(10/13/2019) Violating Commandments On Love?

The image depicts the love and unselfish service of a woman preparing Jesus for his burial by anointing his feet with oil.

Today, reply is on violating the commandments from GOD that require there be love. Animals to populate the earth were called forth in pairs; and the human male was provided with a mate fashioned from his own body. Even so, the substance and process of divine love is seen to be spirit in its character, form, and makeup. Lasting relationships appear built on commitment, gratitude, respect, and reverence. Arrogance, deceit, defiance, distrust, fear, rebellion, and stubbornness that break off relationships derive from the flesh, and are not demonstrations and expressions of the righteousness that is love. It is written: 1^st John 4: 6-12, King James Version (KJV): 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Achilles” (Level 1 with 49 points, a member since October 10, 2019) posted the following:

Is it a violation of Jesus's command to not love one another and to not love God with your all?

Was it a command that Jesus gave us, to love God with our all and to love others as we love ourselves?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. (Luke 7: 44-50, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Love Shown By Divinity (03/08/2019); The Relationship As Servant (06/03/2018); To Define “Godly Love” (08/20/2017); Discernment And Godly Love (06/26/2018); Changed And Made Christ-like? (06/19/2018); Porn, Prostitutes and Salvation? (06/08/2017); Our Beginnings Were Perfect? (12/14/2015); The Ordinance of Humility? (08/12/2015)

“Achilles”, mankind was created to serve as a life companion to immortal, incorruptible divinity. A divine rule that existence, life, and relationship are continued through the presence and operations of love can be discerned as appearing “from the beginning” through the accounts of Creation. Life essence (breath, spirit, word) was imparted from the makeup of GOD to both the male and female pair; and the two were to dwell together on the earth as vessels of inseparable spirit substance. Included were faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Those who seek a healthy relationship where both themselves and divinity can display and express love must understand that more than affection, desire, feelings, romance, or sexual behavior are involved. Accountability, duty, and sacred practices must appear along with acknowledgments of divine law, forgiveness, humility, regular attention to life principals, unselfish service, and willingness to endure chastisement and suffering. Rather than a reward for perfect obedience, divine love is a response to contrition, repentance, and sorrowing for sin with a willingness to be transformed and exist as the new creation of Jesus Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Ce Ce Winans:

(1.) Luke 7: 36-43, King James Version (KJV): 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

(2.) John 21: 12-17, KJV: 12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

(3.) 2^nd John 1: 5-11, KJV: 5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR6HSSm5YUM) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

AN AFTERTHOUGHT: In the same way, the Ten Commandments were provided to establish a people and nation under GOD, the commandments provided by Jesus Christ are to establish a church and a kingdom of GOD under a divine High Priest and King. It is written: Matthew 22: 35-40, King James Version (KJV): 35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Within the church of Jesus Christ, the dominion of love is to be manifest: Romans 13: 7-10, KJV: 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Image downloaded 9:03 PM, October 12, 2019 @ https://holysmack.com/2016/04/27/forgiveness-is-for-giving-not-withholding/

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/28/2019) Accounts To Reveal Divinity

Today, reply is on recognizing the spiritual themes provided by the ministry of Jesus Christ that appear within most Bible accounts. Always uppermost are such content as sinners receiving rebirth whereby they will exist as children of GOD and joint heirs with Jesus Christ; the Incarnation of divinity; the permanent change and transformation of mankind to be life companions of immortal, incorruptible divinity; believers displaying the character, nature and substance of Jesus (we say, Christ-likeness); final judgment; the resurrection of Jesus following his death on the cross; and eternal life. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

Why did Jesus tell Judas not to give money to poor people?

Mary took a litre of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, "Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days' wages and given to the poor?"

Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." John 12:5

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15: 4, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Is With Us (03/15/2019); Called “The Anointed One” (05/08/2018); Not A Financial Transaction (01/28/2018); The Answer From GOD (05/19/2017); Laws Favoring the Poor? (03/06/2017); Warnings Against Forgetting GOD? (02/16/2017); Anointed, Consecrated and Installed (08/04/2016); The Practice of Forgiveness (07/03/2016); Anointed? (04/28/2014); No More “Mr. Nice Guy”? (04/29/2014)

“Anonymous”, there are multiple streams of sacred knowledge and eternal purpose that flow together in the single account of Jesus Christ being anointed by a woman while the Savior was a guest in the home of a Pharisee. The thinking of a developing believer must go beyond the elements that are carnal, material, and social. Insisting that the demands of covenant law be exalted, many of the Pharisees became expert advocates of “the law and the prophets” without acknowledging the Spirit of Prophecy (we also say, the Comforter; the Holy Ghost; the Holy Spirit; the Spirit of Truth). The people were encouraged to be indifferent to the events, promises, and requirements recorded as prophecy. His coming death on the cross through crucifixion was increasingly a recurring theme of Jesus’ private discourse with his apostles; however, Christ continued to be constrained in how much he could say by the process of revelation that required discovery, gradual growth, and perception through operations by the Spirit. Acting to display love, and obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit, the woman correctly acknowledged Jesus to be Messiah and the One Sent from GOD to fulfill the Scriptures describing his death as the Lamb of Sacrifice. The primary goal and objective of Christ appearing was not a deliverance of Israel from Roman culture, government, and politics like that provided to separate the 12 tribes from Egypt; nor was the Anointed One to usher in a new “golden age” wherein Israel would receive prosperity, riches and wealth. In the same way mortality and death are aspects of the life process for mankind, poverty is to continue as a challenge and condition that calls forth gratitude, humility, lovingkindness, respect to GOD, and unselfish service. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Matthew 16: 13-17, King James Version (KJV): 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

2. Luke 6: 30-38, KJV: 30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Luke 7: 44-50, KJV: 44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:40 PM, April 27, 2019 @ http://keithburnettministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/alabaster-box.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/29/2014) No More “Mr. Nice Guy”?

Covenant, judgment, and the armies of ancient Israel are topics, today.  Also, there is more on anointing for sacred service.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Elvis” (Level 7 with 73,529 points, a member since August 29, 2013) posted the following:


Why did God order Joshua to smite (kill) everyone in Al? 

JS 8:22-25 "With the Lord's approval, Joshua utterly smites the people of Ai, killing 12,000 men and women, so that there were none who escaped".

God don't seem very nice to me.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Anointed? (04/28/2014)—(5.)  The formula for compounding a holy anointing oil is recorded within the Scriptures.  However, those who would create supplies of the sacred oil for secular use, or selfish pleasure were to be excommunicated, and put out of the congregation of Israel.  Like the prescription for incense to be burned within the tabernacle (later the temple), the formula for anointing oil included a number of spices mixed together in specific proportions by weight.  Along with blood (the device used to distribute life essence—we say, breath, spirit, word—throughout flesh), holy ointment was applied to the ark of the testimony, the altars, the utensils, vessels, and those who would minister as priests.  Moses received a peculiar anointing as prophet by abiding within the presence of GOD for forty days and nights in Mount Sinai.  When he returned among the people, his face appeared to shine, and continued to emit glory from GOD.  When Jesus completed a similar act abiding in the mountains for forty days and nights, the Savior was challenged and tested by Satan; and did not return among mankind displaying glory.  It was at his transfiguration, when Moses and Elijah appeared with him, that he was first seen and witnessed manifesting divine glory.  At his appearing to harvest the earth, and remove all those who will continue as joint-heirs having eternal life, Jesus will appear in three-fold glory:  his own, the Father’s, and that of the holy angels.  See Exodus 30:  22-38, Exodus 34:  27-35, Matthew 17:  1-9, Mark 9:  2-10 and Luke 9:  26, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel:  for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.  By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.  Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.  (Hosea 4:  1-3, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sacrificial Relationships? (10/23/2013); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012)


“Elvis”, here are a few points you have missed that are necessary for correct understanding of the accounts of Joshua, and the armies of GOD:

(1.)  The primary purpose for “invasion” of the Promised Land was not conquest and a “land grab.”  The tribes of Jacob were herders and a people who used land for grazing and pastoral living.  GOD is to be acknowledged as the creator of the armies of Israel, for the Holy One counseled their generals (first Moses, then Joshua); determined who would serve; equipped all those who would go to combat; and provided strategy and tactics.

(2.)  The people of Canaan had prospered for many years, because they were nations in sacred covenant with GOD.  However, they gradually embraced idolatry and the worship of false gods, and repeatedly violated their sacred contracts.   All the details of their betrayal of GOD and sin against divinity are not recorded.  However, we may use “common sense” and a “child’s imagination” to figure out exactly what they might have done enough to upset GOD to the point of demanding their extinction.

(3.)  The armies of Israel were to be an instrument of divine judgment that would utterly destroy the arrogance, pride, and wickedness of the false covenant partners.  Sin is not very nice, and opposes the continued existence of divine law, of the divine Law Giver, of divine order established for the universe through divine law, and of men and women like me and you.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  GOD is being revealed to created beings and living creatures as a God of Judgment.  The wrath of GOD against sin is a permanent aspect of divinity (like faith, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, and wisdom).  Divine love and wrath are in balance with all the other features of sprit matter within the makeup of GOD, and is not simply emotions or feelings that come and go.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your standing as a genuine believer.


For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant.  Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.  (Ezekiel 16:  59-60, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/03/2013) Jesus, A Party Animal?

      How Jesus behaved at parties and social gatherings is the topic, today. Also, there is more on recognizing true prophets. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Sally” (Level 2 with 367 points, a member since March 4, 2013) posted the following:


Did Jesus know how to enjoying himself at parties?


THE BATTLE AXE: Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013)—(5.) In addition to the spirit substance of their message, apostles, prophets and teachers sent from GOD are distinct and set apart by their display of humility, lowliness and obedience more than by their apparel, appearance, authority, eccentricity, formality, healings, miracles, rhetoric or ritual. See Romans 8: 8-10, Ephesians 4: 1-32 and James 3: 13-18, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. (Luke 7: 36-47, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth (10/07/2012); The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Signs of a Prophet (03/14/2012); Mistaken Identity (02/04/2012); The Accursed Thing (02/05/2012); Trouble For The Good (01/15/2012); Chain Of Command (01/16/2012); All Righteousness (01/11/2012); Reason to Believe (01/12/2012); Binder 23: We Cry, Abba (10/20/2011); Adulterers? (01/15/2011); Sunday? (01/16/2011)

    
     Sally, here are some points for consideration that many mature Christians agree with:

(1.) The record provided by the holy writings is intended to describe (yet, not detail) the life, ministry and service of Jesus as Son of Man, and Son of GOD upon the earth. More important than his social identity through relationships (e.g., family, followers, friends, students) are his appearance as the glory and image of GOD in human flesh; his carrying out and performing sacred events previously proclaimed, promised and prophesied; and the closure he provided for specific eternal operations including creation, judgment, redemption, salvation and sanctification.

(2.) What Jesus “knew how to do” (and demonstrated for us today) in social gatherings includes showing balance, humility, respect to ones host and their guests, and sobriety. Jesus used every dinner and feast reported in Scripture as an opportunity to clarify the doctrines, and teach regarding the Kingdom. Jesus would have had no “fun” indulging the drunkenness, “getting high” and lewd behavior some want to call a “party”, now days. We are told, Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus, and enjoyed his time in their home as a welcome guest, time that also was spent in teaching. See Luke 14: 7-27 and Luke 10: 38-42, KJV.
    
     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) As a respected rabbi, Jesus was expected to maintain a peculiar separation from others. Uncleanness that would disqualify one from communal worship and service before the altar of GOD could be transferred from person to person simply by a touch from ones garment. To recover their status within the congregation, a person would have to endure a week of isolation, fasting, prayer and washing. Given so many of his healing miracles involved touching those accounted unclean, the social conduct of Jesus astonished many of the people, and the clergy of his day.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC