(02/01/2021) The Place of History

Historians and poets are called to serve no less than griots, prophets, those who can reveal, the unseen levels of truth surrounding events and lives. Because the accountability, process and substance they bring to market are priceless, seeking their wares requires deep humility, respect, and wisdom provided by the universe. The following original poem is offered in exchange during Black History Month 2021 and is titled, The Place of History. It is written: Ecclesiastes 7: 9-12, King James Version (KJV): 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Acts 17: 23-31, King James Version (KJV): 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 24 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; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 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; 27 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: 28 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. 29 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. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: So Help Me GOD! (01/22/2021); The “History” Of Christ (10/08/2019); Black History Month, 2019 (02/24/2019); Arrayed In Sacred Favor (02/25/2018); Bloody Sunday -- Black History (02/14/2018); Black History -- Johannesburg Gold (02/05/2018); Secular History, Sacred Revelation? (01/11/2018); The American Covenant? (03/03/2015)

THE PLACE OF HISTORY

A Poem for Black History Month, February 2021

Talking History can not be cheap-talk and talking smack.

There are some who say the place of History

must be the mind, and not the heart. For the

heart is turned too easily by keys of feeling,

passion, archtypal hopes, and fantasies, the wisps

of legend and dream, all ancient power

magic, death, and lies. The mind engages knowing

as a firmament and platform to continue sacred order

and imparted consciousness. What is uttered

breathed as spirit, poured forth as word

the sound of many waters finds focus firm

direction, through desire, strength by action

with presence and fulfilment, and must explain itself

when historians and poets are no longer there to defend.

America cannot be the primary place for our History

for our trek has been like that of the Hottentots

who rose from the South of Continent exploring north to

east, east to south, and sowing Amazulu seed

and returned the way they came till times of Diaspora.

Ours has been a truth declared by drum,

right-knowing, and shared by foot, by tongue

by brighter minds, by stars that lead to freedom

by sorrow songs and chants of victory.

This place where Senates dripping shame

bitch-slap the Nation day-by-day

announce the verdict of impeachment trials

two months before any evidence is heard or the

Judge has banged the gavel to begin

can be no home of righteousness, where sin

called by its proper name is “sin”.

Should Black Americans endorse as truth

I’m right when I’m wrong, because...​?

I’m Republican, I’m elected, I am wealthy, I am white.

The claim we’ve made is not to be dismissed,

ignored or perverted because some clearly have lost

their way, and more than ever stand in need of what

we have to say.

History does not dictate our purpose; we often err and may become misguided. Without our contribution there is no USA.

Our History is written into the life of every nation on the earth

speaking, yes, about our ancestors as well of

future daughters and our sons. Those claiming part

in this universe must acknowledge inseparable facts of

life. A single Creator, with no Big Bang or

expanding time and space void of genuine purpose.

We have pitied those in confusion whose maturity is not yet

come, yet we will not let their chaos reign. Black History continues

and the Chronicles of heaven must contain us until

all eternal purpose has been done.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Ecclesiastes 3: 14-17. King James Version (KJV): 14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. 15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. 16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. 17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:32 PM, January 31, 2021 @ https://talkingdrumsblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/african-diaspora_slave-trade.gif

©Michael Andrew Williams, 2021. All rights reserved.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/19/2020) GOD Made The World

Confusion and error may result by using language as a name or title for GOD that identifies divinity as associated with specific ethnic groups, individuals, and geographic locations. When reading the holy writings, the preposition “of” can appear indicating a specific origin or source (e.g., the epistle of Paul = “from” Paul), or “of” will indicate an owner (gods of the nations = “from” belonging to). Such phrases as “the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob” and “the God of our fathers” suggest that divinity is a material property concieved, owned, possesed, and shared among mankind as ones inheritance. Today, Israel is used as the name of a modern democracy among the nations in the Middle East, the name of a foremost patriarch and heir from Abraham among the Hebrews as well as the name that was used for the Northern Kingdom (also called Samaria) that was established by the ten tribes who became a separate state when they rejected Rehoboam, son of Solomon, and refused further rule by the House of David. It is written: Revelation 14: 6-7, King James Version (KJV): 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Owner Of All Cosmos&Universes” (Level 1 with 1 point) posted the following:

The God of Israel is the God of Israel. Why would you worship the God of Israel if you are a Canadian, American, etc.?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (Genesis 2: 1-3, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Both Existence and Life (12/11/2020); The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); “What if” and “Maybe” (10/20/2020); Why So Many Churches? (10/17/2020); Jews In Perpetual Covenant? (09/20/2020); The Sons Of GOD? (07/19/2020); Why Is Passover Important? (03/01/2020)

“Owner Of All Cosmos&Universes”, for many mature Christian believers the divine fullness we speak of as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit has created the heaven and earth as well as all that have existence and life. Existing as spirit in form and substance, GOD can not be defined using the same finite human measures used to describe insitutions that emerge through social exchange and interaction, such material objects on the earth as governments, kingdoms, nations, or the things within time and space (e.g., ages, eras, events, locations, periods). Consider again the following that presents Christian belief using language found in the Bible:

(1.) Acts 17: 24-31, King James Version (KJV): 24 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; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 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; 27 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: 28 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. 29 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. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

(2.) Ephesians 4: 4-6, KJV: 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:25 AM, December 19, 2020 @ http://hethathasanear.com/images/dove-priests.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/22/2020) Explaining The Earlier Covenants

 The images of Abraham (left) and Jesus Christ (right) are shown together acknowledging the connection among the diverse covenants through Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ.

Covenant practices and signs are in view, today, responding to a question on the frequent discussions of circumcision that appear from the Apostle Paul. The early church was required to demonstrate that they were anchored in the sacred knowledge displayed among the temple elders and the Rabbis. Paul began his apostolic ministry within the synagogues by appealing to believers among those who regularly attended. At first, belief in Christ was put forth as only a further expression of GOD’s covenant promises granted to the Jews. However, many of those who escaped from captivity and exile became grounded in tradition, and were determined to restore and preserve the covenant of Moses along with the Torah as what earlier had been provided as the highest blessings from GOD. Circumcision that had been bestowed on Abraham and his household as a mark of covenant relationship was not correctly acknowledged by the time of Moses, nor was circumcision uniformly practiced when divinity appeared on the earth using human form and life-process as Jesus Christ. Christ received circumcision as part of his inheritance and authentic humanity. Even so, circumcision was never intended by divinity as an outward mark of approval and consecration, or as a mark of disgrace and humiliation. Authentic sanctification (being set apart to serve divinity) appears by conformity to covenant law and sacred practices (e.g., observing the Sabbath; tithing; using the prayer shawl); and while circumcision is to be a visible declaration of commitment to relationship with divinity, a man will display his circumcision to fewer than 100 others during his entire lifetime (e.g., companions, doctors, family, etc.). It is written: Romans 4: 8-16, 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. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “ShalloWhale” (Level 6 with 18,373 points) posted the following:

Why is circumcision mentioned so much in the Bible?

Why was it so important that the Apostle Paul kept referring to it?

Updated 1 hour ago:

Is it a sloppy intrusion by male culture into a sacred text?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8: 52-58, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); The Foreskin And Circumcision? (10/13/2020); Do We Follow Paul? (10/01/2020); Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Heaven Speaks Using Mankind (09/15/2019); No Wall of Partition (07/05/2019); Scripture Has No Ethnicity (05/27/2019)

“Shallowhale”, your focus is on the flesh, not the Spirit. Just as Christian believers today are to share with skeptics and sinners who seek new lives that release them from the operations of sin, the Apostle Paul was repeatedly challenged to explain what appeared as hidden connections among the operations of divinity through Jesus Christ and the earlier proclamations, sacred promises, and prophecies from GOD. Circumcision was granted to Abraham as a visible sign of covenant relationship between immortal, incorruptible, unseen divinity and mankind. GOD was to be acknowledged as more than an abstract Creator and Maker; divinity was to exist in continuing relationship through spirit process and substance imparted from the makeup of GOD that included balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, mercy for those found guilty in judgment, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The covenant of Moses that followed some 400 years later provided the divine presence through sacred law, identity as a sacred nation, and as a divine instrument to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of GOD. By focusing on the law as the foremost of all divine blessing, many mistakenly rejected and refused to receive and embody an indwelling spirit that would remove the obstacles continued by finite flesh (e.g., appetite; mind; sensation; self-will (willpower) ). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Jeremiah 31: 31-37, King James Version (KJV): 31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. 35 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: 36 If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. 37 Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

(2.) Galatians 3: 16-18, KJV: 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

(3.) Galatians 3: 26-29, KJV: 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Hebrews 10: 28-29, 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?) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:26 AM, November 22, 2020 @ https://oneway2day.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/abraham-jesus-sm.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20201122033207AAB3Y1P

(03/17/2020) "Because You Are Believers"

Today, reply is on the church of Jesus Christ being the successor to Israel as the “chosen nation” of GOD that appears within divine prophecy and revelation. While the holy writings describe the rise and fall of material nations on the earth such that specific cultures and states are identifiable to students of secular history, politics, and world events, for Christian believers, the focus is properly that of participating within a spiritual body whose members will exist on the earth throughout eternity. It is written: Romans 8: 5-9, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition) [NWT]: 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh,+ but those who live according to the spirit, on the things of the spirit.+ 6 For setting the mind on the flesh means death,+ but setting the mind on the spirit means life and peace;+ 7 because setting the mind on the flesh means enmity with God,+ for it is not in subjection to the law of God, nor, in fact, can it be. 8 So those who are in harmony with the flesh cannot please God. 9 However, you are in harmony, not with the flesh, but with the spirit,+ if God’s spirit truly dwells in you. But if anyone does not have Christ’s spirit, this person does not belong to him. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “TeeM” (Level 7 with 9,141 points) posted the following:

Who is the nation that replaced the nation of Israel as God's chosen people?

(Matthew 21:43) “43 This is why I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits. . .”

(1 Peter 2:7-10) “7 It is to you, therefore, that he is precious, because you are believers; but to those not believing, “the stone that the builders rejected, this has become the chief cornerstone” 8 and “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They are stumbling because they are disobedient to the word. To this very end they were appointed. 9 But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies” of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 For you were once not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not been shown mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But I say, Keep walking by spirit+ and you will carry out no fleshly desire at all.+ For the flesh is against the spirit in its desire, and the spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you do not do the very things you want to do.+ Furthermore, if you are being led by spirit, you are not under law. Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality,*+ uncleanness, brazen conduct,*+ idolatry, spiritism,*+ hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, envy, drunkenness,+ wild parties,* and things like these.+ I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.+ On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,* kindness, goodness,+ faith, mildness, self-control.+ Against such things there is no law. Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.+ If we are living by spirit, let us also go on walking orderly by spirit.+ (Galatians 5: 16-25, NWT)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Acknowledging Christ as Son (03/08/2020); TWO Kinds of People? (02/21/2020); Disciples and “Little Christs” (11/05/2019); How GOD Speaks Today (12/10/2018); The First “Chosen” People (05/03/2018); Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth? (07/10/2016); Divine Inheritance and Resurrection? (07/06/2016); Thoughts On The Kingdom? (11/18/2015)

“TeeM”, many mature Christian believers acknowledge the “holy nation” spoken of in the Scriptures is not a kingdom or sovereign state identified by geopolitical boundaries and land measurements, rather it is the church, the new creation of the Son of GOD. Through Jesus Christ, the present day operations of divinity among mankind may be understood as in a season of grace and reconciliation that is spirit in process and substance. Mankind is not being challenged with mysteries and questions that require years of academic instruction and secular research. Rather, humanity has been granted a revelation whereby otherwise invisible and unknown aspects of divinity are made accessible, alive, approachable, and indwelling. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, mankind now may receive a fresh endowment of the same life essence (breath; spirit; word) that was imparted to Adam at Creation from the makeup of GOD. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness are imparted that include balance, commitment, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. As vessels of divine DNA (so to speak), believers are to exist and mature on the earth as the children and heirs of GOD until the appearing of Jesus Christ to harvest the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition) [NWT]:

(1.) John 18: 33-37, NWT: 33 So Pilate entered the governor’s residence again and called Jesus and said to him: “Are you the King of the Jews?”+ 34 Jesus answered: “Are you asking this of your own originality, or did others tell you about me?” 35 Pilate replied: “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What did you do?” 36 Jesus answered:+ “My Kingdom is no part of this world.+ If my Kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews.+ But as it is, my Kingdom is not from this source.” 37 So Pilate said to him: “Well, then, are you a king?” Jesus answered: “You yourself are saying that I am a king.+ For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.+ Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.”+

(2.) Romans 10: 1-4, NWT: 10 Brothers, the goodwill of my heart and my supplication to God for them are indeed for their salvation.+ 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God,+ but not according to accurate knowledge. 3 For because of not knowing the righteousness of God+ but seeking to establish their own,+ they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.+ 4 For Christ is the end of the Law,+ so that everyone exercising faith may have righteousness.+

(3.) Ephesians 2: 18-22, NWT: 18 because through him we, both peoples, have free access to the Father by one spirit. 19 So you are no longer strangers and foreigners,+ but you are fellow citizens+ of the holy ones and are members of the household of God,+ 20 and you have been built up on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,+ while Christ Jesus himself is the foundation cornerstone.+ 21 In union with him the whole building, being harmoniously joined together,+ is growing into a holy temple for Jehovah.* + 22 In union with him you too are being built up together into a place for God to inhabit by spirit.+

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 18: 33-37, KJV: 33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Citations from the NWT Translation of the Bible were downloaded 11:56 AM to 1:15 PM, March 16, 2020 from the Watchtower Online Library site @ https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/40/21#study=discover&v=40:21:43. New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition). Copyright © 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/12/2020) The Meaning Of "Persecution"

Today, guidance and thoughts are shared on oppression, persecution, and suffering endured by followers of Jesus Christ. Spiritual discernment must be used to obtain relief from persecution, and to recognize and respond to the victory of Jesus Christ over persecution. Governments may operate as a godlike, invincible, all powerful, unseen actor. Persecution occurs as a conflict among two or more powerful belief systems (e.g., a religious and a government power). More than simply bribery, petty crimes, dishonest behavior, and misrepresentation by individual sinners who work in government should come into view, for during persecution official policies and procedures are altered in order to systematically destroy and suppress alternative belief systems. As a form of belief system themselves, nations and states are vulnerable to manipulation by religious powers because, only by abiding in obedience and genuine respect to godly law do nations escape confusion, self-destruction, ruin, and sin. The Constitution of the United States extends freedom of conscience to those acknowledging Jesus Christ as their Savior as well as to those who are atheists, to disbelievers in Christianity, to Satanists, and to those committed to other belief systems and forms of faith. Even so, all Americans are held to the same standards for co-existence, peaceful exchange, public order, and shared respect. When Christians focus more on tribulation spoken of in prophecy, rather than on the soon coming of Christ, many are quick to sound an alarm against persecution. Developing Christians, and those who are not members of the church, complain and make false accusations that the church is now enduring persecution and suffering; and they protest that the church will not be able to survive within the present World system that relies on carnal reason, philosophy, science, secular knowledge, technology, and violence. While the church is to be vigilant, life experience on the earth demands that the living regularly engage in meaningful activity, be nourished, work, and rest. That we exist within communities composed of multiple ethnic groups, of those who use different languages, and of those on varying levels of economic, intellectual, and social growth is not a condition of oppression and persecution. That we as individuals are not immediately rewarded or shown favor for every act of kindness we perform; that we encounter seasons of hardship; that we must go to school and pay for education, tools, and training; that we are required to work long hours; and will be held accountable for finding and maintaining necessary food, shelter, and clean water for ourselves, family, or other companions are not examples of persecution or suffering. Neither is it persecution that many of us come under obligation to fulfill unpleasant duties; are pressured to divulge secrets and speak truth continually; and may daily come under various forms of challenge, judgment, review and testing. It is written: Galatians 4: 28-29, King James Version (KJV): 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it. Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble. (Psalms 10: 2-12, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Kings, Popes, Priests, Prophets? (09/22/2019); Suffering Among the Saved (03/12/2019); Divine Fruit From Suffering? (12/19/2018); An Account of Persecution (12/03/2018); Fear Them Not Therefore (12/29/2017); Testing and Divine Process (06/12/2017); A Price for Religious Liberty? (06/30/2015)

Cases of persecution on the earth must be tried in the higher courts of heaven. Ordinarily, we think of government and religion as contrary to one another, and like oil and water, should not be mixed. In the same way “hate crimes” are easy to recognize, yet are very difficult to prosecute in courts on the earth, government damage by offenses against divinity and from “persecution” may be strongly felt by Christian believers and throughout a community of faith, yet, credible cases and claims demanding relief are difficult to bring before the courts maintained among mankind. Mature Christian believers acknowledge persecution as more than simple human bullying, meddling, incompetence, or hidden interpersonal conflict anchored in the meanness, exaggerated pride, and selfishness existing between individuals who are known to one another. During periods of persecution, confusion, deceit, distrust, fear, helplessness, and hopelessness may prevail. Thrusts that on surface are acceptable, justified and legitimate are made against the continued existence of divine law, against operations of the Holy Spirit, and against the church as a living sacred presence.

When there is persecution, a strong religious coalition influences, manipulates, and uses human government as a tool to suppress the doctrine, growth, and practice of other religious groups. Persecution is a form of widespread lawlessness that encourages bias, despair, discrimination, inequality, irreverence, prejudice, and racism. To disrupt ongoing operations of a targeted assembly, the government is used to cover up and disguise malfeasance and fraud, decree malicious legislation, authorize excessive law enforcement practices, pursue espionage, and seize the belongings and property of others. Individuals in positions of authority, leadership and trust within the targeted groups may be assassinated, corrupted, incarcerated, publicly tried and executed, slandered or tortured, and their families may be divided and separated. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Dietrick Haddon with Donnie McClurkin:

(1.) Matthew 5: 10-12, King James Version (KJV): 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

(2.) 2^nd Timothy 3: 12, KJV: 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

(3.) Acts 13: 49-50, KJV: 49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

(4.) Ephesians 6: 10-13, 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v0GNf6haCIA.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:00 AM, February 11, 2020 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvT-dOPhmWkgF2CLkaisw8MvgkOyPnD59ZyjEz5j0D-S4_W8bSsQI7nxnX0Dq6y4UEBjSdYiJyfK-K5BCvYpJYv-Ja1P5Au47lPJ2q0yZkrodN0Ep9DqtYBY3jjgY8Xe3FEslobpVvBRo/s1600/UNCLE-SAM-PRAYING.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/13/2019) Unprofitable and Vain Questions

Today, reply is on using genealogy and secular knowledge to argue and debate concerning Jesus Christ as Messiah. GOD has used family as a major tool to establish existence and life. Can the high levels of acceptance, accountability, commitment, discipline, love, respect, and trust that should appear within human families also appear within the family of GOD? In the same way Adam and the device of family were used by GOD as a sacred tool to populate the entire earth, the family and household of Abraham were chosen as a tool to transform the earth, and a single family, that of Jacob, was selected to exist among the nations as a kingdom in covenant with GOD. Even so, those focusing on carnal, material, practical, and social things often become overwhelmed by misinformation and spiritual confusion. Through operations of divinity, Christian believers acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Son of GOD and the promised primary heir to divinity who is granted the double portion of the full inheritance to complete the “unfinished business” left by the benefactor. Even during the life of Jesus on earth under the government of Rome, the goal of restoring united Israel with a return to the “golden age” led by King David continued as an imperative within the culture. The law was believed to favor those promoting themselves as a Jew (i.e., one whose origin was Jerusalem; one from the tribes of Benjamin, Judah, or Levi; those having identity as Hellenized Jews, and legally a Greek or Roman citizen). Family background was carefully examined for those released from captivity and exile imposed first by the Assyrians, then, by the Babylonians, Persians, Medes, etc. Renewal of the Levitical priesthood required proof of ones lineage to the point that marriage contracts made with Gentiles were annulled, children from “mixed” marriages were disinherited, and there were exhaustive efforts to trace property ownership. It is written: 1^st Timothy 6: 17-21, KJV: 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. One of the many fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.?

Is this a confession that Christianity has failed to prove Jesus had any lineage to be the Jewish Messiah?

How are they "unprofitable and worthless"?

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: Divinity Embodied In Flesh (12/30/2018); A Descendant of David? (03/18/2018); The First Common Ancestor? (05/24/2017); A Curse Removed (12/26/2013); Intercession (12/27/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Why GOD Does Not Tell All (09/11/2013)

“Anonymous”, the authentic humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ are known and correctly acknowledged only through operations by the Holy Spirit, and by believers receiving a fresh endowment of life essence (we say, breath; spirit; divine substance; word). Using finite tools of human intellect, logic, and willpower, there can only be well-meaning conversations and discussions that rely on carnal reason, history, philosophy, politics, science, and secular knowledge that do not respond to the multiple streams of sacred truth. There are many subtleties (barely visible differences; hidden and sudden shifts in meaning and value) that contribute to spiritual confusion including tracing inheritance, property ownership, and transfers of wealth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

1. Exodus 4: 22-24, King James Version (KJV): 22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: 23 And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.

2. In the plan of GOD for ancient Israel, there were to be no disputes about property ownership and the transfer of wealth. The economy of their nation was to be stable, and every family received an allotment of land and resources that were to be maintained in perpetuity by sacred law that included provisions for assistance to the poor as well as for sale and recovery of the land (redemption; jubilee).

3. The lawful inheritance of Jesus Christ as a son of man included the provision of a “promised land” established through promises to Abraham, acknowledgment by divinity as a son of GOD by the proclamation of GOD through Moses, and the covenant to continue dynasty and rule over the people of GOD as a nation on the earth through one from the house of David.

4. Hebrews 8: 7-12, KJV: 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

5. Isaiah 63: 16, KJV: 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1chIw0lq3qc.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:05 PM, November 12, 2019 @ www.homesteadessentials.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/8e26a607badda9d70853fc8c1cb6b15a-bible-verses-quotes-scriptures.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/10/2019) Patriotic Songs To Worship?

This Sunday, as the observance of Veterans Day approaches in America, November 11, 2019, reply is on the use of patriotic songs during Christian worship. The Spirit imparted to make divinity present and knowable is different from a man or woman’s fighting spirit, esprit de corps, pride, the sense of brotherhood, and the special camaraderie among soldiers and others who together are the defenders of homes, communities, and states (we say, emergency first responders, militia, police). It is not an error or transgression of sacred law that men unite as a geopolitical nation or sovereign state appealing to GOD for benefits, blessings, deliverance, and privilege. Also, achievements, hardship, mourning, suffering, and victory all are to be celebrated and lifted up to GOD by united peoples. Even so, the church of Jesus Christ is to operate on earth as ambassadors from the kingdom of heaven. Men, women, and children are to become filled with spirit substance from the makeup of GOD. As though they had no other country of origin, or place of birth other than heaven, sinners will be set apart to exist as life companions to divinity by their repentance and acceptance of permanent change. As those “born again”, sanctified and vessels of divine fullness, developing Christian believers will be acknowledged as “peculiar” because of their godly lifestyle and daily routines, rather than for their business, family, political, or social affiliation. It is written: 2^nd Acts 17: 24-31, King James Version (KJV): 24 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; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 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; 27 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: 28 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. 29 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. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

At Mass, should we Really be singing patriotic songs instead of worshiping God?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the grace of God that bringer salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2: 11-14, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Kings, Popes, Priests, Prophets? (09/22/2019); Messiah Already Has Come (04/14/2019); Being A Holy Nation (02/20/2018); Eternal Praise and Worship? (01/30/2018); Righteousness Exalts A Nation (07/04/2017); Politics and The Kingdom? (05/31/2017); Beliefs, Customs and Racism? (09/24/2014); GOD Speaking Through Song? (11/01/2013); Why Not One Bible? (11/02/2013)

“Anonymous”, among Christians, activities and gatherings for worship must address a broad range of needs within the community of believers, and are intended to provide encouragement, guidance, and nourishment to those having multiple levels of commitment, maturity, need, and understanding. The up-tempo music of the marching band, patriotic songs, and sermons to rouse the elan and shared national spirit are often used in church services with the intent of crystallizing and expressing gratitude, hope (i.e., an expected end; the fulfillment of divine promise), joy, and all the other inseparable aspects of spirit endowment from the makeup of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

In Christian gatherings for sacred acknowledgment and praise, there should be no effort by worship leaders to influence politics and social platforms, or to identify and make thrusts against other ethnic and racial groups, other nations, or those having different national origins. Rather than a focus on carnal reasoning, material objects and social behavior, the primary focus is to fellowship with and through Jesus Christ. Sinners who return to GOD through the salvation offered by his Son are not approved on the basis of their nationality, tribe, skin color, employment, poverty, wealth, or their status as citizens and immigrants. Born-again believers are granted fresh endowments of life essence and are to exist as the new creation. Developing believers are to receive Christ-likeness, eternal purpose, mercy in judgment, justification, and glorification through an ongoing relationship that will continue even despite the occurrence of death. Prayer that includes confession of errors, faith, and material needs should appear along with prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, and exhortation). Thanksgiving may be made and memorials for specific events in ones collective and public life as well as ones personal and private life. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 1^st Chronicles 16: 8-12, King James Version (KJV): 8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

(2) 1^st John 1: 1-10, KJV: 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(3.) Hebrews 10: 23-27, KJV: 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D02LsAp8xow.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 7:40 AM, November 10, 2019 @ https://2012patriot.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/one-nation-under-god.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/14/2019) Messiah Already Has Come

Messiah – Christ - “anointed one”

Today, the reply acknowledges that the Messiah promised from GOD has appeared in the person of Jesus Christ; also, Judaism and the process of full divine revelation are briefly considered along with the workings of sacred spirit imparted to Christian believers from the makeup of full divinity. Included are faith, holiness, joy, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Carnal history, secular events and eye-witness accounts that fulfill divine proclamations, promises, and prophecies recorded in the holy writings are not the primary anchor of Christian belief. The active presence of the Holy Spirit itself is received as a fresh endowment of life essence from the makeup of GOD that establishes certain knowledge, and conviction for all sacred truth. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Hindusufi” (Level 7 with 66,245 points, a member since April 09, 2011) posted the following:

Do you agree, the real Messiah is only for Jews and has yet to make an appearance?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. (John 1: 40-41, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Is With Us (03/15/2019); Faith Throughout the Scriptures? (01/04/2019); Sinners Must Become Convicted (11/27/2018); Christ Rejected By Pharisees? (06/17/2018); Called “The Anointed One” (05/08/2018); Sadducees and The Cross? (03/13/2016); Convicted By His Humility (09/10/2015); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); How To Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Lives Today? (11/25/2012)

“Hindusufi”, it is an aspect of full faith within most mature Christians that Jesus already has appeared among mankind as the Messiah promised from divinity who would rule over the people of GOD upon the earth. In agreement with the truth that GOD is immutable and unchanging, the operations and process of GOD include the use of diversity and one-time events that may be displayed through different presentations to establish their continuing presence and value. There are multiple streams of sacred truth recorded in the holy writings that include proclamations, promises, and prophecy concerning Messiah. The earliest is acknowledged as the assurances granted to Adam, the first pair; is continued in the vision and covenant relationship bestowed on Abraham as the Friend of God; appears in the promise to David of dynasty and inheritance; are seen in promises of relief and restoration following captivity and exile; and provide details of the end time, of the apocalypse, and of eternal life. The revelation of divinity using human flesh to be visible and knowable on the earth (we say, the Incarnation) begins in the accounts of Creation, where life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) from the makeup of divinity is imparted to a form fashioned to exist as a companion to immortal, incorruptible GOD. Communication, exchange and interaction with the Creator became possible for mankind through the deposit of inseparable divine substance. Included were faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The tribes of Jacob were already acknowledged by GOD as his “son,” and were the property of Pharaoh as all the land, its livestock, and the people. When Moses led the twelve tribes and a multitude from the Gentile nations out of Egypt, the Hebrews were being separated to serve as a nation on the earth under the dominion of the living GOD. They also were chosen to serve as caretakers and priests entrusted with divine oracles, sacred law, and holy sacraments. Those who are born again, and receive sacred knowledge, rather than worldly and secular knowledge, must “grow up again;” and by their indwelling spirit will be made able to discern and recognize correctly the spiritual events fulfilling the promises and prophecies regarding the Messiah. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Genesis 3: 8-15, King James Version (KJV): 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

2. Numbers 23: 19, KJV: 19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

3. Daniel 9: 21-27, KJV: 21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. 23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. 24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. 25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

4. 1^st John 2: 22-28, KJV: 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. 26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. 1^st John 5: 10-12, KJV: 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

The image downloaded 11:37 AM, April 14, 2019 @ https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8351/8275998600_7298b1fe9e_b.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC