to him and feel his presence/blessings in my life. What the heck can I do? is this normal? how can I reconcile. Thanks


THE BATTLE AXE:  Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013)—Sacrificial relationships entail the permanent offering of oneself to GOD.  Once set into motion the affiliation and bond is broken only by utter destruction, for the word of GOD once spoken is irrevocable.  Here, the same judgment may come upon females and children that comes against males, for all may continue and foster the spread of sin and unrighteousness.  All created beings and living creatures will be held accountable for their deeds, and examined for their substance.  Atonement and the transfer of gifts from the earth to heaven require the use of a holy table (altar), and fire from heaven that releases the spirit content (e.g., awe, gratitude, humility, joy, piety, reverence) from material offerings, and lifts divine substance into the celestial presence. Where a devoted object (e.g., a bull, a sheep, ones firstborn) is not consumed upon the altar, it must be redeemed.  Once a redemption price is paid, use of the object is restricted to divine service; and the offering is said to be “a living sacrifice.”  As a result, we typically describe sacrificial relationships using such terms as commitment, dedication, devotion, submission, and unselfish service.  Human relations that demonstrate the divine aspect of sacrifice are recognized by acceptance of duty (tasks that absolutely must be completed, even at the cost of ones life), and the maintenance of trust through faithfulness, steadfastness, and truthfulness.  There are levels of acknowledgment and exchange characterized as love (unselfish action to benefit another), obedience (putting aside ones own will to perform the will of another), submission, and surrender.  Such relations include descent (roles as offspring), discipleship, marriage, military service, parenting, and voluntary servitude.  The Holy Name, Jealous, proclaims that GOD is to be known as active to maintain relationship, not that GOD is possessive, or loses self-control when men take interest in false gods and idols.  Clearly, Levites, Nethinims, and those under vow as Nazarites were living sacrifices.  The holy writings record incarnation as a sacred event to establish salvation as well as to demonstrate sacrificial relationship.  See Exodus 13:  11-22, Exodus 34:  1-28, Joshua 9:  1-27 and Isaiah 12:  2-4, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.  (Ephesians 1:  17-23, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); GOD the X? (07/19/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013)


“Whatever!”, here are a few points Christian believers may share as a voice for the church of Jesus Christ:

(1.)  Neither the heart (emotion and feelings) nor the brain (intellect, logic, reason) are designed by GOD to completely respond to divine law, or sacred person.  As aspects of flesh, heart and brain come under the influence of appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and various mental functions (e.g., desire, fantasy, imagination, memory, projection).  Additionally, awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures may be dominated by sin.  Only where we focus upon spirit matter do we begin to come into right relationship with GOD, and mature belief.

(2.)  Sin is not any thing created by GOD, is not material, is not a spirit substance, and has no divine content.  Yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of sacred person, and of all things in the sphere of divine Creation.  Apart from GOD, mankind can not detect, eliminate and resist sin.

(3.)  GOD is a being whose makeup and substance is pure spirit.  Inseparable aspects of spirit content are balanced, interact, and are interwoven as divine being.  Included are faith, gratitude, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, truth, wisdom and wrath against sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Your present inner conflict may be thought of as “growing pains.”  Once born again in baptism (the transformation for ones awareness from the world, the flesh, or things generated by spirits that oppose GOD—we say, demons or devils—you must “grow up” again.  A believer must have experience using our frameworks of time and space (we say, by growing and learning).  What you are receiving, today, is only a further part of great things to come.  Be encouraged!)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC