(05/10/2020) Jesus and the Moneylenders

Matthew 21: 12, King James Version (KJV): 12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

Today, reply is on the account of Jesus using physical violence against the moneylenders within the courtyard at the Temple in Jerusalem. Like the Tabernacle of Moses, the Temple was to be a visible place of the unseen GOD’s continual presence with Israel. The sanctuary and other devoted places that are aspects of the church created by Jesus Christ are now also acknowledged as houses of GOD, and places of his appearing in Spirit. The holy writings show that, without correction from divinity, many will not realize that they are endowed with blessing and material prosperity from the Creator. GOD does supply evangelists, priests, prophets, rulers, and other of his servants with all they need (food, shelter, water, etc.) for accomplishing the sacred tasks they are assigned and trained to complete. Yet, the word of GOD, the divine process and substance we receive are not to be used as merchandise or personal property that we may dispose of as we please. Believers are equipped with divine gifts so they may resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Most Christian parents prefer to provide experiences of affection, gentleness, and tenderness to their children, and many are reluctant to accept that there also must be displays of commitment, firmness, and sternness against wrongdoing. Scolding and spanking will not make a child (or an adult person) permanently change to behave as a reliable and trustworthy daughter or son of GOD who is a sanctified believer; even so, as a member of the household of GOD, receiving in ones own flesh the consequences of their own errors and unwillingness to change may provide correction and otherwise unavailable warning regarding the consequences of judgment to come. It is written: Revelation 3: 15-19, King James Version (KJV): 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Jesus hurt those money lenders really badly when He brutally whipped them. Why is Jesus THAT hurtful?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. (John 2: 13-22, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Lost For 40 Years? (09/17/2018); Divine Anger at Harvest? (05/26/2019); The Presence of GOD (04/02/2019); Jesus Rebuked The Moneychangers? (05/16/2018); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Money-changers in The Temple? (06/23/2013); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013)

“Anonymous”, a parent may scold or spank a child, yet, does not disown their own offspring. Similarly, the process of GOD for sinners who repent is one of change, correction, and challenge. Jesus addressed all the money-changers as partners in a consecrated covenant with divinity, who had agreed when called upon to accept correction from GOD, and to acknowledge the wrath of GOD against their nation, their own sins, and the sins of their fathers. Just as children who lack adult intellect and logic cannot justify and reason out all their behavior and conduct to their own parents, and often must be trained using graphic, memorable, and physical experience that reveal the displeasure of their caretakers, those in covenant with GOD, as babes, also may require challenges and rebuke for betrayal, disobedience, disrespect, and irreverence. The spiritual instruction that comes to us in the account of Jesus driving the money-changers away from the Temple in Jerusalem proclaims that correct covenant relationship with divinity is one that includes benefits, inheritance and privileges to mankind, yet also requires integrity, sacred service, and continual acknowledgment of the holiness of GOD by all who are in the covenant relationship. In effect, the money-changers created a marketplace on holy ground where there was the buying and selling of livestock for sacrifices to travelers who would come to worship, and the exchange of local currency for letters of credit and cash from other areas (e.g., coins, salt, silver, gold). The Temple community could influence and defile the entire nation, and was made up of more than the High Priest, the Sanhedrin Court of 70, the Levites, or the scribes and lawyers who argued cases using the sacred law. Beggars, lepers seeking to be certified by the priests, those in lives of devotion to GOD (e.g., Simon and Anna, the prophets who first acknowledged Jesus as the fulfillment of divine promise), those seeking to make special offerings and petitions, pilgrims, and those seeking power through self-promotion frequented the Temple. To the extent the Temple continued worldly customs and traditions that the people thought were divinely approved, the Temple was a source of great error. Sacred law required that the heads of households and the primary heir from every family must assemble during specific annual feasts and festivals. This was a divinely given method to transform Israel from being a collection of tribes into a united people. Secular concerns such as politics, regional government, celebrations of sacred events (we say, miracles), and social welfare were not to be their agenda. Rather, focus was to be on fellowship with divinity. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Jeremiah 5: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it. 2 And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely. 3 O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return. 4 Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God. 5 I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.

(2.) Jeremiah 10: 23-25, KJV: 23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 24 O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. 25 Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

(3.) Hebrews 12: 3-8, KJV: 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

(4.) 1^st Peter 4: 12-18, KJV: 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5frx0hqWVqw.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/23/2020) Sacred Law Promotes Relationships

Today, reply is on whether a child who undergoes parental neglect or other abuse must still honor their father and mother in response to the Ten Commandments. Sacred law promotes fruitful relationships with divinity; and laws that are righteous promote industry, security, and stability. Just as Christians are neither justified by their own sins nor by their own good works, in divine judgment the behavior and conduct of children are not justified by their own sins, nor by the sins of their parents. Grace, reconciliation, redemption and salvation are aspects of being in correct relationship with divinity through Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit. While divine law establishes a knowledge of sin and transgressions that otherwise would not exist, the law also provides a framework and structure that allow the living to acknowledge sanctification, resurrection life, and relationship with GOD as the new creation. It is written: Deuteronomy 7: 1-10, King James Version (KJV): 1 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; 2 And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: 3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. 4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly. 5 But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. 6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. 7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; 10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile was shown) posted the following:

Since I hate my Dad and he has wronged me terribly through emotional neglect do I have to still honor him like the 10 commandments read?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. (Deuteronomy 4: 3-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Grace Abounds Much More (04/02/2020); While We Are Growing (03/09/2020); Mankind A Divine Instrument (02/16/2020); GOD Also Uses Children (12/19/2019); More Required Than Crucifixion? (12/10/2019); Anger Against Our Parents? (01/10/2019); What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); Who Deserves Divine Love? (06/23/2017)

“Anonymous”, more than establishing and maintaining a correct relationship with your own parents, the law from GOD is provided to ensure your correct relationship with divinity. The Creator does not call children to act as judge, jury, and executioners against their own parents; and few offspring become connected to their caretakers as though their parents are equals, peers or playmates. Even so, for a child to become a complete person, a full adult, and someone who is emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually healthy before GOD, both their connection to mankind on the earth, and their connection to divinity must be sound. Things that have no meaning, and that seem only to be negative and wicked while we are minor children must become part of what we grasp in our maturity in order to experience the full release that comes through forbearance, forgiveness, and understanding of our shared human predicament.

The sacred law spoken to mankind as the Ten Commandments can be thought of as a divine tool used to transform the 12 tribes of Jacob and the mixed multitude of Gentiles and heathens that left Egypt along with Moses to serve as a new nation under GOD. In Egypt, the Pharaohs had dominion and ownership of the livestock, the land, and the Egyptian people; and only the Pharaohs could bestow or receive any inheritance. The law proclaimed to Israel was an infrastructure to guide Jacob as they would exchange, interact, and respond to one another through their lifestyles and daily routines; and was to serve as a framework for their ongoing relationship with divinity. Israel was to exist as an heir and a son to GOD who would carry out divine judgment against the seven tribes that occupied Canaan as the first covenant partners to GOD. More than this, Israel was to fulfill divine promises and prophecies that were not to be broken or forgotten that had been shared with the Patriarchs Adam, Noah, and Abraham.

Sinners who turn to GOD acknowledging Jesus Christ as their redeemer and savior are to receive a fresh endowment of the same life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) that was in Christ. Those who become “born again” and will exist as developing believers are to “grow up again,” become mature/ripe while living on the earth, and be harvested by the Lord at his appearing (Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming). The inborn spirit must undergo death, burial, and resurrection (rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak). This occurs through operations among the inseparable aspects of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Included are balance, faith, forbearance, gratitude, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Believers undergo permanent change within their own spirit through discovery, gradual growth, sacred practice (e.g., discernment, forgiveness, praise, prayer), study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and suffering. In addition to acknowledging accountability, maintaining godly commitments and performing ones duty, mature Christian behavior will display the image of GOD, and will resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Ezekiel 18: 19-24, King James Version (KJV): 19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? 24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

(2.) Colossians 3: 2-13, KJV: 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 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.

(3.) Titus 3: 1-7, KJV: 1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7j10za_3gQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/09/2020) While We Are Growing

Today, reply is on the process of GOD for recovering and restoring mankind from the fall of Adam as including the humility, forgiveness, obedience, respect and self-restraint of children as sacred tools for reaching their parents and other adults, rather than angry outbursts, deceit, defiance, disrespect, rebellion, unkindness, and violence. More than obedience to the Ten Commandment law is required of children also. Thus, children are given to adults as a gift from divinity to activate and expand their caretaker’s capacity for accountability, compassion, and unselfishness. For a child to despise, begrudge, and hate their own parents provides no benefit from GOD, and is an obstacle to their own contentment as full persons. It is written: Galatians 2: 16-17, King James Version (KJV): 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Since I hate my Dad am I breaking the 10 commandments?

I hate him but it is for good reason.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee. I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge. Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together, Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him. O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help. (Psalms 71: 4-12, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Pray For Your Enemies? (01/03/2020); Violating Commandments On Love? (10/13/2019); Anger Against Our Parents? (01/10/2019); Honoring Our Own Parents (04/09/2018); What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); Who Deserves Divine Love? (06/23/2017); In Her father’s House? (02/08/2017)

“Anonymous”, in the kingdom of GOD, parents and children are to nourish one another. The process of GOD on the earth among mankind now is one of edification (growth of ones spirit), granting grace, and the revealing of sacred things that would be otherwise unseen. Even though it has become acceptable and popular for young people to boast, complain, and murmur against their parents, Christian believers continue to endorse showing a spirit and process of forgiveness, love, and unselfish sacrifice that are intended to please GOD—and by pleasing divinity, to please oneself. The operations of sin may devastate communication within families, and their day-to-day exchanges and interactions. For youth, it is natural to be grounded in elements that appear to adults as foolish, impractical, temporal (do not last), unprofitable, and wasteful. Young people must encounter intense emotional and psychological challenges, and shifts while they are growing—not merely after they are grown. Such features as desires, dreams, emotions, goals, and hopes must be given attention and weight in their decision-making and their ongoing lifestyle. The benefits and privileges granted by GOD to those who are his offspring through commitment, sacred law, unselfish service, and fellowship among those sanctified (set apart) as being in covenant relationship include freedom from fear, peace of mind concerning divine judgment, stability, certainty for fulfillment of divine promises and prophecies, and confidence that, while on the earth, they will receive the godly guidance and wisdom required to become mature. GOD does not foster or promote the operations of sin, nor does divinity impart or justify human bitterness, despair, hatred, rage, and self-destructiveness. Consider again the following that uses language form the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Christine Wyrtzen:

(1.) 2^nd Timothy 1: 7, King James Version (KJV): 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

(2.) Ephesians 6: 1-3, KJV: 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

(3.) Proverbs 6: 20-23, KJV: 20 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. 22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. 23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

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

Image downloaded 11:30 PM, March 08, 2020 @ https://biblepic.com/53/14296.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/16/2019) Presuming To Judge Others?

A depiction of the Parable of the Talents

Today, reply is on a parable from Jesus Christ that speaks to condemning and presuming on those having lawful authority who become attacked and slandered when they act to build and show trust to others. Being afraid and fear are very different from being correctly in awe, having respect, and showing due reverence. In the same way some despise their own parents, many express ingratitude and resentment against divinity failing to realize they are practicing forms of blasphemy, self-destruction, slander, violence, and transgression of sacred law. A servant who was shown respect and trust by his master, went so far in error, he declared that his master would find what was due him in the grave (hell). It is written: Luke 12: 42-48, King James Version (KJV): 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Lukas 12: 42-48, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): 42 And HaAdon said, Who then is the sochen haneeman and navon (faithful and wise steward) whom HaAdon will appoint over his avadim to give them their okhel (food) allowance at the proper time? 43 Ashrey is that eved, whom, having come, his Adon will find doing thus. 44 Omein, I say to you, that he will appoint him over all that he has. 45 But if that eved says in his lev, Adoni delays to come to me, and if that eved begins to beat the avadim (servants) and the shfakhot (maid servants), and to gluttonize and get down in his schnapps, 46 HaAdon of that eved will come on a day which he does not expect and at an hour of which he does not have da’as, and will cut him in pieces and assign him the portion of the Apikoros with the koferim (unbelievers). 47 That eved, who had daas of the ratzon of his Adon and did not get prepared or do according to his ratzon, will be beaten with a klap (blow) and not a few. [DEVARIM 25:2] 48 But the one not having had daas, but having done things worthy of a klap, will receive but a few. But to everyone to whom much was given, much will be required from him, and to whom was entrusted much, even more achraius (accountability) will be required. [VAYIKRA 5:17; BAMIDBAR 15:27-30] One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “olam hazeh... 'olam haba” (Level 7 with 58,929 points) posted the following:

Why was The Servant punished for fearing The Master?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12: 32, KJV)

Do not have pachad (terror, fear), Eder Katan (Little Flock), because it is the ratzon, the chefetz (desire) of your Av [shbaShomayim] to give you the Malchut. (Lukas 12: 32, OJB)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Willingness To Forgive Others? (05/24/2019); Doing The Devil's Work? (02/21/2019); Applying The Divine Standards (10/02/2018); Ye That Work Iniquity (09/24/2018); The Relationship As Servant (06/03/2018); “Occupy Till I Come” (08/30/2017); Opinions and Thought Crimes? (08/25/2017); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015)

“olam hazeh... 'olam haba”, a parable (object lesson) was used by Jesus Christ to clarify the operations and substance describing the kingdom of GOD that, like the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), is spirit in image, character, nature, and possibilities. A servant was entrusted with a sum of money, and this provided him with an opportunity to please the master. More than this, it gave the servant opportunity to display his willingness to be held accountable, his gratitude, and his otherwise unseen purpose to be an asset or liability bringing honor or disrespect to the master. Not only did the servant repeat insults others had made against his master who provided him with food, shelter and meaningful activity (work), he behaved with presumption (i.e., as one who could appoint himself as a legitimate authority to condemn another). Our fear that derives from the aspects of flesh (e.g., appetite; sensation; emotion/mind) is worthless, does not edify (build up understanding), and does not justify enmity, excuse-making, ignorance, judging others, laziness, or selfishness. Consider again the following that uses language from the holy writings, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Matthew 25: 22-30, King James Version (KJV): 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mattiyahu 25: 22-30, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): 22 And having come forward, the one having received two talents, said, You bestowed upon me two talents. Hinei! Two more talents I gained. 23 His Adon said to him, Shkoyach (well done), eved tov vneeman! A few things you were faithful over, over many things I will ordain you. Enter into the simcha of your Adon. 24 And also the one who had received one talent stepped forward. He said, Adoni, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering from that which you did not scatter seed. 25 And having been afraid and having gone away, I hid your talent by burying it in the ground. Here, see, you have that which belongs to you. 26 And, in reply, his Adon said to him, You farbissener (mean) eved rah vatzel (wicked and lazy slave), so you had daas that I reap where I did not sow and I gather from which I did not scatter seed? 27 Then why was it not necessary for you to deposit my gelt with the bankers, and having returned, I would have received back that which was mine with interest? 28 Take, therefore, from him the talent and give it to the one having the ten talents. 29 For to every one having, it will be given and he will have abundance; but from the one not having, even what he has will be taken from him. 30 And as for the useless slave, throw him into the outer choshech, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.

(2.) Luke 6: 36-38, KJV: 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.

Lukas 6: 36-38, OJB: 36 Be anashim of rachamanut (compassion) just as also your Elohim HaAv is merciful. [TEHILLIM 103:8] 37 Judge not, lest you be judged. And do not condemn, and by no means may you be condemned. If you pardon with mechila (forgiveness), you will be pardoned with selicha (forgiveness). 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, having been pressed down and having been shaken, overflowing, will be put into your kheyk (lap). For by what measure you measure it will be measured in return to you. [Ps 79:12; Isa 65:6,7]

(3.) Matthew 12: 31-33, KJV: 31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. 33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

Mattityahu 12: 31-33, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): 31 Therefore, I say to you, every chet (sin) and gidduf (blasphemy) will be forgiven men, but whoever commits Chillul Hashem against the Ruach Hakodesh will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Ben HaAdam [Moshiach] will be granted selicha (forgiveness), but whoever speaks against the Ruach Hakodesh, selicha will not be granted him either in the Olam Hazeh or in the Olam Habah. 33 Either make the etz (tree) tov (good) and its pri (fruit) will be tov, or make the etz nishchat (corrupt) and its pri will be rah; for by its pri the etz is known.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xxl9Wk3idA.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB) Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International

Image downloaded 2:45 PM, December 15, 2019 @ saintjanedechantal.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/parable-of-talents.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/23/2019) The Confusions of Halloween

Today, reply is on Christian beliefs, spiritual confusion, and the celebration of Halloween. Christianity is to appear among mankind as correct expression of accountability, maturity, sacred knowledge, and spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD. The observance of Halloween and other holiday celebrations have been examined by Christian adults, and are now increasingly challenged regarding their value for sinners coming to Christ by repentance, and for the gradual growth and development of youth receiving Christ as their inheritance. In addition to promoting conflict and division among believers, holidays, celebrations, customs, and cultural traditions promoting parties and social behavior also encourage compromise, disbelief, hedonism, and skepticism. It is written: Luke 14: 25-27, King James Version (KJV): 25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Ember (Level 1 with 78 points, a member since October 16, 2019) posted the following:

How do I tell my parents I don't celebrate Halloween when I'm the only Christian in that household? My family are pagan and I'm not.?

I have told them I converted before but they took it as if I was being disrespectful and they've been mean, and my mom didn't take it well. They didn't take me telling them I converted well.. . Idk what to do

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (Matthew 19: 27-28, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Heathen and Pagan Ways (09/01/2019); Jesus In This Environment? (04/30/2019); Anger Against Our Parents? (01/10/2019); Why Paul Observed Tradition (07/10/2018); Sacred Ministry or Parenting? (05/10/2018); The Joy of Christmas (01/05/2017); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); A Day For Forgiveness? (12/25/2015)

“Ember”, the meaning and value of holidays during our stages of childhood must change as we develop and grow. Even so, for many Christian families the occasions for public celebration and the observance of holidays are increasingly becoming recognized as toxic for the home and within the community of faith. Like welcoming a wolf in sheep’s clothing, acknowledging things from the popular culture, customs, family law, and traditions of the world always entails great risk disguised as affirming and bonding community, child-like innocence, play, and recreation. Rather than proclaiming the things of redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ, often those who embrace Halloween further the expression of things carnal, material, and demonic along with the occult, sorcery, the supernatural, and superstition. A use and focus on graphic images, icons, and symbols are promoted that contend against balance, faith, godliness, and maturity. Death, destruction, division, fear, and accepting the operations of sin unknowingly are endorsed and promoted. The recognition of such events as anniversaries, birthdays, and the completion of harvest also have become tainted by elements promoting depression, excess, gluttony, and imbalance. Major feasts such as dia de los Muertos, Saint Patrick’s day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter are in danger of losing all piety, righteousness, and their saintly spirit character. While you are in the home of your parents, you must respect their right to freely express their own beliefs and values without having to answer continual condemnation, criticism, or disrespect from their children and other members of the household. You are to “win them over” by acknowledging and displaying such aspects of sacred spirit as faith, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, and wisdom. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 13: 11-12, King James Version (KJV): 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

(2.) Galatians 2: 16, KJV: 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

(3.) Galatians 5: 16-23, KJV: 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmwRnDa-iXM&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLMTSzGiuTABz_u7Lqbc7AF8&index=5&t=0s.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:50 PM, October 23, 2019 @ https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/people/why-do-we-celebrate-halloween.aspx

AN AFTERTHOUGHT: For most Christians, the benefits and rejoicing through sacred and secular celebrations are not the same. Christmas should not be compared against Kwanzaa; family reunion should not be compared to Resurrection Sunday; Sabbath should not be compared with Sunday. Anniversaries and memorials of sacred events (we often say, miracles) should acknowledge acts of GOD and mysteries from the past, yet also invoke and call forth (1) the same benefits, blessings, duties, and gifts provided earlier, (2) completion, fulfillment, or repetition of the original works, (3) re-dedication and revival as of ones assembly and the full church as well as (4) renewal of each believer’s own relationship with divinity. Commanded expectations (hope) and sacred purpose are reignited and reinvigorated; and those who labor preparing the harvest to be taken up at the coming of Jesus Christ as Lord receive needed rest and refreshing.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/16/2019) Unseen And Inexplicable Power

A depiction of Moses and the Lawgiver

Today, points on the Ten Commandments and sacred law are shared reflecting on a recent exchange with a former co-worker from the Library of Congress that is now posted on my pages at facebook.com. The excellence of sacred law is its origin as truth communicated and provided within personal relationships joining mankind to divinity. Divine law can not be received among those lacking faith and the other inseparable aspects of divine fullness imparted to mankind through the ministries of Jesus Christ. Included are forbearance, holiness, hope, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The testimony must be acknowledged that the law was provided written on tables of stone by the finger of GOD, and has been spoken aloud by GOD to the multitude assembled at Horeb. It is written: Romans 7: 12, King James Version (KJV): 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Consider the following:

Jack Schwarz The 10 commandments contain very uneven writing and should have been edited 4 better clarity. It always reads a bit like the product of a committee rather than a vision of perfecting life on earth. The fact that loving one another isn't in there is a big missing piece that Isiah and others tried 2 rectify. So when some crazy starts placing them on the court house lawn, I kind of wonder whether they've thought that hard about what they contain or have missed. jj

Michael Andrew Williams Keep in mind, there is a romance around many of these things that excuses all their flaws and inadequacy. Then again, more than merely increasing their charm, their rough edges introduce an otherwise unseen and inexplicable level of power. MAW

Jack Schwarz No romance here------no loophole 4 sloppy writing by committee. My particular bete noire is the honor thy parents one------should read honor thy family because honor flows both ways between generations and if it doesn't, a lot of grief ensues. The writers were smart enough 2 target things like murder, theft, adultery and false witness but somehow they missed this one which is often the source of all the rest.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. 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. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. (Galatians 3: 16-18, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Violating Commandments On Love? (10/13/2019); Kings, Popes, Priests, Prophets? (09/22/2019); Conflict Among Multiple Wills? (09/20/2019); Those Who Prefer Evil (09/02/2019); Self-will Is Not Law (08/23/2019); Blaspheming the Holy Spirit (05/08/2019); Divine Forgiveness and Justice (01/01/2019)

“Jack”, for someone who has thoughtfully used the volumes of U. S. Code as a reference work in making responses to the U. S. Congress, you may now be exercising some bias in your standard for “well written” legislation. The ancient fathers were not only challenged to engage a social structure unlike that within the One-world Empire of Egypt (where they hoped to assimilate despite all the Egyptians being chattel), they also were challenged to operate having new affiliation and identity as a state, rather than a collection of tribes having no political franchise within the slave-holding household of Pharaoh.

Among mature Christian believers, the Ten Commandments are received as an aspect of a full divine revelation that features the appearance of immortal, incorruptible, and invisible GOD using flesh and human form (we say, Incarnation) to further make the character and nature of divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. The covenant law is not to be read only for its carnal, historical, material, moral, secular, and social focus; and the Ten Commandments are acknowledged as a testimony to the authority, dominion, righteousness, and sovereignty of divinity who stand together as Creator, Deliverer, Redeemer, Savior, and the provider of Eternal Life.

Immutable and unchanging law is to govern and influence consciousness and self-will within created beings and living creatures. The operations of sin dominate and paralyze awareness and willpower within the living. To illuminate the process and substance of existence and life are the end of the law, rather than merely the resolution of mundane and pedestrian quarrels among men on the earth continued by “he-said, she-said, and who-struck-John.” In addition to admonition, ordinances, regulations, requirements, rules, and warnings the law presents exalted personhood, principle, and wisdom. Sacred law makes apparent the divine presence through accuracy when presenting facts in tribunals of truth-finding; attention to detail (completeness; thoroughness); balance; impartiality; conclusive findings; and the authoritative ordering of punishment as well as by establishing records of offenses, determinations, and settlements that also will have the force of law. More than this, divine law conveys and imparts forgiveness, mercy and reconciliation. Consider again the following on divine law that uses language from the Bible, and the presentation from the music ministry of the King’s College Choir:

(1.) James 4: 11-13, King James Version (KJV): 11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

(2.) Hosea 6: 4-7, KJV: 4 O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away. 5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth. 6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. 7 But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

(3.) Isaiah 5: 13-16, KJV: 13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. 14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. 15 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled: 16 But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

(4.) Romans 10: 4, KJV: 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

(5.) Galatians 5: 16-23, KJV: 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

(6.) Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14, KJV: 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.)

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (7.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX1zicNRLmY.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:04 PM, October 16, 2019 @ menace-theoriste.fr/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Gebhard_Fugel_Moses_erh-C3-A4lt_die_Tafeln.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/25/2019) The Enemy Of Humanity?

Today, reply is on whether GOD is an enemy to mankind because divinity also administers sacred law, admonitions, correction, punishment, warnings, and descriptions of the future events, outcomes, and results of human choices and decisions that oppose the will of divine fullness. The eternal purpose of GOD proclaimed through his holy name is existence and life (we say, I AM); and it is by continuing in relationship with the active presence who is GOD the Creator that mankind is to have permanent direction, duration, and value. There are attentions and chastisements from GOD to reveal his character, nature, and substance. Created beings and living creatures apprehend their own identity and integrity of being where they receive fresh endowments of spirit matter from the makeup of divinity. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, and wisdom. It is written: Hebrews 12: 7-9, King James Version (KJV): 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “STEVAN” (Level 1 with 25 points, a member since February 12, 2016) posted the following:

When is God planning to destroy the human race for a second time with fire. Surely he is the enemy of humanity with these constant threats?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2^nd Corinthians 5: 7-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Ye That Work Iniquity (09/24/2018); Consequences and Divine Love (07/05/2018); His Enemies A Footstool (04/29/2018); Our Fitness To Continue? (12/24/2017); Divine Wrath Against Sin? (10/17/2017); Herein Is True Love (10/21/2016); By Law and Relationships (04/05/2016); An Attack on Creation? (12/08/2012); The Focus of Judgment? (12/09/2012)

“STEVAN”, because divinity is invisible, unseen spirit, GOD uses many carnal, material, social, and spiritual tools that are graphic and memorable to impress the hearts and minds of the living. Included are admonitions, cautions, death, and prophetic demonstrations. GOD is not a malicious destroyer who has set out to harass and heap scorn upon the created beings and living creatures within his universe. The eternal and unchanging purpose demonstrated and revealed by divinity is that there be existence and life. At some point in their becoming “born again” and “growing up again” to display genuine maturity, repenting sinners who become developing Christian believers acknowledge that they themselves also have received guidance and instruction from divinity whereby they clearly realize the excellence of sacred knowledge over secular knowledge, the higher value of sacred events (miracles) and sacred practices (sacraments) as well as the true integrity and righteousness of GOD. A child whose father repeats a warning about leaving their basketball, the bicycle, the football, or the skateboard in the drive way, might complain to their peers and playmates that their own father is threatening to junk all their stuff! Sadly, it may turn out that mom is the one who finally crushes their belongings, and must go through the expense and humiliation of accounting for an error with the auto insurance adjuster. Yes, where we seek to continue in a right relationship with divinity, there are issues of obedience, privilege, respect, and understanding. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Ezekiel 18: 4, King James Version (KJV): 4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

2. Ezekiel 18: 26-32, KJV: 26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. 27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. 28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 29 Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? 30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

3. Luke 12: 32, KJV: 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. (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 12:07 PM, April 25, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/236x/31/9f/46/319f46b13539ea90ffe96da5357bf01b.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC