(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

(10/04/2020) A Matter Of Self-will?

A depiction of Jesus Christ acknowledging GOD the Father at Gethsemane.

Today, reply is on the opposition against divinity that resides within mankind through self-will. Human obedience, respect, reverence, and submission to GOD often appear to be predicated on mankind’s willful acceptance and insistence that human traits appear within the divine fullness. It is more consistent with the holy writings that mankind be recognized as a vessel containing divine deposits and endowments from the makeup of GOD. It is by mutuality of a divine character, consecrated presence, and a sacred nature that there are opportunities and possibilities for clear accord, and ongoing communication between the Creator and the created. Discussions of the sacred duty, sacrifice, and unselfishness carried out by Jesus Christ also require affirmation of divinity demonstrating consecrated grace, expressing divine prerogative, fulfilling eternal purpose, suppressing self-will, and manifesting the sovereign will of GOD. Within Christ, sacrifice is no longer a matter of formal ceremony and ritual, rather it is an act of dedication, lovingkindness through judgment, sanctification, and voluntary surrender. It is written: Psalms 40: 5-10, King James Version (KJV): 5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. 6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. 9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest. 10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

'Jesus was a willing sacrifice': can anyone please explain what this means?

Did he feel he was doing something good by allowing people to execute him?

Was it not a pre-decided or predetermined outcome, just some events, and a guy accepting that he will be executed, and not trying to avoid it, even though he could have?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (Matthew 26: 42, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Character Must Appear (08/13/2020); Divine Process and Substance (06/24/2020); Spiritual Integrity and Maturity (05/12/2020); Divine Fruit From Suffering? (12/19/2018); Yes, Jesus Did Die (04/01/2018); Comparing Sacred and Secular (03/15/2018); His Suffering At Gethsemane (03/12/2018)

“Anonymous”, the focus must be on self-will and its place in determining the integrity of human existence. Among mature Christian believers the transgression (i.e., violation of sacred law; sin) committed by Adam should be seen as an expression of the life essence and sacred substance imparted to mankind from the makeup of divinity as well as a display of the content of human consciousness and self-will (willpower). Inseparable aspects of divinity were provided to man that included balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Although GOD has not put forth any aspect or spirit of sin, divinity shares in the accountability humanity must acknowledge for the origins of sin. The male and female existed as an appearance of divine authority and power, and as an expression of sacred love, yet, the pair were subject to mechanical process and natural law. Following the sin of Adam, the priesthood being carried out within heaven then was made available on the earth using divine operations for atonement, expiation, remission, and sacrifice that made visible the otherwise unseen operations of GOD through divine grace and the Holy Spirit. Divinity appeared on the earth using the form and life process of humanity (we say, the Incarnation as Jesus Christ) to demonstrate to mankind the authentic process and substance for fulfilling the demands (sanctions) of divine law (death) as well as for human repentance, rebirth, reconciliation, and for man to exist as the new creation. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Romans 5: 10-15, King James Version (KJV): 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

(2.) Romans 5: 18-21, KJV: 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. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

(3.) 1^st Timothy 3: 16, KJV: 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

(4.) Hebrews 10: 12-18, KJV: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVAh6OSrtfE.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:10 PM, October 03, 2020 @ http://blog.peacebewithu.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Matthew-26-42.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/13/2020) The Meat That Perishes

Today, reply is on why Christians no longer observe dietary and other prohibitions that are recorded in the Old Testament. The covenant of Moses (we also say, the law) was provided as a “perpetual” covenant. Even so, GOD promised Israel that a new covenant would be made extending to the Gentiles, and to all mankind. While the demands of divine law and eternal purpose remain unchanged, how the living acknowledge, express and fulfill the law is now different. Mature Christian believers acknowledge the fulfillment of the divine promise for new covenant by the life, ministry, death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension into heaven of Jesus Christ along with men on the earth receiving the Holy Spirit. Where Jesus taught that man lives not by bread alone, rather, by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD, he also was declaring that life as a spirit process must come into view, not a carnal, material process such as eating and drinking. The word from divinity is to be understood as an appearance of the person and substance of GOD. By his word, GOD is active and present in the form of breath, life essence, speech and spirit. It is written: John 6: 47-54, King James Version (KJV): 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. Acts 15: 28-29, KJV: 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

Why do Christians drink alcohol and eat pork when it's prohibited in the old testament?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (John 6: 26-29, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Place to Start (12/23/2019); Not By Bread Only (02/22/2019); Fed From The Altar? (06/19/2017); GOD’s Peculiar People (12/11/2016); Rebuked, And Not Baptized? (10/22/2015); Pork, A Stumblingblock? (03/06/2015); Salvation is Conditional? (01/30/2014); Lower-case or Capital? (01/31/2014)

“Anonymous”, there are those who argue that Jesus was a vegetarian, yet, mature Christian believers trust that Jesus regularly ate the lamb of Passover, and would have shared portions from such family sacrifices as calves and bullocks offered in thanksgiving. Many Christian believers, today, trust that the ancient dietary laws and Judaic ordinances (e.g., circumcision; observance of feasts and festivals; performing ritual washings to remove uncleanness; prohibitions against entering the home of a Gentile) that challenged the early church have been satisfied through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, and outpourings of the Holy Spirit. In addition to the multiple streams of truth that release the followers of Jesus from pursuing justification by obeying the “letter” of the law, the doctrine of Jesus is that men are to manifest and make visible righteousness, and the spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD that resides within all sacred law. A gathering of the apostles was held in Jerusalem to resolve the rifts and quarrels that began to appear over Gentile believers being required to behave as Jews, and over believers sharing food with their family and close friends that had been offered to idols. The outcome was four principles to be observed among both Gentile and Jewish believers. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible along with a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Ecclesiastes 3: 9-13, King James Version (KJV): 9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? 10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. 11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. 13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 10: 31, KJV: 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

(3.) Acts 15: 18-20, KJV: 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

(4.) Colossians 2: 16-23, KJV: 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

(5.) Romans 8: 1-9, KJV: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG9T8UmN6VY.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:15 AM, January 13, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/90/0c/12/900c124f2dcc41e2bd0a761033755064.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/06/2020) Not Impossible With GOD

Today, reply is on the ability of GOD to “hear” the thoughts from all the living at the same time. There is no confusion with GOD; and the Creator is conscious and has perfect knowledge of every created being and living creature within the universe. In the same way Christians trust that our prayer and the calves of our lips confessing our gratitude are received on the heavenly altar as holy gifts presented through Jesus Christ, it is our faith that silent prayer and our thoughts directed to GOD will be heard and received no matter how few or how many. GOD is a spirit, and his abilities, actualities, and possibilities have been displayed, manifest and revealed to mankind through sacred law, divine order, supernal mysteries, material existence, unseen operations, eternal purpose, and the visible fulfillment of divine will spoken as proclamation, promise and prophecy. It is written: Psalms 147: 3-5, King James Version (KJV): 3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. 4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. 5 Great is our LORD, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. One of the fighters at the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

Does God hear everyone's thoughts at once?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10: 29-31, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Believers Minister Through Prayer (09/23/2019); Nothing Impossible For GOD? (04/07/2019); How GOD Is Communicating (10/31/2018); Christian “Thoughts and Prayers” (03/01/2018); Thoughts On Divine Personhood (12/07/2017); The First Divine Thought? (07/31/2017); Knowing GOD For Yourself (07/13/2016)

“Anonymous”, here are some thoughts you may find useful: GOD is able to acknowledge and array the discrete thoughts occurring within created beings and living creatures. Mature Christian believers usually regard the capacity, content, possibilities and process of the divine mind as continually focused, limitless, and tireless. At Creation, divinity imparted consciousness, life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word), personhood, and will from the makeup of GOD that made Adam a living soul who could communicate, exchange and interact with divine fullness. GOD does not impose order so much as divinity emanates and extends inseparable aspects of divine fullness. Included are balance, completeness, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The living are to exist conforming to the commandments, imperatives and principles proclaimed from GOD as sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Being vessels of divine substance, men and women on the earth display the image of GOD, and are to resemble, reflect and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Christians acknowledge that GOD has put forth all that exists, and all that have life; yet, the operations of sin have not been created by divinity. Sin is no material or spirit thing from GOD, however, sin may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the present universe that functions using form, direction, time and space. Sin is indiscriminate and irrational promoting nonexistence and a return to the conditions of chaos, confusion and flux that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth (i.e., preexistence). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

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

(2.) Proverbs 24: 9, KJV: 9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

(3.) Psalms 40: 5, KJV: 5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

(4.) 1^st Chronicles 28: 9, KJV: And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

(5.) 1^st Corinthians 14: 33, KJV: 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lySXt0piHY.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 7:25 PM, January 05, 2020 @ https://faithcometh.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/017.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/26/2019) Where Is The Sacrifice?

Today, reply is on mankind’s acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as a lamb of sacrifice for atonement, and the spirit process and substance that resides within practices such as fasting, giving, offerings, and worship. For Christian believers, focus should not be on the monetary value of livestock, manpower, time, or other in-kind contributions of service and skill. Eternal purpose and Spirit substance are to be made manifest and returned to GOD such as commitment, compassion, fidelity, gratitude, holy boldness, personhood, vigilance, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: 1^st Chronicles 29: 16-18, King James Version (KJV): 16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own. 17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. 18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee: A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Simon” (Level 1 with 8 points) posted the following:

Jesus supernatural spirit in human-form performs miracles and same spirit survives death and performs resurrection. Where's the sacrifice?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12: 1-2, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Appearing Above In Flesh? (09/16/2018); Divine Spirit Within Animals? (09/05/2019); How To Serve GOD (09/04/2019); One Died For All (04/05/2019); Fasting, Prayer and Sanctification (03/29/2019); Offering Yourself To Christ? (12/27/2018); Rendering Our Reasonable Service (06/15/2018); The Relationship As Servant (06/03/2018)

“Simon”, you are asking for information that has meaning only within a framework for speaking of sacred spirit. As they are preparing to receive Jesus Christ at his coming, developing and mature Christian believers increasingly acknowledge that the operations and substance of divinity pertaining to eternal life are immutable, incorruptible, and invisible, and, therefore, have been revealed using material objects, graphic events, and the imparting of spirit substance from the makeup of divine fullness. Included have been fresh endowments of life essence (breath; spirit; word); the burning bush that appeared to Moses; the divine law written by the finger of GOD on tables of stone; and divinity appearing in human flesh (we say, Incarnation) as Jesus Christ. While only those ordained as priests were to make the required offerings and sacrifices of blood within the tabernacle and the temple, the blood itself was only a device to convey and transport unseen elements within the living that include consciousness, existence, life, and self-will (willpower). Common fire may be used for cooking, heating ones home, providing light as candles, etc. Animal sacrifices and material things placed on the consecrated altars were purified using holy fire that simultaneously destroyed defilement, sin and uncleanness while releasing gifts to GOD such as glory, honor, obedience, personhood, readiness, repentance, respect, reverence, unselfishness, and willingness. Such gifts can not be apprehended using the finite human tools of academic and secular knowledge, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, and science. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

(1.) Hebrews 13: 11-15, King James Version (KJV): 11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

(2.) 1^st Peter 2: 1-6, KJV: 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

(3.) Hebrews 7: 19-28, KJV: 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a87g9tNhYnQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:15 PM, December 25, 2019 @ https://image.slidesharecdn.com/06-atonement-in-symbols-i-sefeng-1232334420101921-1/95/06-atonement-in-symbols-i-sef-eng-10-728.jpg?cb=1232313111

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/06/2019) Customs of the People

A mosaic depicting Moses acknowledging the presence of GOD, yet, not worshiping the burning bush.

Today, reply is to divine declarations of displeasure with the performance of appointed offering, sacrifices and worship by Israel. Many still adhere to the counsel from King Solomon accounted as wisdom where he advises gravity, sobriety and sorrow to the people of GOD as more profitable than merriment. More correctly, Christian believers are to understand eternal purpose and the sacred substance within their own attitudes, behavior and conduct are the actual focus for relationship with divinity, rather than emotional expressions and social concerns. It is written: Nehemiah 8: 8-12, King James Version (KJV): 8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. 11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. 12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Hoosier Daddy?” (a.k.a. “The Real Joker”; Level 1 with 88 points) posted the following:

If GOD hates your feast day why are you celebrating them? What are you really celebrating? Do you even know?

Amos 5:21-23

21 I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.

22 Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.

23 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.

Jeremiah 1010 Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:2 Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. (Psalms 119: 108, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Sovereignty Of GOD (11/24/2019); Sin Depicted Using Flesh (11/22/2019); Why Do They Sing? (11/14/2019); Worshiping A Man-made Object (11/04/2019); Why Paul Observed Tradition (07/10/2018); Idolatry -- Exalting Human Devices? (09/21/2017); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016)

“The Real Joker”, the covenant relationship established by GOD using Moses and the tribes of Jacob to fulfill the divine promise to Abraham was put forth as a “perpetual covenant.” Even so, the holy writings report there were many occasions when divine displeasure and the wrath of GOD against sin were expressed as rejection of the lifestyles and worship observances within both Judah and the Northern Kingdom (called Israel, Samaria, and the 10 tribes). The North rejected rule by the house of David, and Temple worship at Jerusalem; and actually embraced worshiping the Golden Calf from Egypt. Correction appeared in many forms that even included conquest and occupation of the Promised Land by their enemies as well as expulsion and assimilation from their homeland through captivity and exile. The continuation, recovery, and reconciliation with divinity as the peculiar people of GOD are to be seen as mercy and salvation provided to those who have been found guilty in divine judgment. More than this, fresh expressions of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD were granted as the further revelation of divine commitment. Divinity appeared among the living on the earth using flesh and blood (we say, Incarnation) as Jesus Christ. The issues of false worship, idolatry, and sin were not eliminated or erased so much as they were overshadowed by the gifts and grace from GOD: (1) Jesus as a lamb of sacrifice for atonement and propitiation; (2) opportunities for sinners to be born-again through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead; (3) believers displaying a fresh endowment of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD; and (4) deliverance from the second death. Christian believers are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the image of GOD, and the character of Jesus while living on the earth. All are to become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (the Second Coming). Rather than insistence upon the formal ceremonies, memorials, and “letter of the law,” emphasis is now upon the righteousness of divinity and how the spirit within the law exists within the believer. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

(1.) John 7: 24, King James Version (KJV): 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

(2.) Malachi 1: 6-11, KJV: 6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? 7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. 8 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. 9 And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts. 10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

(3.) Isaiah 54: 7-13, KJV: 7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. 9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. 10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. 11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. 12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. 13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5n4ZdyHJOg.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 6:20 PM, December 05, 2019 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tn2lB29QcKge4alUPNKkWav7bFtTa3QYCOivIQbRW3pGDkFNajgO0siy3UtsSR2AqvYnyLEhAHhNgIfgXWJqydRVE_TFaBwdaY1MiHxWCo9dts-3p2WLpY5dKnzdv3zjz9-JTBho3_g/s1600/Burning+bush+1.JPG

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/28/2019) Good Works Have Priority?

Today, the reply is on the priorities for church congregations, and the use of church funds for ministry to the poor instead of for special observances and seasonal programs. Ministry intended to rejoice the church body as a community separated to Christ is not to be accounted as self-indulgent, superfluous, or unrighteous. While Christian church groups perform good works ministering to the community-at-large and the World, the members of a congregation themselves must maintain their peculiar identity as those joined by their spirit content from GOD. Those having discernment will insist that programs presented to the congregation be prophetic in their nature, and correctly convey comfort, edification, and exhortation. Choices and decisions will be required that give the assembly an appearance of indifference, an exaggerated focus on religion, or even undue self-promotion. Even so, many of the works that must be done to establish an anointed congregation of Christian believers are unseen by the community-at-large, and are provided only through the active relationships found among mature members of the church. The idea that one gives GOD a Rolodex—not a cheap copy or knock-off’—comes into view with the principle, we are to give GOD only our best. Therefore, silver and gold will appear even among congregations of poor, third-world, and working class believers, because they want to serve unselfishly, and correctly acknowledge the divine preeminence. It is written: 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. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum for Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

How could a church justify blowing a grand on soloists for Christmas Eve?

Our church has decided to spend a thousand dollars on musicians for Christmas Eve preludes before the service. This is 30 minutes of music before each of 3 Christmas Eve services. This thousand dollars could easily house and feed a poor family, and it could provide water to someone in the Sahara so they don’t dehydrate, or help close the ozone hole.

How hard is it for someone to just belt out Ooooooh Hoooooleeeee Naaaaaaiiiicht thuuuuuuu staaaaaaaaaars are braaaaaiiiiiiichtly schaaiiiiiiiiniiiing ..........

Just having someone in the church perform the preludes would definitely save money to give to the poor, and do they really need a piper piping and a drummer drumming. Is this wasting good money and equivalent to lighting the money on fire to see all the pretty sparks and colored flames. It just ends up going up into the night sky either way.

Why pay a grand for something that is so easy to get done for free. People are starving and freezing without heat and the church wastes money on special music is this fair?

...Show more

Updated 2 hours ago:

I bet most people would gladly sit through a terrible screeching rendition of these songs if it meant that money went to someone so they could have heat this winter. Or a family could have a turkey on the table.

Updated 1 hour ago:

Since when was singing o holy night as complicated as brain surgery or something to justify such a high cost. Just belt it out and save the money if it was me.

Updated 1 hour ago:

That money would be better spent on education of church members. It could pay for the textbooks for a law student for a semester. Think of how much that compounds returns, education is the gift that keeps on giving, or it could pay for an elderly dementia patient’s diaper changer for a month. Or help someone afford their nursing home bills.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2: 8-10,KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Do They Sing? (11/14/2019); Patriotic Songs To Worship? (11/10/2019); Christian Celebration And Rejoicing (11/03/2019); The Purpose Of Worship (10//10/2019); The Church Of Jesus (06/18/2018); Salvation By Good Works? (03/08/2018); Can A Church Not Be “Religious”? (07/27/2016); Why Are Works Required? (07/18/2016)

“Anonymous”, Christian believers do not become justified before GOD by performing good deeds and community service works; the process and substance of our deeds must be Spirit. Properly understood, worship at Christmas, or Easter and other feasts are sacred events, to be shared within the sanctuary that is set apart by prayer, and among the saints of GOD. During celebrations and seasons of observance, the purpose for those who gather in fellowship continues to be that they resemble, reflect, and reveal Jesus Christ. Even so, Christian believers usually come short of the mark set by the Savior as head of the church when they seek to rank and rate secular works (e.g., distributing clothes; presenting programs for public health awareness; hosting political and social activists; presenting concerts and music programs) against spiritual practices (e.g., confession; praise; prayer; prophesy using music and dance). The offering to divine fullness (divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) is no longer the blood of bulls, goats and sheep; rather, it is the blood of Jesus. Standards that applied when making offerings and sacrifices continue today as principles for behavior and conduct when acknowledging and showing reverence to divinity. Because buying and selling (bake sales, yard sales, etc.), charitable giving, and philanthropy are very visible, and can generate much discussion and excitement, many congregations mistakenly seek to build up their assembly’s name and reputation through fund-raising and personal service, where lasting benefit to the church as a body may come only by the presence of Jesus Christ and the operations of the Holy Spirit. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Leviticus 22: 20-22, King James Version (KJV): 20 But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you. 21 And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein. 22 Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the LORD.

(2.) Luke 11: 41-42, KJV: 41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. 42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

(3.) Mark 14: 3-9, KJV: 3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. 6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. 7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. 8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. 9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6tGWMV22AA.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:30 PM, November 27, 2019 @ http://pictures.agodman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/AC-Rom.-15-6-That-with-one-accord-you-may-with-one-mouth-glorify-the-God-and-Father-of-our-Lord-Jesus-Christ.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/14/2019) Why Do They Sing?

Today, reply is on the use of music and song during worship. The church founded by Jesus Christ provides multiple sacred gifts that can not be found in any other place on earth. There, divinity allows the use of simple devices to acknowledge, access, and approach the high throne of GOD, even, the use of songs by those who are not singers. Rather than the blood of bulls, goats and sheep that were offered within the sacred tabernacle of Moses and the Temple at Jerusalem as depictions and demonstrations of unseen things in heaven, Christians now gather to offer and sacrifice the elements of life essence (breath; spirit; word) that reside within the Son of GOD, Jesus Christ. It is written: Hebrews 10: 4-10, King James Version (KJV): 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Tasm” (Level 6 with 17,816 points) posted the following:

As a religious person?

Do you believe all that you are told in church or do you pick certain things and disgaurd some of it?

I went to church two or three times and liked that they try to guide to live healthier, but I did not believe much of what they said about the after life. Also they sang a lot and I found it to be a really big waste of my time, why do they sing all the time. It was like they tried to hold me and waste my time on purpose instead of just stating their business and releasing me.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. (Psalms 150: 1-6, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Patriotic Songs To Worship? (11/10/2019); By Death and Resurrection (10/29/2019); One Body, Many Members (10/17/2019); The Purpose Of Worship (10//10/2019); Justified By Church Attendance? (06/21/2019); GOD Speaking Through Song? (11/01/2013); Why Not One Bible? (11/02/2013)

“Tasm”, those who regularly attend church participate in a sacred operation that is put forward from divinity, rather than a man-made event provided from the World. Mature Christian believers are in an ongoing relationship with divinity through offerings and sacrifices made by Jesus Christ as their High Priest in heaven. Those who turn to GOD through Jesus must willingly accept that divinity (we also say, divine fullness; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is guiding them in a lifetime journey whereby their inner spirit is to be permanently changed and transformed. Sinners are to receive a fresh endowment of the same life essence (we also say, breath; spirit; word) imparted to mankind from divine fullness at Creation. Included are inseparable aspects of the full substance of GOD such as balance, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Just as babies must develop before their birth, those coming to Christ must undergo a process of death and burial of their inborn nature with rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak, and life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those born again are to “grow up again” and become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Developing believers will endure multiple life challenges and “growing pains” while on the earth. Before the coming of the Lord, all are to be made ready by experiences of discovery; fellowship within the household of faith; gradual growth; sacred practice (e.g., discernment, praise, prayer, thanksgiving); study of the holy writings; unselfish service; and suffering. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Steve Amerson and Ralph Carmichael:

(1.) Hosea 14: 2, King James Version (KJV): 2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.

(2.) Psalms 100: 1-5, KJV: 1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

(3.) Hebrews 9: 13-15, 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yd8nVLtnAA.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:10 AM, November 14, 2019 @ https://shareaverse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/2-samuel-6-5-make-a-joyful-noise.png?w=547

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC