(10/25/2018) Transgression of Sacred Law?

Today, reply shares Christian beliefs regarding adultery, fornication, the betrayal of divinity, and the seventh commandment of the Decalogue. Husbands and wives are not merely to show respect to one another; they are to reverence (acknowledge) the sacred presence, eternal purpose, and divine qualities residing within one another. The fighter using the ID “GenuineGuy” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since August 30, 2011) posted the following in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum:

What is adultery?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Ephesians 5: 22-33, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Two Become One Flesh (01/07/2018); Faithless Israel, Unfaithful Judah? (08/18/2017); On Law and Sin (06/07/2017); The GOD Named “Jealous” (09/15/2016); Iniquity Forgiven? (02/16/2016); We Call Him Jealous? (10/25/2015); GOD and Adultery? (06/11/2014); A Hardened Spirit? (06/12/2014)

“GenuineGuy”, many of the understandings among mature Christian believers at first appear harsh and imposing. Adultery is more than simply an issue of joint ownership of material property, forswearing oneself (we say, breaking your promise; not keeping the marriage vows), and sharing sexual behavior or pursuing romantic relationships outside of ones marriage. Adultery is conduct that opposes the continued existence of divine law (we say, iniquity; sin; transgression; wickedness). Adultery annuls, overturns, and undermines the integrity and soundness of personal accountability; duty; covenant relationships; proclamations of divine will; prophecy; sacred promises as well as the immutability and weight of final utterance (we say, breath; speech; spirit; truth) that establish lasting bonds. Adultery usually entails fornication (i.e., the defilement of ones own spirit makeup and that of their spouse through sexual joining with unknown and unseen partners who earlier had sexual contact with the adultery-partner that are not physically present and visible).

Throughout the holy writings, the dominion and sovereign rule of divinity over Creation is described and expressed using language and names that indicate GOD is not a mere abstraction or product from the human mind; and divinity operates through continuous relationship such as seen with marriage and parenting. While GOD, whose name also is Jealous, will remain immortal and invisible, Deity is to be known as accessible and approachable like ones own father, or their own spouse. Thus, the figures and types that created beings and living creatures are to use when speaking of GOD include, betrayal, divorce, fidelity, forgiveness, holy matrimony, inheritance, joining, permanence, playing the whore, and reconciliation. Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.) Isaiah 54: 4-9, King James Version (KJV): 4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. 5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. 6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. 7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. 9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

(2.) Titus 2: 1-8, KJV: 1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

(3.) Ezekiel 23: 36-39, KJV: 36 The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations; 37 That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them. 38 Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths. 39 For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house.

(4.) Galatians 5: 19-23, KJV: 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, (5.) Revelation 21: 1-3, KJV:  1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/21/2018) Using Repetition in Prayer?

A Depiction of Jesus in Prayer at Gethsemane

Today, reply is on believers becoming immersed in and joined to divinity through sacred prayer.   The idea of “vain repetition” in ones prayers addresses making public displays of ones religious practices to impress others, and addresses offering prayer to Deity that lacks spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  Through the example and guidance shared by Jesus Christ, we see that the problems that make a person’s prayers ineffectual arise from the intent, process, and purpose of their prayer.  Sacred prayer is to be more than a repeating of specific language and speech, or recurring requests to meet recurring needs.  In the same way, “I love you” may be exchanged countless times between a man and his spouse without the familiar words becoming false, meaningless and trite, believers may approach divinity sharing “thank you,” “please forgive,” and “Amen” without also committing transgression of divine law, or the offering of “vain repetition.”  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:



Why did Jesus say the same prayer 3 times in a row, if praying repetitiously is bad?

(Matthew 26:39-44):

"And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words."

Some sects teach praying in repetitions is bad but Jesus prayed in repetitions in this example


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:  for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do:  for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not ye therefore like unto them:  for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.  (Matthew 6:  5-8, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The GOD Who Answers? (04/04/2017); Benefits of the Rosary (02/14/2017); The Cross was Premature? (04/07/2016); The Power in Prayer? (08/22/2014); The Rosary and Other Prayers? (08/23/2014); Why Christians Pray for Others (01/12/2014); GOD is Jesus? (01/13/2014); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)


“Anonymous”, here are some points Christian believers benefit by:

(1.)  In the same way saying “I love you” should never be thought of as boring, powerless, and unnecessary between a husband and wife, repeating specific phrases, thoughts, and words in prayer (e.g., thy kingdom come, thy will be done) are not forbidden or prohibited.  Even so, all who pray are counseled to avoid “vain repetition,” making presentations that lack spirit substance from the makeup of GOD such as balance, faith, gratitude, humility, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, and unselfishness. 

(2.)  The sacred process of prayer is one of contact, exchange, and interaction with the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) by the spirit substance that has been imparted to a created being or living creature, and is more than a matter of speaking words, the grandness and poetry of ones vocabulary, or using speech to create a focus on desires.  There is a rejoining of spirit to Spirit, and an affirmation of sacred personhood that displays oneness without sameness.

(3.)  Just as prayers can not be offered to change the heart and mind of GOD (i.e., bribe, influence, manipulate divinity),  there are many secular and worldly things maintained through mechanical means and natural laws that do not respond to the prayers of believers.  Even so, it is correct to importune and persevere in prayer.

(4.)  Given that divinity is immutable and unchanging, there are multiple features that repeatedly appear as aspects of sacred prayer.  Included are confession, requesting counsel, declaring the terms of covenant, intercession, petition, praise, and thanksgiving.  Properly offered prayers do not present complaining, nagging, self-promotion, condemning and slandering others, or gossip and talebearing.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) using language from the Bible, sacred prayer continues discovery and displaying respect by believers as well as instruction and revelation from divinity:  Romans 8:  26, King James Version (KJV):  26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/22/2015) The Wife of Your Youth?

Today, teaching and godly wisdom on marriage are shared.  Many young adults are offended by the priceless lessons on defilement, fornication, and life companionship.  The young count it as maturity to frown upon arranged marriage and early or teenage marriage with the same contempt they show sexual abstinence.  Prostitution is regarded as “adult”, natural, and necessary.  Yet, sexual activity is dangerous for those who are immature and inexperienced because the outcome is always unpredictable:  Intercourse is never the same twice (even with the same partner, at the same hour, in the same location); one may become infected with disease; or there may be unwanted pregnancy.  For mature Christian believers, holy matrimony is a joining of spirits that removes some of the threat, for two become one flesh, and GOD is the other.  Just as for Adam, the 2 wives of Abraham, or the 4 wives of Jacob—even the 700 wives and 300 concubines of Solomon—successfully managing the spirits that are engaged during sexual contact become possible only by operations of GOD.  Because sexual activity is always a compound event occurring on multiple levels (emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual) all at the same time, even activity as simple as holding hands, or a kiss on the cheek (oral sex) may have great energy and enduring power, due to the exchange and interaction of spirit content.  The fruit of sexual sharing in relationships of willing surrender, trust, and unselfishness can be greater certainty, confidence, and self-command.  Nonetheless, unintended bonds begun through casual sex may only be removed by divinity.  For those who have had multiple sexual partners, their own inborn spirit may come under attack by spirits within themselves from persons previously joined to the present sex partner.  For example, a fellow who joins to one woman, internalizes aspects of her character and nature, and must continue to manage two separate spirits within himself until they are blended as one.  Where he has had intercourse with 12 women, he brings more than 13 spirits to his marriage bed.  Every spirit acquired by the 12 through their other sexual behavior also will appear.  Thus, where the 12 women had 10 men each who had 10 women each (do the math…) more than 1,200 spirits are involved, and spiritual confusion is very likely to result within the marriage.  The spirits may be in conflict with one another, form alliances (30 against 90; 50 against 70), may increase the strength of the one fellow’s own spirit, or oppose and crush his inborn spirit.  As with symptoms for disease or drug use, neither benefits nor conflicts from the fusion of spirits will appear—at first; and others will see changes in him (like seeing his chin, his face, or the back of his head) before he himself realizes that serious  problems have developed.  Later, inappropriate behavior, uncharacteristic attitudes or beliefs, and unexplained emotions may be seen such as anxiety, depression, distress, and perplexity.  Early marriage where faithfulness and fidelity are maintained is a primary divine solution for avoiding the many woes that come by fornication.  Consider again the following from Scripture, and the commentary below:  Proverbs 19:  14, King James Version (KJV):  14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers:  and a prudent wife is from the LORD.   Also, Proverbs 5:  15-20, KJV:  15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.  16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.  17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.  18 Let thy fountain be blessed:  and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.  19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.  20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?  1st Corinthians 6:  15-20, KJV:  15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.  16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.  17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.  18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  20 For ye are bought with a price:  therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.  1st Peter 3:  7, KJV:  7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.  Pandita Njoh Eta, who participates with me in THE BIBLE STUDY GROUP (a Public Group on Facebook presently having 21,918 members), invited discussion by posing the following question at 10:36pm, December 9, 2015:
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Why is scripture particular about the wife of your youth and what do you understand by it.?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow:  but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.  Again, if two lie together, then they have heat:  but how can one be warm alone?  And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.  (Ecclesiastes 4:  9-12, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Mistakes In Youth? (08/24/2015); Sermons About Good Sex? (08/25/2014); About Good Sermons? (08/26/2014); GOD and Adultery? (06/11/2014); A Hardened Spirit? (06/12/2014); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); GOD Enjoys Judgment? (12/19/2013)


Pandita Njoh Eta, because ones spouse is to be a lifelong companion who also serves as an agent of GOD in the divine processes of salvation, it can be important that a pair begin their marriage union while both are still young, and their emotional, psychological, sexual, and spiritual development is still ongoing.  Many young people despise and reject the wisdom that addresses issues of arranged and early marriage.  In most nations, today, children are classed among the poor:  They do not have income from employment; they have no savings; they do not own luxuries (e.g., boats, gems, jewelry, paintings, stocks) and property that may be turned into cash.  Unless the parents provide an inheritance or portion for the young, they will continue as unfit for the financial obligations and responsibilities of marriage until such time as they accomplish their own business, career, or savings goals.  The excellent model wherein the female serves as homemaker not only relieves the male, and adds power to all his efforts to meet the life challenges within the workplace, it permits her full expression of creativity, ingenuity, originality, and resourcefulness.

All young people hunger for affection, affirmation, endorsement, and respect as feeling and thinking persons.  While they want acceptance, many are unwilling to make lasting commitments; discharge unpleasant, yet, necessary duties; or maintain strict self-discipline regarding their own body, mind and spirit.  Many covet adulthood, independence, maturity, and romantic love without understanding that the benefits and strengths of these features are developed gradually by continuing exchange in stable relationship.  The young often have fantasies about being loved, and imagine a future life.  However, they tend to think in terms of their own satisfaction, rather than obedience (i.e., putting aside ones own desires and feelings to carry out the desire of another); sacrifice (i.e., giving over and enduring loss to please another); and unselfish support to another.

There are many other points that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, because many young people are convinced that the way to find a marriage partner is by dating, and having sexual relations with everyone to whom they are attracted, many have become victims of fornication (i.e., the joining of spirits through sexual activity), HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), and unwanted pregnancies.  Marriage does not eliminate sexual appetite, and may only provide healthy experiences for a pair where they are mature enough to exercise perseverance and restraint as well as commitment to vision.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC