(02/06/2020) Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity

Today, reply is on whether the Bible promotes slavery. GOD does not extend redemption and salvation to men on the basis of human accomplishments, economic and social status, ethnic origin or race. The Scriptures teach that mankind was created to exist as a companion to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity. Authentic humanity as put forth by the Creator is to display godliness, obedience, and the many inseparable aspects of divine fullness that were imparted as life essence. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The holy writings have been provided to mankind on the earth even within cultures and nations where the enslavement of others were practiced as acceptable, commonplace, and necessary to maintain institutions for government, prosperity, geopolitical stability, and warfare along with management of ones own business, family, and household. Scripture provides a detailed picture of the human condition that has resulted through the operations of sin. GOD has not yet eliminated sin, and mankind is presently in a divine process of redemption and salvation wherein the living become the new creation. Through rebirth, repentance, and renewal, sinners are endowed to become mature and ripe for harvest by Jesus Christ at his appearing (i.e., the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). All are to endure life challenges on the earth generated by mechanical process, natural law, the Flesh, the World, and other belief systems. The broad range of living experience includes affliction, bereavement, chance occurrences, disappointments, discovery, duty, gradual growth, hardship, imprisonment, inequality, forms of servitude, poverty, sexuality, social injustice, suffering, and the unexpected. Sacred knowledge and divine tools have been given mankind that allow men more correctly to recognize, reject, resist, and recover from the operations of sin. It is written: 2^nd Timothy 1: 7-10, 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. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Does the Bible promote slavery?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8: 5-9, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Visibility of GOD (01/20/2020); I Am So Satisfied (12/18/2019); Worshiping A Man-made Object (11/04/2019); Christ Displayed Authentic Humanity (10/09/2019); Was Creation A Failure? (05/13/2019); (08/22/2019) Comfort Through New Life; Continuing and Refreshing Creation (04/01/2019); Salvation Through Jesus Christ (03/25/2019)

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers will agree that the holy writings describe the perfected human condition, the life process for the offspring of Adam that is acceptable to GOD, and the elements of mature, authentic humanity. These have been demonstrated through the appearance of divinity on the earth using flesh and the physical form of mankind (i.e., by the Incarnation as Jesus Christ.) The living descendants of the first pair are to display the image of GOD; and as believers and followers of Jesus, they are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Christ. The errors of ethnic arrogance, covetousness, dehumanization, exaggerated pride, racism, slavery, human trafficking, and violence against one another appear through the operations of sin that oppose the continued existence of sacred law, the Lawgiver, and the universe that is an expression of divine dominion, inarguable prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of divine fullness (i.e., the Creator; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).

While divinity created the heaven and the earth, and has established mortality as a condition for human existence, a World system of belief has been created by mankind that is intended to ensure human communication, exchange, longevity, movement for populations, and survival. The World system operates relying on such finite tools as intellect, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, science, and technology. The Bible provides a record of divinity appearing on the earth through thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. The system of Christian belief provided by the Scriptures detail guidance, meanings, standards and values for the continued existence of mankind; promote the acknowledgment of divinity as an active presence; and continues the sacred transformation of mankind to become immortal and incorruptible through spiritual process and endowments of divine substance imparted from the makeup of GOD.

While mankind now must face life conditions on the earth that include aging, chance occurrences, disease, death, and uncertainty, divinity has provided mechanisms for godly living that alter, suppress, and in many instances reverse the operations of sin that appear as affliction, crisis, hardship, suffering, and tragedy. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the music selection from the music ministry of the The Heralds:

(1.) Romans 8: 13-17, King James Version (KJV): 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 7: 18-24, KJV: 18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

(3.) Colossians 3: 8-14, KJV: 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. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

(4.) Colossians 3: 22-25, KJV: 22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_UuIoxuLT8.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 6:11 AM, February 06, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4c/5d/1d/4c5d1d0e5fa057e5bdc910cbdc042560.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/16/2020) Joseph Received Divine Spirit

The image depicts Joseph son of Jacob who ruled over the Egyptians as a vizier and second in command to Pharaoh.

Today, reply is on the response by Joseph to his wicked brothers who had sold him into slavery. Joseph expressed no anger or bitterness, no desire for revenge, and no self-pity as an innocent victim of hatred and malice. Instead of denying them, forcing them to endure imprisonment for more than ten years as he had done, or even refusing to provide food to them and their families, Joseph behaved as their deliverer, and a truly wise ruler. It is written: Genesis 50: 14-21, King James Version (KJV): 14 And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father. 15 And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. 16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. 18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Annie” (Level 2 with 620 points) posted the following:

If you were Joseph and you became a powerful official in Egypt, would you forgive your brothers for selling you to slavery or execute them?

I saw the film Prince of Egypt and was puzzled how Joseph would forgive his brothers after they hurt him so much.

Selling your own sibling to slavery is just unthinkable. I wouldn't be so forgiving, but why was he?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not: And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children’s children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast: And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty. (Genesis 45: 4-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Pray For Your Enemies? (01/03/2020); Presuming To Judge Others? (12/16/2019); Violating Commandments On Love? (10/13/2019); Willingness To Forgive Others? (05/24/2019); Sacred Characters, Not Fictional (12/12/2018); Kingdom and One-world Empire (09/08/2016); Slaves to Sin? (04/13/2015)

“Annie”, Joseph was an instrument and a living tool used by GOD to provide divine grace. Many mature Christian believers, who practice discernment and the careful recognition of spirit substance appearing within events, themselves, and other persons, willingly acknowledge that Joseph was a prophet and spokesperson prepared and sent by divinity. As the son of Jacob, and heir to Adam, Abraham and Isaac, Joseph demonstrates divine government by Messiah/the Christ; and he serves in multiple sacred roles. Included are that of a judge; a high priest; a primary heir among the tribes of Jacob (who was not determined by law or tradition promoting the firstborn and birth order); a living sacrifice; a savior to the then known world; the father to 2 new tribes in Jacob (Ephraim and Manasseh); and a father to those who left Egypt to form Israel as a new nation under GOD, in place of Pharaoh.

Like those called to be Christian believers, today, Joseph was to display authentic humanity made in the image of GOD; and to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. In addition to forgiveness for those who have practiced betrayal and transgression of sacred law (we say, sin), Joseph demonstrated mercy in judgment toward those clearly guilty. Moreover, rather than condemn his brothers following the death of Jacob, while they were still mourning their father, Joseph was a source of comfort, healing and lovingkindness. Joseph practiced sacred redemption, and affirmed the device of perpetual covenant between divinity and mankind that appears through family, kinship, and blood relation.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, during the years of famine, the Egyptian people sold their livestock, their land, and themselves as slaves to Pharaoh; the Hebrews continued to acknowledge the dominion of I AM. In all Egypt, earthly inheritance existed only for the Pharaoh. The eternal kingdom of GOD, spiritual inheritance, and sovereign rule through sacred law are contrasted against that of a one world empire having rule generated from the extremes of the flesh (e.g., anger, covetousness, imbalance, pride). Joseph also represents divine grace, the fulfillment of promise, freedom, and manifesting the righteousness within the law, rather than idolatry, poverty, strict obedience, and relying on the letter of the law.) Even so, I trust this fragment that includes a selection from the music ministry of Shirley Caesar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV9TqW-_fkU) will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:35 PM, January 15, 2020 @ https://mattsbibleblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/joseph-of-egypt.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/24/2019) The Sovereignty Of GOD

A depiction of divine fullness enthroned with the 24 elders, 4 seraphim, the host of heaven, and 7 spirits

Today, reply is on Moses, Pharaoh of Egypt, and the revelation of sovereign divinity to the 12 tribes of Jacob who were the heirs of Abraham. Nomads do not receive or provide land and territory as an inheritance to their own offspring. Entry to the Promised Land would be denied to Moses as well as to everyone except 2 (Caleb & Joshua) from the army of more than ½ million men who had left Egypt. Believers are given an account that goes beyond the correction and punishment of Moses for losing his temper. Israel was in a process of transformation whereby they would exist as a peculiar people displaying inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that included faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: Numbers 20: 7-12, King James Version (KJV): 7 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. 9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. 10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? 11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. 12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. A fighter in “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID "Tracy" (Level 2 with 669 points) posted the following:

Why didn't God allow Moses to enter the Promised Land?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt: And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us? And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD. (Exodus 16: 4-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Moses Was Not Divine (04/24/2019); Sacred Characters, Not Fictional (12/12/2018); Lost For 40 Years? (09/17/2018); Judgment Against The Canaanites (08/01/2018); The Goodness of Pharaoh? (02/19/2018); The Generation That Wandered (06/14/2017); The Need For Divine Rule? (08/27/2015)

“Tracy”, when GOD sent Moses to them, the sons of Jacob were in covenant through Abraham, yet, did not continually acknowledge the governance, power, presence, and sovereignty of GOD as a unified people. Because we mistakenly focus on Moses as important along with other human figures spoken of in the holy writings, many of us fail to realize that the Scriptures primarily are provided to give us a clear “picture” (revelation) of divinity who is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible. The Bible is a record of divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) appearing on the earth using thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. Many think that Moses was denied the privilege of entering the Promised Land because he incurred the wrath of GOD by expressing finite human anger, frustration, and exaggerated pride, rather than speaking in a manner to exalt divinity. More correctly, we are to see that Israel had endured for hundreds of years within Egypt, a land that existed as a one-world empire under the rule of Pharaoh. From the time of Joseph and the famine, the people of Egypt, their livestock, and their land were purchased, and became the personal chattel (i.e., material goods; private property; slaves), estate, and inheritance of the Pharaohs. Not only was it necessary for Israel to be separated from Egypt for the heirs of Abraham to own property and goods maintained and transferred to their descendants by operations of law, their acknowledgment of GOD following the example of Abraham (e.g., building altars; circumcision; digging wells; herding animals for offerings and sacrifices of blood in atonement for sin, and for thanksgiving) could not be safely continued. Divinity would separate the twelve tribes and mixed multitude (we say, various Gentiles) by an exodus from Egypt that would fulfill the promise and vision granted Abraham, and break both the long-standing patterns and traditions of “man-made” government (we say, the world), and of those of heathen worship that included exalting the Pharaoh. GOD himself, not Moses, was to be acknowledged as the one who led, created, and formed Israel as a new kingdom among the nations. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the selection from the music ministry of The Barnes Family:

(1.) Genesis 15: 8-14, King James Version (KJV): 8 And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? 9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. 10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. 11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. 12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. 13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; 14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

(2.) Exodus 13: 17-19, KJV: 17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: 18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. 19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

(3.) 1^st Samuel 12: 6-7, KJV: 6 And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. 7 Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

(4.) 1^st Samuel 10: 17-20, KJV: 17 And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; 18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: 19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug6fv8KRuCM.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:20 AM, November 24, 2019 @ https://shofardurbanville.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/beholdthethrone-24.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/28/2017) The Servitude of Angels

Today, points are shared on the fall of Lucifer and his followers.  Access, approval, and intimacy within relationships contribute to the formulation of continuing desires, expectations, and demands.  Exaggerated pride is often accompanied by covetousness, inordinate desire, and a false sense of authority and ownership.  The word from GOD establishes the existence and movements of divinity (we say, active presence), and is to effect and fulfill divine operations that even may be unseen and unknowable to the living.  Those who alter, contradict, oppose, and refuse to perform according to the divine word will be in violation of sacred law (i.e., the express will of GOD).  Neither the kingdom of heaven nor the kingdom of GOD upon the earth are a democracy having no divine ruler to whom self-will within created beings and living creatures must be accountable.  To exist eternally within either of those two spheres of life demands there be accord with GOD.  Those among the heavenly host were the first to become slaves to sin that was undetectable, yet, wickedly called forth conspiracy, deception, secrecy, and silence.  The tiny spark conveyed to mankind by the serpent upon the earth has threatened to become a conflagration of unholy fire that will eventually consume all Creation.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Mortal Seeker” (Level 4 with 2,621 points, a member since April 14, 2012) posted the following:


Might Satan have rebelled because he was trying to free the angels from God's slavery?

But he lost, and winners write the history books, so his fight for freedom got described as a prideful act of disobedience. Just like any failed slave revolt in pre-civil war America might have been.

Update:  Think about how Pharaoh would have written the account of the Exodus if the Egyptians had triumphed.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?  And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.  And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.  But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:  a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.  And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:  They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;  And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed:  but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.  But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?  (Hebrews 1:  5-14, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Names of the Adversary? (03/19/2017); Destruction of the Adversary? (01/06/2017); About Lucifer in Scripture (02/18/2016); The Need For Divine Rule? (08/27/2015); Satan Should Stand Trial? (02/16/2014); The Right Place to Get Knowledge? (02/17/2014); The Power of Death? (10/01/2013); Divine Love Revealed? (10/02/2013)


“Mortal Seeker”, the actions of Satan reported in the Bible must be assessed or judged in the light of full truth.  The holy writings are intended to provide a disclosure of divine acts and events that should make divinity knowable, known, memorable, and “visible” to all created beings and living creatures.  While there continue to be hidden and unreported mysteries, the things that are revealed operate as do divine law and final judgment by presenting the character, nature, and substance of GOD.  This is more completely and perfectly achieved by a focus on GOD appearing in the earth as Jesus Christ, and the multiple works by the GODhead to recover mankind from the operations of sin on the earth.

The full record of Scripture speaks to the founding of heaven and earth.  Men are to understand the existence of angels, mankind, and all Creation is the expression of divine processes, eternal purposes, and sovereign will.  Angels were fashioned to be servants who are neither mortal nor immortal, yet, are privileged to appear in the divine presence, and to endure on the basis of faith, grace, and divine prerogative.  Thus, their duration, quality, usefulness, and value are generated and maintained almost entirely through their voluntary service to divinity.  By contrast, men were fashioned to exist indefinitely as companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity.  When their character, consciousness, and self-will were dominated by sin through the influence of an angel using a disguise as a serpent, mankind became mortal, subject to death, and appointed to final judgment. 

Sin opposes the continuing existence of divine law, GOD as the Law Giver, and all divine order throughout the universe.   Sin is not created by GOD, is no spirit or material creation, yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living.  The operations of sin foster nonexistence and spiritual confusion through subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in focus, meaning, and value).  Along with error, misdirection, and presumption great damage is brought against every sacred work.  Thus, because of his self-promotion as a god over the people of Egypt—who all sold their own belongings and themselves as slaves to Pharaoh during a period of famine on the earth—the monarch who ruled a one-world empire upon the earth is described as a figure, or type representing Lucifer/Satan/the serpent, who had identified himself as a god while on the earth by saying to the woman:  Ye shall not surely die.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, the process of full divine revelation demands that the justice of GOD appear framed by such elements as balance, completeness, forbearance, forgiveness, impartiality, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Where sin results in the corruption of Lucifer’s beauty so that he appears as a dragon over the course of time, the integrity of GOD in exchange and relationship shines more and more brightly as genuine, immutable glory.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/21/2017) Joy, Survival and Worship

Today, focus is on emotional, psychological and spiritual survival through Christian worship among all those of the African Diaspora (we say, Blacks).  Where bitterness, fear, resentment and suicide will acknowledge and install an enemy as the supreme power over your life, reverence to the Creator, and oneness without sameness through Jesus Christ accomplish freedom, invincibility, and eternal life.  Despite abuse, oppression and suffering, many continue to successfully struggle for life because they also receive healing, power, and relief as the offspring and heirs of the Creator.  Through various divine gifts and provisions, awareness and self-will within the living are supplied with sacred direction, futurity, perseverance, possibility, and the vision required for continuous existence, presence, purpose, and sacred relationship.  Those choosing to be enemies on the basis of ethnicity and race not only call forth damnation and hellfire, they also deprive themselves of an excellent friend (it is written:  Proverbs 8:  36, King James Version (KJV):  36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul:  all they that hate me love death.).  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 16,235 points, a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:


Why are black Christians so joyful when they worship God?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.  And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people:  all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.  For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.  (Isaiah 61:  8-11, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Flesh, Then Beyond (05/23/2017); Fulfillment of His Dream? (04/05/2017); Hope That Is True (02/20/2017); The Joy of Christmas (01/05/2017); No Less GOD’s Creation (12/01/2016); Covetousness, Slavery and Sin (09/16/2016); Can Christians Be Racists? (07/25/2016); African American Christmas? (12/15/2015)


“Breakthrough”, the inner spirit must be kept alive for there to be “survival”.  Many mature Christians will agree that “to worship” is to acknowledge and respond to divine revelation provided through such mechanisms as discovery, divine law, praise, prophecy, sacrifice, sacred promise, self-government, and suffering.  All who are treated as despised, marginal, and misfits realize they are part of the “mainstream” when turning to GOD.  Even so, oppressive economic, political, and social systems continue to exist around the world that foster bias, discrimination, hate, and prejudice.  Public markets in Europe selling men, women and children from the continent of Africa were begun and firmly in place 50 years before Columbus in 1492 sought a new route (not a New World) to the wealth of spices and slaves from the East.  Because of the mindset that says, It is just good business, it was made acceptable and “normal” to speak of Blacks as chattel, goods, and a disposable commodity.

The mechanisms for genuine survival of all Black peoples and many others enduring life as members of a minority group (e.g., native Americans, Orientals) have had to address a broad range of meanings, needs, life purposes, and values.  The comprehensive frameworks for Christian belief have provided much of the necessary structure and flexibility to identify and isolate many of the most import features for a true commitment to life rather than death.  Included are anticipation (we say, holding to the energy and excitement of expectation; hope); becoming reconciled to higher things yet giving the appearance of accepting or agreeing with base things that are totally disgusting and reprehensible; defiance; deliverance; disguise; escape; misdirection; and the violence of righteous judgment.  Make-believe, fantasy and pretending are useless as mechanisms to bring about change.  Devices promoting deceit and lies (e.g., betrayal, boasting, gossip, slander) only ensure the destruction of the intimate relationships critical to survival (e.g., friendships, family, marriage, parenting).

In the worship of Black Christians, sinners are to see the otherwise invisible victory of mankind over the many obstacles to existence and peace such as arrogance, death, depression, ignorance, malice, poverty, and sin.  Believers are to receive inseparable aspects from the spirit makeup of divinity that are immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging.  There should be faith, forbearance, gratitude, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  In their homes, lifestyles, places for study, prayer, and reflection, rules and standards will be in effect that counterbalance anger, condemnation, self-destruction, despair, and self-pity.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Mark 8:  34-38, King James Version (KJV):  34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.  36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

(2.)  Ephesians 4:  25-27, KJV:  25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:  for we are members one of another.  26 Be ye angry, and sin not:  let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  27 Neither give place to the devil.  28 Let him that stole steal no more:  but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

(3.)  Psalms 66:  1-4, KJV:  1 Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:  2 Sing forth the honour of his name:  make his praise glorious.  3 Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.  4 All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/14/2017) The Generation That Wandered

Today, the different generations are considered that appeared while GOD was creating the Covenant of Moses.  Along with the account of deliverance from Egypt, there also are important accounts of judgment against idolatry, lack of faith, and spiritual confusion.  Over a span of 40 years, various principles of divine ruling were quietly introduced that included requiring accountability and commitment in the expression of mature love, acknowledging collective responsibility (e.g., that an entire group may be held liable for the conduct of a single member), confession, the inheritance of spiritual promises in place of material goods, intercessory prayer, mercy, redemption, and discharging or fulfilling sacred obligation through a remnant.  GOD is revealed as the true source of all genuine inheritance for mankind.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (Malaysia)” who uses the ID “stevan” (Level 1 with 3 points, a member since June 12, 2016) posted the following:


Moses got lost in the desert for 40 years. Is it actually possible to lost for so long?

He must have been a tard


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.  For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it?  Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?  Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?  Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.  Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee:  and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.  And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt;  To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day.  Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath:  there is none else.  Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.  (Deuteronomy 4:  31-40, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Law Expresses Love (05/10/2017); Kingdom and One-world Empire (09/08/2016); Slaves to Sin? (04/13/2015); Adam, Pharaoh and All Mankind? (01/28/2015); The Sheep Who Lost Their Way? (11/18/2014); Restoring The Lost? (11/19/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Covenants and Relationships (01/29/2014)


“stevan”, GOD has been revealed as a deity who operates through law, judgment, and promise.  There are many points of sacred knowledge a person must have to correctly understand the account of GOD creating a new nation upon the earth by extracting a people from the populations of Egypt.  Only GOD the Creator can provide an inheritance to the offspring of Adam.  The twelve tribes of Jacob were interrelated, yet, were not “family” in the model of “one dad, one mom, and their kids” who all share within one dwelling place.  Egypt was a “one-world empire” that directly controlled the lives of its citizens, and influenced every aspect of life for those within every other existing nation.  During the years of extreme famine, in order to survive the Egyptian people willingly sold to Pharaoh their own livestock, property, and even themselves as slaves.  In the belief systems of Egypt, Pharaoh and the royal family became “gods”, and were the only persons who could be “heirs” within the economic system of their nation.  The Hebrews and other ethnic groups who had struggled to assimilate, copy, “fit in,” and be “accepted” by adopting the customs and practices of the Egyptians, would have to be separated and undergo an extended process of cleansing, growth, healing, and transformation.  Therefore, from the beginning of their exodus, those who would become the covenant people by acknowledging the divine “pass over” and leaving Egypt were a mixed multitude (we say, included Gentiles).

Throughout the Bible, a generation is a span of 40 years.  At the same time there was a generation who wandered (those aligned with Moses); there was a generation who transgressed, was judged, and saw the wrath of GOD (the “then known world” represented in Egypt and Pharaoh); a generation who violated an existing covenant (the 7 tribes living in Canaan); and a generation that would be heirs of the full set of divine promises begun in Adam, continued in Noah and amplified through Abraham.  Those who wandered were never “lost” in the sense of GOD being unable to find them; instead, it is that, they would not be taken directly and immediately into the land of inheritance that was promised to them.  As surely as GOD was always present in their midst through the Tabernacle, he guided their movements through the pillars of cloud and fire.  Because the number of men who would serve as the army of Israel was more than ½ million, the entire group of men women and children who left Egypt is estimated to have been some 3½ million.  From that number, only 2 men of the original group would stand upon their own property within the Promised Land.  Even the prophet Moses and Aaron the High Priest were both disqualified.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Exodus 12:  37-41, King James Version (KJV):  37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.  38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.  39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.  40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.  41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

(2.)  Numbers 14:  22-24, KJV:  22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;  23 Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:  24 But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Deuteronomy 7:  1-10, 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/10/2017) Divine Law Expresses Love

Today, focus is on the loving purpose and severity of divine law provided those who left Egypt with Moses.  The mixed multitude that followed Moses and Aaron numbered more than six hundred thousand whom GOD would use as a military force and an instrument of divine judgment; and the total of number of men, women and children together were as many as three and a half million who would be transformed to exist as a new nation.  Corruption, idolatry, and lawlessness were so widespread among the people that their survival required a comprehensive and detailed law from GOD that was to be obeyed as shared duty and mandatory, not as a matter of private opinion and personal preference.  The fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Hugo610i3” (Level 1 with 20 points, a member since August 18, 2016) posted the following:
 

Since god is love why does he treat jews in exodus very bad?

The children that curse die

women can get her hands cut off if they break up a fight betwen 2 males if they grab one by the balls

You can own slaves until 7 years, beat them, and have sex (a literally slave, its written in the bible, check it out) with no consent, if you have children with them after the 7 years and you free your slave, you can keep your child even if the slave wants it back.

You cant go to church if you dont private parts.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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:  5-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Held Accountable by GOD? (03/31/2017); Kingdom and One-world Empire (09/08/2016); Slaves to Sin? (04/13/2015); Adam, Pharaoh and All Mankind? (01/28/2015); Divine Love Seen As Hate? (01/29/2015); A Hardened Spirit? (06/12/2014); Mary (06/13/2014)


“Hugo630i3”, the work of the law once was to continue intimate relationship with GOD, was redirected to enable mankind being in peace upon the earth, and now reinforces the salvation and transformation of created beings and living creatures who are unable to eliminate sin apart from divinity.  Through operations of the Holy Spirit on behalf of Jesus Christ, Christian believers experience rebirth and permanent change whereby they become able to correctly recognize and respond to divine law as both the love of GOD, and the express will of GOD.  Divine commandments and the word of GOD (we also say, life essence, spark of life, spirit) have been imparted to mankind from the first moments when GOD breathed sacred substance from the makeup of Deity into the form that had been fashioned as a vessel that could become a “living soul.”  Included are awareness, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, self-will, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The purpose of what we now realize as “law” has always been to establish mankind in the same oneness without sameness that exists among the persons of the GODhead (we say, Father, Son, Holy Spirit).

Egypt represents spiritual confusion.  The twelve tribes of Jacob and the mixed multitude from various nations that left Egypt with Moses had been struggling to survive in a human cesspool, so to speak.  Egypt became an empire that controlled the “then known world” through the policies of the Pharaoh and its dominating influence over exchange, language, politics, religious belief, and trade.  During the years of famine, the Egyptian people and others had sold their land, property, themselves and their children to Pharaoh, who numbered himself among the gods and idols to be worshipped.  While the Hebrews remained free, and were despised as handlers of livestock, they nonetheless sought to assimilate (fit in) and be successful as if they were Egyptians also.

The calling out of the Hebrews is a display of the divine mercy that may only appear through consecrated judgment.  Rather than repeat the destruction of all mankind and the entire world as seen with the flood of Noah’s day, GOD chose the sons of Jacob to serve as an ark and vessel to preserve divine law, demonstrate salvation, and thereby express divine prerogative, saving grace, and sovereign will.  Those leaving Egypt were drawn by GOD in the same way as the animals and wild beasts that assembled in pairs to board the ship built by Noah and his sons, and like the animals of the earth, were to be in covenant relationship with GOD as a remnant.  Where those from Egypt can be regarded as the “clean” beasts, those from the seven tribes who, then, occupied the “promised land” as covenant partners to GOD may be thought of as the “unclean” who were to be replaced by those of the new, Mosaic covenant.  Consider the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 7:  1-5, 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.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 7:  6-10, KJV:  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.

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

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st John 3:  7-11, KJV:  7 Little children, let no man deceive you:  he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him:  and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil:  whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.  11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/16/2016) Covetousness, Slavery and Sin

Thoughts are shared, today, on provisions of divine law, ownership of the living, and the World as a system of belief.  Used by divinity as in marriage and priesthood, servitude is a relationship that allows one to develop and practice humility, to foster growth and learning, to increase gratitude, intimacy, respect and trust as well as to nourish, protect, and strengthen.  Twisted and warped by sin, servitude becomes abuse, cruelty, degradation, deprivation, disenfranchisement, misery, neglect, poverty, and wretchedness.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Yo Christians how the hell did "do not covet" make it into the Ten Commandments but "do not have slaves" got left out?

What happened there?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.  For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.  Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?  He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.  He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.  (Psalm 24:  1-5, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Standards for Judging GOD? (08/22/2016); Why Is Lust Condemned? (07/20/2016); The Decalogue A Moral Guide? (04/15/2015); To Live As a Sacrifice (03/08/2014); A Perfected Body (03/09/2014); When People Covet (12/22/2013); On Judging Preachers as “Fake” (12/23/2013); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013);  Only One GOD (09/14/2013)

“Anonymous”, because popular culture today encourages spiritual confusion and ignorance of sacred knowledge, many fail to maintain a correct relationship with GOD as the  Creator of the earth, and mankind as the creator of “the world.”  The world system of belief includes all the carnal, material, and social mechanisms for communication, exchange, organization, and survival.  What are called the Ten Commandments (also, the Decalogue) only summarize and highlight certain of the many laws provided by a government of GOD.  While all that exists and all who live belong to GOD as a divine possession, only those within the kingdom founded through Jesus Christ now have the divine benefits of sacred law and judgment whereby sinners receive the resolution of conflicts and the settlement of disputes through application of divine law, and divinely delegated authority.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, and may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  In addition to presenting “covetousness” as trespassing boundaries and personal limits that maintain order, peace and stability, divine law describes “covetousness” as inordinate desire, envy, and lust to possess the goods and property of others.  The abuse and cruelty the world labels as “enslavement” appears in the holy writings, however, the divine practices, in fact, are very different from owning men as chattel as reported in secular history.  For those in covenant relationship with Deity, servitude preserves the life of those offered to GOD and those who are voluntarily bound to divinity.  As the firstborn, as Levites, and as with other offerings that otherwise would be destroyed by holy fire upon the altar, redemption and salvation allows animals, children, and adults to continue as “living sacrifices” that must serve through priesthood.  Of course, where there has been human error, exaggerated pride, racism, and acceptance of sin as necessary and unavoidable, the world has deceived and influenced many to embrace and promote slavery as “natural”.  Perhaps, yourself.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC