(05/02/2019) Two Frameworks For Dominion?

Today, reply responds to a presentation made by Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the Security Council of the United Nations, April 29, 2019, on the “divine deed” of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. The benefits and privileges of divine inheritance must be apprehended through sacred process and spiritual discernment, rather than cultural, legal, geopolitical, and social frameworks. In accordance with national economies and financial procedures, deeds and documents that record purchases and transfers of real property (land) and chattel (material goods) are acknowledged and registered by governments for purposes of allotments and taxation. Deeds also pertain to debts and agreements for payment (we say, transaction fees, loans, mortgages). Abraham’s purchase of a field at Machpelah for a possession and a burying place occurred before an assembly within an open forum at Mamre, and was therefore in such a framework of public witness, procedures, and standards. Abraham’s receipt of the land of Canaan was by inheritance and through a framework of promises made to Adam and Eve whereby the seed of the woman eventually would prevail. Those insisting that the lawful framework for buying and selling must be maintained when considering the status of modern Israel, rather than that for faith and continued interaction with divinity, also are obliged to observe all the other commands, principles, and sanctions that are aspects of the same law. Similarly, those standing on the foundation of ongoing relationship with divinity must acknowledge the full range of promises, prophecies, spirit process, and spirit substance. There should be no switching between frameworks. Maturity is only displayed through accountability, commitment, consistency, integrity and stability. Thus, we are reminded: James 2: 10-11, King James Version (KJV): 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

Israel belongs to the Jews -- given by God?

Israel's Ambassador Takes Out Bible at UN to Prove Jewish People's Claim to Israel

Emily Jones (May 1, 2019)

"The Qur'an itself accepts the divine deed of the Jewish people to the land of Israel." -Danny Danon, Israel's US Ambassador

(New York, NY) — [CBN News] Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon used the Bible to defend the Jewish people's claim to the land of Israel during a special session at the United Nations Security Council on Monday. (Image: Screengrab-AP/via CBN News)

Danon was tasked with the job of proving the case for Jews' connection to the Holy Land during the session. He outlined four reasons, "the Bible, history, international law, and the pursuit of international peace and security."

In a dramatic moment, Danon opened the Bible and read aloud God's covenant with Abraham from Genesis 17: "And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout the generations for an everlasting covenant. And I will give to you and your descendants after you all the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession and I will be their God."

Danon then raised up the Bible, turned to attendees and said, "This is the deed to our land."

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (James 2: 19-24, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Abraham In Divine Judgment (03/10/2019); Sacred Characters, Not Fictional (12/12/2018); Judgment Against The Canaanites (08/01/2018); The First “Chosen” People (05/03/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); A Circumcision of Hearts (01/22/2018); Meek Abram (10/17/2010); What is Worship? (10/18/2010)

“Anonymous”, Abraham was the “Friend of God” where Moses was a covenant partner. Here are some points from the Bible that developing Christian believers are careful to examine when seeking to correctly understand mankind’s dominion over the earth, relationship to divinity through divine utterance (e.g., proclamation; promise; prophecy), and the authority of sacred records. It was not a secular system, or geopolitical economy wherein the transactions between GOD and Abraham occurred. While there were exchanges that compare to issuing promissory notes, the lawful transfer of goods and property through inheritance, and conduct to acknowledge covenant relationship (e.g., circumcision) and mutual obligation, all was anchored in operations of divinity to impart spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that included faith, hope, joy, knowledge, trust, and vision. The establishment and fulfillment of the early covenants are also on record as historical events; yet, there are many subtle points that are often overlooked. It is written:

1. Genesis 18: 18-19, King James Version (KJV): 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

2. Genesis 15: 18, KJV: 18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

3. Acts 7: 1-8, KJV: 1 Then said the high priest, Are these things so? 2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. 4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. 5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. 6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

4. Romans 4: 13-15, KJV: 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Galatians 3: 16-18, KJV: 16 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. 17 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. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:57 AM, May 02, 2019 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GYJT71i9nGI/hqdefault.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/03/2018) An Account of Persecution

The image depicts King Darius signing a decree that would damage and persecute the Prophet Daniel and the Jews in captivity.

Today, reply is on government, idolatry, law, and persecution. Government through a chief or monarch (e.g., king; emperor; pharaoh) was modeled after the divine institution of family ruled by patriarchs and sacred law that appeared through a priesthood administering offerings and sacrifices of blood. As the tribes of the Exodus sought to enter the promised land, the seer, Balaam, acknowledged that “the shout of a king” and “the strength of a unicorn” was among the tribes of Israel as though there was already a centralized government described by a crown and stable domain, led by a recognized champion, located by a fixed seat (the throne), and administered from a permanent residence (a castle keep). Joshua and the tribes removed more than 30 kings; yet, during the time of Samuel (who is called the last of the Judges, the first of the Prophets) the people demanded rule by a king who would be a civil officer. Israel rejected divine counsel that the errors and infirmity of temporal kings include greed, self-promotion, taxes, and waste. Thus, it is written: 1^st Samuel 8: 4-9, King James Version (KJV): 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. 7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. 9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “PeTer” (Level 3 with 1,478 points, a member since March 31, 2009) posted the following:

Daniel 6 Why would the king establish such a foolish law of worshiping him for 30 days?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. (Romans 13: 1-5, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: An Account of Lawlessness (11/16/2018); Called “The Anointed One” (05/08/2018); Politics and The Kingdom? (05/31/2017); The Peace to Endure? (03/28/2017); GOD’s Answer to Injustice? (04/28/2016); Martyrdom and Tribulation? (09/30/2015); GOD Rules (07/07/2015); A Price for Religious Liberty? (06/30/2015)

“PeTer”, it was not foolish; and the accounts on government that appear throughout the Scriptures should not be taken as discrete and unrelated. In those times, it was believed that the judgment of GOD would reside within the king; and the king would be an embodiment of the law. Yet, the demand that Daniel petition only the king is no less the persecution of his faith than a demand that he worship a huge image of gold erected on the plain of Dura. The account from the Book of Daniel that petitions and requests (we say, prayers) be made only of the king for a period of 30 days has generally been seen as expressing envy, personal conflict, malice, “dirty politics,” and exaggerated pride by rivals in government directed against the Prophet, who was one of three Presidents within a one-world empire. On surface, a temporary suspension of activity surrounding the many idols, vanities, and worship communities would encourage allegiance, assimilation, unification, and commitment to the state. The empire expanded by using military force, and relocating the manpower, resources, and skills from conquered states within its own territory. That such government and practice is contrary to divine intent, and eternal purpose is always covered and obscured by arguments for economic increase, improving the quality of life, and an insistence there will be peace. Where men rely on government and civil legislation for survival, they often respond to a man-made abomination where they otherwise flee from idols and idolatry. It remains that peace is the outcome of judgment, not war; and there must be resolution of conflict and settlement of disputes by applications of divine law. Persecution is systematic behavior by government endorsing or being manipulated by a religious establishment to destroy, legislate against, and undermine developing belief within new faith communities. Because of the cruelty and violence that appear, persecution often is labeled as injustice, the denial of religious liberty, oppression, and terrorism. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. 1^st Samuel 10: 17-21, King James Version (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. 20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. 21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.

2. Isaiah 10: 1-3, KJV: 1 Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; 2 To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! 3 And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?

3. Daniel 4: 30-37, KJV: 30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? 31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. 32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws. 34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? 36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. 37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

4. Ecclesiastes 5: 8, KJV: 8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Ephesians 6: 10-17, KJV: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/17/2018) Christ Rejected By Pharisees?

James Tissot:  The Pharisee and Publican

Today, reply is on the rejection of Jesus Christ by the religious establishment of his day, and the acceptance of Jesus by publicans and sinners.  The account of Nicodemus coming to Christ after dark (so he would not be seen or recognized in public) is one of the clearest depictions of spiritual need among the elders of Israel.  Nicodemus could not comprehend the simple ideas that (1.) your inborn spirit must die, be buried, and resurrected from death by GOD, so to speak; and (2.) the original endowment of ones inner spirit must be refreshed with spirit content imparted from the makeup of the Creator:  You must be born again.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 15,514 points a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:


Why did the pharisees reject Jesus while the tax collectors accepted him?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith:  these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.  Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.  Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.  Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,  And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.  Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.  Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.  Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?  (Matthew 23:  23-33, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Bible Language About Spirit? (06/13/2018); Why Spirit Displays Personhood (06/06/2018); Salvation By Good Works? (03/08/2018); The Law and The Prophets (03/07/2018); A Threat Against Judaism (07/17/2017); The Spirit and Prophecy (01/04/2017); The Cross and The Pharisees? (04/21/2016); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); Translation, Please… (01/11/2013) 


“Breakthrough”, it continues today that acceptance/rejection of Jesus as the Christ by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Temple elders of his day can be explained by multiple factors that include ignorance of, and skepticism toward, the promises and prophecies recorded in the holy writings; commonly held ungodly cultural and social standards that resulted through captivity and exile; religious customs and traditions anchored by secular knowledge instead of sacred knowledge as well as spiritual confusion.  Jews serving as tax collectors and public officials were like what we  now would call an “independent contractor,” a “bounty hunter,” or a “re-po man.”  Because these men would add their own fees to the tax assessment, kick in the door, and were empowered to seize family members and property for payment, they were generally regarded as godless thieves, heartless traitors, and turncoats.  The effort to continue and defend the blessing of GOD bestowed by the Covenant Law and relationship granted to Moses saw the institutionalization of belief, and the entrenchment of a “religious establishment.”  The primary aspect of divinity revealed to mankind was held to be “the law and the prophets;” however, the gift of ministry by a sanctified priesthood that could make atonement through offerings and sacrifices came under a curse at the time of King Saul (Eli, Hophni, and Phinehas); and the gift of prophets was suspended at the time of Malachi some 400 years before the birth of Jesus.  The establishment insisted on the primacy of the law “without the prophets,” an approach that denied existence of the Holy Spirit and his gifts (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Whether John the Baptist (who was filled with the Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb) was an authentic prophet from GOD was as much the matter of controversy as whether John himself was the expected Messiah.  More than the prophetic demonstrations seen through John and Jesus, the publicans and sinners were drawn to Jesus Christ by his doctrine, insights, and what they perceived as a genuine revelation of the character, makeup and substance of GOD.  Consider again, therefore, the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)   Luke 18:  10-14, King James Version (KJV):  10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other:  for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

(2.)  Luke 19:  1-10, KJV:  1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.  3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.  4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him:  for he was to pass that way.  5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.  6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.  7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.  8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord:  Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.  9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.  10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Luke 7:  37-50, KJV:  37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,  38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.  39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him:  for she is a sinner.  40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.  41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors:  the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.  42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?  43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.  44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet:  but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.  45 Thou gavest me no kiss:  but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.  46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint:  but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.  47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much:  but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.  48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.  49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?  50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/30/2015) A Price for Religious Liberty?

Points are shared on government, religious liberty, and the price believers must pay to have a presence as a community of faith.  The work of any government is the making and keeping of agreements (we say, contracts, covenants, treaties).  Every legitimate government acknowledges that its population requires the full spectrum of human needs be met, including those that are carnal, emotional, financial, intellectual, psychological, sexual, social, and spiritual.  Throughout human history, government as a tool of the World has been used both to support and to suppress religious expression.  A necessary goal for every community is the continuation of its own existence; and some tasks unselfishly undertaken now are intended to benefit later generations, and their offspring they will never live to see.  In addition to providing money and human resources for things concrete, mundane and pedestrian, there must be a focus upon things that are conceptual, speculative, and unseen.  Included are benefits for minorities (e.g., children, ethnic groups, veterans, women) that will not be delivered directly to everyone; normative conditions and services we acknowledge as having benefit, therefore, ought and should be available within the community (e.g., hospitals, libraries, preschool); unmet needs; possibilities; and a controlled process that will carry all into the diverse experiences of life.  An angry writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “nepaliasianman”, (Level 3 with 1,667 points, a member since June 03, 2015) posted the following:


Why don't the government demolish all the churches since their not paying taxes?

If churches are not a bussiness than don't donate your money to Preachers and Pastors?
If you don't large amount of money to these people and make them rich than it is a bussiness organisation and should immediately start paying taxes or fined. If not demolish the damn Church?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul:  neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus:  and great grace was upon them all.  Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,  And laid them down at the apostles’ feet:  and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.  (Acts 4:  32-35, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Separation of Church and State (07/04/2014); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving?(10/24/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); Attending Church? (11/13/2012)


“nepaliasianman”, you have a friend in high places who is willing to tell you that, those who are angry against the church usually do not have sacred knowledge that comes from divinity, and are strangers to the true nature and work of believers.  Struggling with the hostile view that comes from such sources as academics, complainers, disbelievers, gossips, neighbors, and public media, the church is taken to be an excuse, or explanation (we say, scapegoat) for serious failures, losses, and problems within a community.  Seen “up close, and personal,” the day-to-day life within the church is seen to operate strictly upon the basis of loving acceptance, godliness, sacrifice, and suffering.  Please consider the following:

(1.)  The shared commitment to permanently live together as a sovereign collective to be known as a commonwealth, municipality, state or nation is one to combine and equitably distribute goods, merchandise, real property, and other resources to ensure communication, exchange, growth, health, prosperity, security, and survival.

(2.)  The many goals expressed by government as the establishment of personal freedom also correctly include allowing and encouraging the full development, maturation and participation of all its citizens.  Thus, included are provisions for individual expressions of conscience, faith, “peace of mind,” and spiritual development (we say, religious liberty).

(3.)  Funding of operations for churches and their programs that address the quality of life as they serve the community include the full range of expenses seen with every institution within the state.  Money must be privately raised for such recurring expenses as mortgages, rents, insurance, property taxes, cooling/heating, indoor plumbing, lights, sanitation, and repairs to say nothing of food, clothing, water, rectory, books, informational handouts (we say, programs), instruments, sheet music, advertising, or media broadcasts.  As with many businesses, the church and its members also come under the attack of deceivers, false brethren, liars, plunderers, robbers, thieves, thugs, and vandals.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and patiently taken into account.  (For example, (4.)  The service provided by religious communities often are called intangibles, for they pertain to immeasurable and irreplaceable aspects of a community’s life and value.  Included are its reputation (we say, name, track record) for compassion, discipline, farsightedness, honor, integrity, intelligence, maturity, stability, soundness, strength, and trustworthiness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith, sacred knowledge, and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/10/2013) The Golden Age?

The reign of Solomon is the topic, today, and there is more on understanding the doctrines and teachings on hell. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Sleeping Beauty” (Level 1 with 11 points, a member since November 25, 2012) posted the following:



Why did Solomon bring the golden age of Israel instead of King David?

greatest king



THE BATTLE AXE: Understanding Hell (01/09/2013)—Hell is no place in divine order that compares to earth or heaven. As an aspect of what happens to the dead (from dust thou art, unto dust thou shalt return), we may think of hell as beneath the surface of the ground, and as being the earth itself. However, that does not begin to fully explain what becomes of ones spirit. There are no created beings, living creatures, or living spirits in hell. Even for clergy and mature believers it is very difficult to harmonize the many details and subtle truths that are the full doctrine of hell provided by the holy scriptures. It requires growth to higher levels of faith, and may take years of prayer and careful study. The difficulty is increased by the errors of those who do not believe in Christ as their savior, error from those who are practicing deliberate deception as servants to the Devil, and error from those who mean well and are misinformed, superstitious, or spiritually undereducated. Many promote the belief that hell is the place where Satan rules over sinners. However, that and similar ideas derive from powerful impressions made by amusements, entertainments and popular culture. Examples include folk tales, opera, and poetry such as “Paradise Lost,” Dante’s “Inferno” and Goethe’s “Faust.” In the same way the things recorded in the holy writings are not intended as a detailed biography of any person’s life, or a comprehensive history of human events, the Scriptures are not intended to explain the full details of birth, death, life, or damnation. The Scriptures provide peculiar frameworks and outlines that allow men to apprehend revelation and reassurances from GOD. GOD is not the author of confusion; and the goal of understanding is achieved only through diligence, endurance, love, and truth, never through bullying, deception, fear, or presumption.



THE GOLDEN ARROW: Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. (John 18: 36-37, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Root of Jesse (01/03/2013); Newness of Spirit? (01/04/2013); Son of Man (11/28/2012); Given the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); Lion of Judah (01/10/2011); Rich Yet Saved (11/11/2010)



May I share some thoughts:

Many speak of King Solomon as having brought the “Golden Age” because during his reign the Temple at Jerusalem was begun and completed to serve as a permanent house of GOD that would replace the mobile, temporary shelter that was the Tabernacle fashioned under Moses. The Ark of the Testimony acknowledged as the judgment seat of GOD was separated from the Tabernacle during the reign of Saul; and the priesthood for the descendants of Aaron came under a curse through Eli and his sons. The anointing granted to David, and the inheritance to his heir, was therefore that of judge, king, priest and prophet.

Solomon is lauded as having completed many domestic projects to improve life within the nation. Included were the building of cities and stables, the establishment of trade and labor agreements with other nations, and a reputation for wisdom among other monarchs and rulers. During the reign of Solomon there was peace with most of the surrounding nations that repeatedly had waged war against Israel, including Egypt, the Moabites, and the Philistines. At least in part, this peace was the result of treaties for marriage: Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, under Solomon taxation was held to be extreme. When Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, came to the throne, Rehoboam refused to make any gesture or promise of relief. The Unified Kingdom was immediately dissolved, with 10 tribes electing to follow Jeroboam, a fugitive from Egypt, and only 2 remaining to the House of David.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/09/2012) Unto Caesar...?

      Conquest, tribute and taxes are in view, today, as I focus on Julius Caesar and his importance as a symbol for Christian believers. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Milwaukee Wis King” (Level 1 with 37 points, a member since March 25, 2009) posted the following:


Give to Cesar what belongs to Cesar?....what does that mean?

Was Jesus talking about Julius Cesar? Help me understand what he mean by that


THE BATTLE AXE: On Asking Why (11/08/2012)—The revelation of GOD to created beings and living creatures continues as difficult to comprehend where we hold to secular ideas of reality that are merely emotional, intellectual, psychological and social truth. GOD is a spirit, and is known through (1) acts of divine will regarded as intervention and rule (e.g., creation, judgment and miracles); (2) the imparted substance of sacred person (e.g., faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, wisdom and wrath against sin); (3) devices the living value such as flesh, matter, and events in the natural world; and (4) operations of the imparted, indwelling spirit made visible within the lives of those reborn through Jesus Christ (e.g., forgiveness, prophesying, repentance and worship).


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God. (Joshua 24: 14-18, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); Upon This Rock (02/21/2012); Dispatch 33: The Lamb of GOD (09/12/2011); Dispatch 11: Peace (Hand in Hand) 08/19/2011; Dispatch 10: Peace (Lovingkindnesses) 08/18/2011; Finders, Keepers? (01/26/2011); Girdle 36: Worthy Is The Lamb (12/21/2011)

      
     Many mature Christian believers trust that, were Jesus here, today, and would answer your question, he would share something like the following:

      Julius Caesar (and the long line of earthly rulers that followed in the mold cast by the Macedonians, Greeks, and Romans) represents all mankind. Caesar became prominent as a military commander entrusted with the defense of a nation, and was first called “emperor” as one who protects, rather than as one who rules. Rome was not the first to assume the goal of “one-world empire” that can be traced back to Nimrod (the founder of Babel, later called Babylon). The Egyptians were one of the first, most successful countries bent upon assimilation of smaller states, and expansion of their control over resources in neighboring territories. Egypt influenced the culture, economy and quality of life for every organized community in the then known world. More than this, Egypt became the center of spiritual confusion upon the earth.

      Like the individual who reigned as Pharaoh, the man who reigned as Caesar always demanded tribute. Tribute, not taxes, is the due of the military conqueror, and is accounted as “honor” and “respect.” Tribute is the admission of ones own limitation and weakness; and is little different than the payment one gives to a bully in order to avoid a beating. Saying this another way, tribute is more in the nature of extortion than civic duty and support of the existing government.

      Despite bitter experiences of captivity (i.e., relocation to populate and provide skills within enemy nations), by the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persians, and others who sought to rule the world as monarchs through dominant empires, the Jews continued in covenant to Almighty GOD. This enabled the Jews to throw off much of the idolatry, superstition, and unbelief they encountered. By returning to their roots, acknowledging and performing the law, and pursuing the things proclaimed, promised and prophesied from the Father, the Jews repeatedly were restored to their ancestral homes, and continued to receive evidences of divine care and keeping.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, as many rulers of that time, Julius Caesar claimed to be descended from the gods of Rome, and therefore built a temple where prayers and worship of his own divinity would be practiced. Caesar declared himself a god.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC