(12/13/2020) No Forgiveness For Racism?

 

Racism should be understood among mature Christian believers as a sin that will not be forgiven by GOD because racism is a disguised form of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy can be easily recognized in verbal behavior that dishonors and insults divinity, and is more difficult to acknowledge where it is a lifestyle and ordinary living routine. Even so, among the primary aspects of divine fullness that must be acknowledged and appear within the living upon the earth are divine grace and oneness without sameness. Men have been known to exalt race as a false god and an idol claiming that race is the explanation for their benefits, privileges, problems, and sufferings. Blasphemy can be without words and embedded within the emotional, psychological, and spiritual content we convey to others. Repentance for sin does not appear within created beings and living creatures without operations by the indwelling Spirit of GOD. Those who refuse and shut out the presence and operations of the Holy Spirit deny and dismiss their own sacred inheritance as the offspring of GOD, and they can no longer apprehend the authority, dominion, and sovereignty of GOD who practices righteous judgment. GOD then is falsely accused of abuse, malice, and partiality. On surface, racism appears to be anchored in intelligence, carnal reason, and operations of the flesh that direct attitudes and behavior expressing bitterness, enmity, and hatred against persons within minority groups of a population. More carefully considered in the light of Christ, racism is exaggerated pride that condemns the sacred process for transforming mankind to exist as a companion to divinity, and denies the holiness of the spirit-content imparted from the makeup of GOD that must reside within all who become followers of Jesus Christ. Insisting that racism is not a matter of ones religion and spiritual beliefs, those who practice racism continue to promote their offense against GOD as merely a finite, human expression of bias, false judgment, prejudice, and presumption against others within a shared community on the basis of their ethnicity, origin, skin-color, or socioeconomic status. It is accounted as correct, justified, and “natural” that imbalance and injustice characterize the distribution of major opportunities and possibilities for all the forms of educational, financial, and social advancement; and the opposition to displaying, giving, receiving, and sharing divine spiritual gifts are accounted as a necessary evil. It is written: 1st Corinthians 12: 3-6, 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. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. Mankind is not to trifle with the Holy Spirit, even where he appears on the earth using human form and life-process.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 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. (Romans 8: 5-9, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Uniting In The Struggle (06/17/2020); Elephant In The Room? (06/05/2020); The Meaning Of “Persecution” (02/12/2020); Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); White People Becoming Atheists? (10/03/2019); Black History Month, 2019 (02/24/2019); Arrayed In Sacred Favor (02/25/2018)

Thus saith the Lord:

(1.) Matthew 12: 30-32, King James Version (KJV): 30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. 31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

(2.) Hebrews 10: 28-30, KJV: 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? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

(3.) John 6: 63, KJV: 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 8: 37-47, KJV: 37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. 39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 8:05 AM, December 12, 2020 @ https://www.bibliatodo.com/En/christian-news/files/2020/06/christian-magazine-calls-on-churches-to-restitute-racial-sin-repentance-is-not-enough.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/13/2020) The Foreskin And Circumcision?

A depiction of the parents of Jesus affirming his inheritance and offering their child to GOD through circumcision.

Today, the reply addresses the meaning and value of the foreskin and circumcision to thoughtful Christian believers. Through the household of Abraham, circumcision was a token of accord, covenant, and loyalty; even so, through the household of Jacob, circumcision became a token of condemnation, injustice, lawlessness, and wrath. As an aspect of the perpetual covenant shared by divinity with the Jews, circumcision continues to be acknowledged by many as a sign of divine commitments and promises to mankind, rather than a device for flawed judgment that expresses bias, partiality and prejudice, that accuses and condemns ones enemies, or that will reveal who is righteous before GOD and who is not. Through the life, death, and resurrection ministry of Jesus Christ, the meaning and value of circumcision has been transformed and made new. Consider again the following Scriptures that use language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps that appears below. It is written: Colossians 3: 9-14, King James Version (KJV): 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Why was god bothered with foreskins in the old testament?

If he hates foreskins so much, why did he create it?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6: 14-16, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Abraham In Divine Judgment (03/10/2019); Abraham Demonstrates Spiritual Growth (05/30/2018); The First “Chosen” People (05/03/2018); A Circumcision of Hearts (01/22/2018); Circumcision of Infant Boys (12/11/2017); Ye Are Abraham’s Seed (07/10/2015)

“Anonymous”, the covenant of circumcision began with the household of Abraham further signaled the divine transformation wherein mankind is to exist as the new creation. Many thoughtful Christian believers understand that removing the foreskin of the male penis is a representation of divinity refusing to depend on mechanical process among the living or that divinity must rely on natural law. Circumcision affirms the inheritance from divinity to mankind, and that man is to exist having continuous communication and interaction with the divine fullness. To that end, humanity is to receive fresh deposits and endowments of life essence (breath; spirit; word) and divine law imparted from the makeup of GOD. Circumcision serves as an assurance and sign that GOD is committed to those who bear this or other marks of his authority and image, and that divinity will fulfill all divine promise and prophecy. Created beings and living creatures are to exist as life companions to divinity, sacred offspring, and living vessels who contain divine substance. Removing the foreskin to identify those in covenant relationship with divinity makes visible their embodiment of spirit substance, and involves a mutual sharing of otherwise hidden revelation. Properly understood, circumcision foreshadows and is a step to the Incarnation where divinity appears on the earth using human form and life-process as Jesus Christ.

(1.) Genesis 18: 17-19, King James Version (KJV): 17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

(2.) Genesis 34: 24-30, KJV: 24 And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city. 25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males. 26 And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went out. 27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister. 28 They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field, 29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house. 30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.

(3.) 1^st Samuel 18: 25-29, KJV: 25 And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son in law: and the days were not expired. 27 Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king’s son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife. 28 And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul’s daughter loved him. 29 And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually.

(4.) 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO2Jj2Bff_4.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:22 PM, October 13, 2020 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DWHbKcmMYbE/hqdefault.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Abraham, Christian Beliefs, Circumcision, Covenants, Incarnation, Inheritance, Revelation, Signs, The Flesh, benefits, blood, embodiment, foreskin, injustice, offerings, new creation, presence, testimony

(10/03/2019) White People Becoming Atheists?

The image depicts oneness for the races and ethnicities.

Today, reply is on responses from Christians and people of color to increases, and threats of growing support for atheism, disbelief, and skepticism among Whites in America. Such elements as compassion, empathy, shared hardship, and shared service continue to operate as a bonding force among Americans along with ideas of brotherhood and fellowship that act as a lid preventing any overflow of conflict and confusion that might arise from plurality. Even where people of color have suffered discrimination, enslavement, genocide, and other forms of social injustice, they continue to regard it as contrary to their own authentic character and heritage as survivors on the earth to condemn others (no matter how outrageous their offenses) on the basis of skin-color and racial differences. As with Christian believers, there are those who prefer to forgive and forget; there are those who put the needs and well-being of the full community before their own. To abandon hope that others can receive salvation confesses despair, magnifies doubt, and promotes the lack of faith that oneself can be saved. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 12: 12-22, King James Version (KJV): 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?  20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.  21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee:  nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.  22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum, Society & Culture, Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Nine thugs made good” (Level 2 with 285 points, a member since September 07, 2019) posted the following:

Does it bother people of color knowing more and more white people are becoming atheists?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. (Acts 17: 24-29, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jesus Comes Back (06/20/2019); A Wall To Sanctify? (01/16/2019); Will There Be Diversity? (10/22/2017); George Washington Owned Slaves (08/17/2017); Laws Favoring the Poor? (03/06/2017); No Less GOD’s Creation (12/01/2016); The Provision Against Racists? (01/19/2016)

“Nine thugs made good”, the operations of bias, caste, disbelief, ethnic arrogance, lawlessness, prejudice, racism, and sin have long been interwoven and inseparable in the mind of Blacks and other people of color (e.g., Asians, Native Americans, Island peoples). Even so, issues of higher priority now exist for Christian believers, and for many people of color. Included are the Second Coming of Jesus Christ; the fulfillment of end time prophecies; changes to life on earth through global warming; and the frequency of catastrophic weather events. Focusing on our shared needs as the caretakers of the future has released many from the self-contradiction and stupidity that accompanies viewing life in the narrow terms of racial differences. Many are suppressing anger, despair, fear, or resentment; yet, unprovoked distress and confusion continue to be fostered such as we presently see when viewing foreign students and workers. (While in America many Hispanics and Latinos are acknowledged as white-skinned; because they may be immigrants and non-citizens, they also are treated as a minority and non-white.)

In the same way mature Christians are saddened to see the alarming number of young people who leave the church before they have become spiritually adult and mature, people of color recognize that hidden and unannounced changes are occurring in their shared opportunities and possibilities among Americans. The response by the church to its youth must be to become set apart (sanctified), to renew sacred knowledge, and to impart fresh spiritual resources to neutralize dysfunction, underdevelopment, and violence. The response of America to its diverse population also must be to become set apart from the manipulations of politics, and to renew the commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as one undivided Nation.

No one is blind or unfeeling regarding increased imbalance and instability. So to speak, without knowing what to call it, or how to describe it with words, we all can feel within our gut the difference between treatment that is righteous, and treatment that is wicked. Like the poor who are hungry for their own portion, and will use alternative behaviors to project the strength needed for survival, people of color around the world will refuse to overreact, and will continue to advance principles and values for family life, for lasting relationships, and for achieving prosperity. People of color will gladly endorse the standards and values of an America that also acknowledges and conforms to the doctrines and teachings of Christ. Few men who strive for honor and integrity will quarrel against being accountable to others, remaining interdependent, and accomplishing otherwise impossible goals through practices such as team work, mutual support, unselfish giving, and the patient endurance of suffering. All of us can correctly understand that cruelty, exaggerated pride, murder, and selfishness oppose the continued existence of the nation, of all life on the earth, and of life throughout the universe. Angry and bitter thrusts intended to antagonize a single poor man have the profound consequence of also fostering a return to the chaos, confusion, and streams of motion without direction that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 2^nd Timothy 3: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

(2.) Galatians 3: 27-29, KJV: 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

(3.) Colossians 3: 9-14, KJV: 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPC0iXFGyJM). 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

(12/03/2018) An Account of Persecution

The image depicts King Darius signing a decree that would damage and persecute the Prophet Daniel and the Jews in captivity.

Today, reply is on government, idolatry, law, and persecution. Government through a chief or monarch (e.g., king; emperor; pharaoh) was modeled after the divine institution of family ruled by patriarchs and sacred law that appeared through a priesthood administering offerings and sacrifices of blood. As the tribes of the Exodus sought to enter the promised land, the seer, Balaam, acknowledged that “the shout of a king” and “the strength of a unicorn” was among the tribes of Israel as though there was already a centralized government described by a crown and stable domain, led by a recognized champion, located by a fixed seat (the throne), and administered from a permanent residence (a castle keep). Joshua and the tribes removed more than 30 kings; yet, during the time of Samuel (who is called the last of the Judges, the first of the Prophets) the people demanded rule by a king who would be a civil officer. Israel rejected divine counsel that the errors and infirmity of temporal kings include greed, self-promotion, taxes, and waste. Thus, it is written: 1^st Samuel 8: 4-9, King James Version (KJV): 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. 7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. 9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “PeTer” (Level 3 with 1,478 points, a member since March 31, 2009) posted the following:

Daniel 6 Why would the king establish such a foolish law of worshiping him for 30 days?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. (Romans 13: 1-5, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: An Account of Lawlessness (11/16/2018); Called “The Anointed One” (05/08/2018); Politics and The Kingdom? (05/31/2017); The Peace to Endure? (03/28/2017); GOD’s Answer to Injustice? (04/28/2016); Martyrdom and Tribulation? (09/30/2015); GOD Rules (07/07/2015); A Price for Religious Liberty? (06/30/2015)

“PeTer”, it was not foolish; and the accounts on government that appear throughout the Scriptures should not be taken as discrete and unrelated. In those times, it was believed that the judgment of GOD would reside within the king; and the king would be an embodiment of the law. Yet, the demand that Daniel petition only the king is no less the persecution of his faith than a demand that he worship a huge image of gold erected on the plain of Dura. The account from the Book of Daniel that petitions and requests (we say, prayers) be made only of the king for a period of 30 days has generally been seen as expressing envy, personal conflict, malice, “dirty politics,” and exaggerated pride by rivals in government directed against the Prophet, who was one of three Presidents within a one-world empire. On surface, a temporary suspension of activity surrounding the many idols, vanities, and worship communities would encourage allegiance, assimilation, unification, and commitment to the state. The empire expanded by using military force, and relocating the manpower, resources, and skills from conquered states within its own territory. That such government and practice is contrary to divine intent, and eternal purpose is always covered and obscured by arguments for economic increase, improving the quality of life, and an insistence there will be peace. Where men rely on government and civil legislation for survival, they often respond to a man-made abomination where they otherwise flee from idols and idolatry. It remains that peace is the outcome of judgment, not war; and there must be resolution of conflict and settlement of disputes by applications of divine law. Persecution is systematic behavior by government endorsing or being manipulated by a religious establishment to destroy, legislate against, and undermine developing belief within new faith communities. Because of the cruelty and violence that appear, persecution often is labeled as injustice, the denial of religious liberty, oppression, and terrorism. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. 1^st Samuel 10: 17-21, King James Version (KJV): 17 And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; 18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: 19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands. 20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. 21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.

2. Isaiah 10: 1-3, KJV: 1 Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; 2 To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! 3 And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?

3. Daniel 4: 30-37, KJV: 30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? 31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. 32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws. 34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? 36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. 37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

4. Ecclesiastes 5: 8, KJV: 8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Ephesians 6: 10-17, KJV: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/23/2018) Childbearing Pertains to Judgment?

Today, reply is on childbearing being exclusive to women as showing divine bias, discrimination, prejudice, and social injustice.  Divine glory appears through existence and life, even so, the death sentence against the operations of sin within the first pair has not been dismissed, and has only been delayed.  The putting forth of life from life continues, and has been buttressed and reinforced through observances to rejoin women to their family and community, restore their purity, and provide fresh endowments of spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD for salvation.  It remains that the ability to conceive children, like rebirth and salvation, can appear as a sacred event, and an act of divine will not merely from human desire.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


Doesn’t the fact that only women have babies prove God is racist towards women! Shouldn’t childbearing be 50-50?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.  And Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel:  and he said, Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?  (Genesis 30:  1-2, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  We Begin Within GOD (02/06/2018); Two Become One Flesh (01/07/2018); The Gender of GOD? (12/29/2015); Strong Families? (11/10/2015); Gender and Salvation? (10/01/2015); The Glory of GOD? (06/23/2015); Saved in Childbearing? (10/31/2012); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012)


“Anonymous”, because of the fall of Adam (i.e., the name GOD used for both the male and the female), childbearing pertains to the mercy that may accompany and relieve condemnation (the death sentence) required by divine judgment.  Through grace, divine prerogative, and the sovereign will of GOD, mankind has been made mortal as the alternative to immediate imposition of what we now call the second death.  The issues are not those of caste, ethnicity, gender, and social economic standing.  There are differences in accountability for the male and female as well as aspects of eternal purpose, the exercise of dominion by mankind, populating and preserving the earth, and establishing permanent changes in the endowment of life essence (breath, spirit, Word) that was imparted to mankind.

Correctly understood, the death sentence was to be carried out against the woman, for she was the one who first demonstrated behavior that transgressed the divine law.  Her character, nature, and roles would have weight in determining multiple sacred operations that include rebirth, repentance, reconciliation, regeneration, and renewal.  The serpent should be recognized as an accessory before the act through deception, exhortation, and providing false information; while the male was an accessory in amplifying the offense by flight and hiding along with refusing to cooperate with the divine investigation, and her apprehension after the act.  Where a plate glass window has been shattered by a brick during a riot, the person who threw the brick has accountability along with the person that handed her the brick, those who urged her to throw it, those who gave counsel to run, and those who aided her flight from justice (her get-away).

In accord with the divine pattern established for other living creatures, the female was created to serve the male as his life companion, and to be his partner in reproducing their kind.  Unlike angels, animals, insects, or sacred beasts that are alive in heaven, by existing as the life companion to the male, the female also became a life companion to divinity.  It was to be the privilege of the pair to share with one another and their offspring inseparable aspects from the makeup of immortal, incorruptible GOD.  Included were faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Because our salvation is not on the basis of our having complete knowledge, or power through self-will that can establish permanent change in our own makeup, many make the error of thinking they may accuse GOD, and render judgment against the Creator.  They are blind to the subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden and sudden shifts of meaning, quality, and value) within all sacred process, and fail to bring to their judgment such divine tools as balance, completeness, humility, impartiality, perfection, and righteousness.  It is not that GOD is indifferent to the carnal, material, secular, and social needs of men and women; or is partial only to one gender.  Divine love coupled with inheritance and the provisions of mercy (that may only be obtained when submitting to judgment) have established childbearing as a “conditional release” from condemnation along with the menstrual cycle of blood to purge the conscience, set a woman apart for use by GOD (sanctification), serve as a personal memorial of the cross and the Savior’s blood shed for atonement and remission of sin, and to stand out as an aspect of their rededication to GOD.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Timothy 2:  13-15, King James Version (KJV):  13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.  14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.  15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

(2.)  Leviticus 12:  1-7,KJV:  1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,  2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child:  then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.  3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.  4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.  5 But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation:  and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days.  6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:  7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.

(3.)  Hebrews 9:  13-24, KJV:  13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:  14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.  17 For a testament is of force after men are dead:  otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.  18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.  19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,  20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.  21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.  22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.  23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.  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:

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, childbearing is not a punishment, it is an aspect of blessing and inheritance:  (4.)  Psalms 127:  3-5, KJV:  3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:  and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:  they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/28/2016) GOD's Answer to Injustice?

The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross as a divine provision for healing and justice is in view, today.  By establishing faith, hope (i.e., specific sacred expectations), and victory over death through resurrection and ascension, the cross serves as the remedy for multiple evils among believers and within the society at large.  The disciples of the Lord are further equipped to meet challenges that include being falsely accused, betrayal, inequality, oppression, poverty, pretension, presumption, slander, and tyranny.  Divinity is by no means blind, indifferent, unaware, or uncaring.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Gift” (Level 1 with 73 points, a member since March 31, 2016) posted the following:

What is God's encouragement for those disheartened because of injustice ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:  (he is Lord of all:)  That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:  who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.  And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;  Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.  And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.  (Acts 10:  36-42, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Trust and The Cross? (04/20/2016); The World and The Cross? (04/19/2016); A Guarantee of Judgment? (04/15/2016); Enduring As A Believer? (12/06/2015); All Is Vanity? (07/28/2015); Assurances of Salvation? (10/07/2013); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013)

“Gift”, for many the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross has been only a spark that kindles the fires of bereavement, condemnation, loss, and sorrow.  The Lord was arrested, provoked, and falsely accused before the High Priest and Sanhedrin court.  He also was tried, mocked, and scourged by Herod and by Pontius Pilate, representing the civil law of Judea, and the Roman empire.  Even so, in the plan of GOD to make Deity fully knowable, and correctly known to created beings and living creatures, the cross is the foremost answer from GOD addressing the vast range of needs for affirmation, comfort, empathy, and encouragement.  Mature Christians trust that, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood, correction, and truth from the cross continue to flow to here and now.  Like mercy, justice is a rubric of judgment—restoring balance and peace by applying divine law (i.e., the expressed will of GOD) to resolve conflict and settle disputes.  Justice and mercy become accessible only by entering into judgment, and are never the outcome of reprisal, retribution, and revenge.  The outcome of judgment always is blessing.  The demands of judgment include agreement, attention to detail, authority, balance, completeness, corroboration, discipline, discovery, humility, impartiality, lawfulness, order, righteousness, truth, and unity.  Injustice (simply put, unfair treatment) relates to bias, denial of benefits, oppression, persecution, prejudice, and violation of ones privileges and rights established through law.  It is faith and the promises of GOD that allow believers to close their spirit to injustice.  Thus, the cross also should be respected as an assurance that divinity will prevail over all corruption, cruelty, violence, and miscarriage of judgment.  Consider again how these ideas are shared using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Malachi 3:  13-18, King James Version (KJV):  13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?  14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God:  and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?  15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.  16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another:  and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.  17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.  18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

(2.)  Romans 5:  17-19, KJV:  17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

(3.)  Ecclesiastes 5:  8, KJV:  8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter:  for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Exodus 34:  4-8, KJV:  4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.  5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.  6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,  7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.  8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/28/2015) All Is Vanity?

Scripture points are shared, today, to clarify King Solomon’s prophetic use of the terms vain, vanity, and under the sun.  Solomon, Job, Jeremiah and others throughout the holy writings take up the themes of aging, life’s brevity, arbitrary change (we also say, evil; unasked for, unintended, unnecessary, unplanned change), death, inheritance, mortality, and sin as fixed conditions that introduce despair, frustration, injustice, imbalance, impracticality, and ungodliness.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Risa” (Level 2 with 982 points, a member since January 18, 2010) posted the following:


What did Solomon mean when saying that everything is vanity under the sun?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.  For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.  Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing:  this hath more rest than the other.  Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good:  do not all go to one place?  All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.  For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?  Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire:  this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.  That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man:  neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.  Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?  For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?  (Ecclesiastes 6:  3-12, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Gift of Life Despised? (10/13/2014); The Life That Endures (10/14/2014); Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013); Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013)


“Risa”, in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, doctrines, events, objects, persons, things, and traditions labeled vain lack divine spirit substance, therefore, they are ephemeral, fruitless, pointless, short-lived, temporary, transient, unable to provide salvation or satisfaction, unproductive, and a waste of time.  A vanity may be an idol or man-made object that is worshiped as containing a god, or serving as its agent and representative.  The phrase under the sun means throughout the earth, everywhere within the sphere of life for mankind, among the living.  Despite what appears to be a rant from the King, Solomon is called “the Preacher” because, in addition to prophetically describing the human predicament—that apart from the Creator, the creation is finite, limited, and without eternal purpose—Solomon points out the brevity, injustice, and repeated frustration of mankind’s expectations generated by flesh (i.e., appetite, sensation, emotion/mental functions, mortality).   Following are some Scriptures to consider for a complete Christian understanding of Ecclesiastes and other writings where the terms vain and vanity appear:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 5:  11, KJV:  11 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain:  for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 32:  45-47, KJV:  45 And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel:  46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.  47 For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life:  and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

(3.)  1st Samuel 12:  20-22, KJV:  20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not:  ye have done all this wickedness:  yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;  21 And turn ye not aside:  for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.  22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake:  because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

(4.)  Psalms 89:  46-48, KJV:  46 How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?  47 Remember how short my time is:  wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?  48 What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.

(5.)  1st Corinthians 15:  12-15, 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.

(6.)  James 1:  25-27, KJV:  25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.  26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example (7.)  Jeremiah 10:  14-16, KJV:  14 Every man is brutish in his knowledge:  every founder is confounded by the graven image:  for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.  15 They are vanity, and the work of errors:  in the time of their visitation they shall perish.  16 The portion of Jacob is not like them:  for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance:  The LORD of hosts is his name.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/14/2014) The Life That Endures

More is shared in response to the complaint that life has no genuine substance, is pointless, and is vain.  Like Job and Solomon, even anointed prophets such as Jeremiah and Elijah have struggled against the brevity of life, its futility and injustice, and what seems its arbitrary course of events.  It is the truth that all human achievement now is subject to annihilation, corruption, decay, decline, reversal, and ruin.  Nevertheless, through Jesus Christ, many created beings and living creatures will become known as acceptable works of GOD, and will endure as eternal, everlasting, immortal, and incorruptible.


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Gift of Life Despised? (10/13/2014)—(4.)  Many Christian believers entered into a relationship to acknowledge GOD seeking relief from their anguish, loss, pain and suffering.  It was not because they understood all the preaching and teaching about GOD, or all the details of sacred law and Revelation.  They reached a point where they confessed having a deep need within their own lives for the assurances, cleansing, new life, possibilities and power proclaimed by GOD through Jesus Christ.  Like the account of Adam and Eve, the record of Lucifer and the angels of heaven who followed him are provided to show that failing to correctly value the gifts from GOD result in their being denied to you.  There are many precious blessings with GOD that none may ever earn for themselves by begging or pleading, by hard work and worry, by weeping and crying.  Included are covenant, faith, forgiveness, fellowship, healing, holiness, immortality, incorruption, divine law, love, prosperity, respect, the imparted Spirit (some say, breath of life, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth), trust, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  See Micah 6:  8, Psalms 34:  7-8, Zechariah 8:  16-17, Matthew 7:  6-8 and 13-14, 1st Corinthians 2:  9-13 and 1st Peter 3:  10-12, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness:  and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.  Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.  For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.  Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me:  for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.  Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun:  because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.  And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.  Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.  For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.  For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?  For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.  There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.  For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?  For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy:  but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.  (Ecclesiastes 2:  14-26, KJV)


There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  Ones experience of eternal life must begin as an acceptance of salvation through Christ within the present time frame, and is not merely to be thought of as a far off, future event.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC