(09/06/2019) Judging Another Person’s Conversion

A depiction of Christ repelling spiritual corruption and darkness from the life of a young sinner.

 

Today, reply is on the wisdom of judging the conversion of others among Christian believers; and that judgment, repentance and salvation are operations that may be managed and completed only by GOD. Judgment within the church of Jesus Christ is to be an operation of the Holy Spirit, not the emotions, opinions, and politics of the flesh. To arrive at justice, otherwise invisible elements and subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in focus, meaning, and value)—both good and bad—must be uncovered and revealed. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 4: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:

 

Christians: If Jeffrey Dahmer truly repented as he says on YouTube “What if Dahmer found God earlier”, is he in Heaven? Isn’t that unfair?

that atheists yet go to hell, and such an individual gets the chance to “Heaven” just for regretting 17 murders?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty. There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. (Proverbs 30: 10-14, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Repentance Must Happen Now (06/07/2019); Become As Little Children (12/13/2018); Foolish People and Unwise (10/26/2017); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); The Return in Glory? (07/04/2013); About Conversion (09/03/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012)

 

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers usually agree, it is unwise to judge the spiritual fullness and quality of others within the church; more than a change of attitudes, behavior modification, and good manners must appear. There must be an examination of the full spirit content within the other. Our focus as those also in need of salvation should be on displaying the image of Jesus Christ to the world, and on fulfilling ones own accountability, commitment, and preparation. The process and substance of human judgment emerge from and continue aspects of our lives on the earth that are carnal, material, and social. For believers to understand properly the divine process of judgment, of repentance, or of becoming joined to divinity through the resurrection of Jesus Christ first requires our acknowledgment that GOD is a spirit who operates on the earth within the consciousness and self-will (willpower) of created beings and living creatures. Divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is present and active through law, sacred principles for exchange and interaction, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Just as divinity is the origin of existence and life, GOD is the origin of forgiveness, mercy, redemption, repentance, and salvation. In addition to grace, impartiality and divine prerogative being elements in the administration of sacred law, the inseparable aspects of spirit substance within the makeup of GOD together determine the outcome of all divine reviews. Included are faith, holiness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Judgment appears as a further revelation of the unseen wherein the righteousness of divinity will appear, rather than emotion, favor, or feelings. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Ezekiel 18: 23-30, King James Version (KJV): 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? 24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. 25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? 26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. 27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. 28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 29 Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? 30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

2. Romans 14: 4, KJV: 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Revelation 21: 6-8, KJV: 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 10:58 AM, September 05, 2019 @ https://ignite4christ.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/repentance.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/01/2019) Divine Forgiveness and Justice

A depiction of New Jerusalem showing her 12 foundations

 

Today, the first day of the New Year 2019, reply is on divine forgiveness and the workings of sacred law. Divine justice is to be understood as the fulfillment and product of all sacred proclamation, promise and prophecy, the full manifesting and revealing of the consecrated Word. The attitudes, behavior and conduct of men are not justified by their obedience and performance of the law given by GOD; and final judgment is not to vindicate the works of mankind so much as to show that divinity and sacred law are justified and vindicated. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Dark Places” (Level 4 with 2,894 points, a member since September 30, 2013) posted the following:

 

Is forgiveness true justice?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (1^st Corinthians 3: 11-15, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Judgment Perfects Divine Revelation (12/18/2018); The Vengeance of GOD? (10/01/2017); Divine Forgiveness Not Enough? (09/22/2017); Balance, Forgiveness and Justice (08/08/2017); Salvation Goes Beyond Forgiveness (06/30/2017); Making and Keeping Justice? (05/25/2017); Law, Vengeance, and Punishment? (09/30/2016)

 

“Dark Places”, be encouraged! Here are some points that may be new for you in this New Year. Divine judgment must appear for the full revelation of divinity that draws created beings and living creatures to GOD. More completely and directly than in Creation and Salvation, the righteousness of GOD appears through Judgment. Even so, human justice often presents a narrow focus of establishing equality (we also say, fairness; parity) between victims and their attackers: The goals may be to demand payment and recompense, to execute retaliation, or to punish and force the attacker to suffer at least to the same extent as the victim has done (i.e., eye for eye, tooth for tooth). Among Christian believers, authentic justice appears only through the systematic operations and hallowed substance of law from GOD that make visible the divine prerogative, sacred personhood, eternal purpose, and sovereign will of GOD.

Forgiveness is in accord with judgment to affirm and support continuing communication, exchange, and interaction (we say, relationship) of the Creator and the created both in heaven and on the earth. In its form as an ongoing divine process, judgment does not always appear as a formal tribunal, yet, always serves to resolve conflicts and settle disputes through the application of divine law. Final judgment appears as an examination of credentials for those to have place as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, and for the lawful distribution of inheritance and reward (e.g., allotments within the New Jerusalem; the sharing of land on the earth made new; the provision of immortality).

Authentic justice must go beyond hunting down criminals and law enforcement against wrongdoers. Rightly understood, breeches of divine law have impact throughout the universe that can not be recognized and seen always among men. Thus, divine judgment that also embraces things that remain unseen is always a blessing. Through judgment that includes forgiveness, mercy, and reconciliation there are to be gratitude, joy, healing and renewal of healthy relationships. Peace and a return to stability are only through judgment, never from war that begets more war. Justice will also reaffirm (we say, repair; restore; revive) divine order and the codes and standards that have been broken, denied, transgressed, and violated.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, as the origin of all who exist and have life, divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) also locates created beings and living creatures within frameworks of time and space, and determines their fruitage, possibilities, and suitability for everlasting duration. Unlike human compassion that appears on the basis of empathy, like-mindedness and feeling, mercy appears for balance and completeness in judgment along with attention to detail, disclosure to maintain and manage the scope of inquiry, forbearance, impartiality, longsuffering, respect, and restraint.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

 

(12/18/2018) Judgment Perfects Divine Revelation

A depiction of the Great White Throne Judgment

 

Today, reply describes the final judgment that completes the revelation of the mystery of GOD. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

 

Why can’t I become a Christian after I die?

Then there would be no doubt about what religion was right ,and it would be stupid, at that point, to not join the winning team.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1^st Timothy 3: 16, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Punishment After Death? (11/23/2018); Judgment Will Occur Forever (10/10/2018); Deposits Of Sacred Substance (06/27/2018); Why Spirit Displays Personhood (06/06/2018); On Diversity and Equality (05/22/2018); Divine Wrath Against Sin? (10/17/2017); Driving Away the Enemy? (09/15/2017)

 

“Anonymous”, the multiple divine events and operations whereby divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) become fully knowable, known, accessible, and approachable by created beings and living creatures are called “revelation”. Through revelation, immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity communicates and interacts as active presence who provides focus and form to the awareness and self-will within the living. The convocations and tribunals of judgment are sacred events performed by GOD on behalf of finite beings in accordance with the divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will of divinity that includes (1) establishing permanent order throughout the universe; (2) fulfilling sacred promise and prophecy; (3) fully displaying the character, makeup and substance of divinity (e.g., authority, completeness, faith, glory, holiness, knowledge, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, wrath against sin); (4) transforming mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible; and (4) completing the elimination of sin through the device of the second death.

Without revelation from GOD, man who is mortal, and angels (who are neither mortal nor immortal) can not be true vessels reflecting the unseen aspects of GOD that are the mystery of divinity. The Creator has used existence, Incarnation, inheritance, life, personhood, the imparting of spirit substance, and a host of other tools to encourage men and angels when they seek to fully apprehend what otherwise is secret and unattainable. Through abundance and diversity Creation proclaims the excellence of GOD, and his excellence by Redemption and Salvation appear by forgiveness. Final judgment permits a more complete appearance of GOD through its elements of impartiality, longsuffering, mercy, restraint, righteousness, and thoroughness.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. For example: Finite creatures must accomplish exchange and continuous relationship with GOD on the basis of their spirit substance while they live. Finite tools of emotion, intellect, logic, carnal reason, and science are not enough. Yet, there can be no question that multiple opportunities and possibilities for discovery, gradual growth, learning, and practice were bestowed upon all. The correctness, fairness, and faithfulness of divinity are further shown by the use of resurrection to restore the dead to life so they may “speak for themselves” appearing before GOD in tribunal. The sacred substance, quality, and value of everyone who has lived is to be displayed before all assembled and acknowledged using the Books of Life. There will be no accuser or prosecutor who charges a person with sin; however, the record of their own deeds and works will condemn, or witness approving their level of godly content as fitting them for eternity. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/22/2018) Forgiven Yet Not Reconciled?

The print by Gustave Dore depicts David mourning his son Absalom

 

Today, points are shared on the account of King David allowing his son Absalom to return home from exile, and the matter of divine forgiveness unaccompanied by reconciliation. The full gravity of a person’s offenses against GOD may not be discerned immediately; and a crime having serious spiritual consequences and outcomes may be shown less attention than a sin against mankind that is carnal such as fratricide. Because godly and righteous judgment require forgiveness, impartiality, and mercy be shown to transgressors (sinners), where parents and other family are charged to put aside and suppress feelings of love or obligation to serve as judge, they also will distance themselves to establish and maintain balance, integrity, and soundness for the process of law. In response, those who receive the benefits of judgment are to acknowledge what they have received through their regular displays of discretion, gratitude, repentance, reverence, and reconciliation, rather than ambition, irreverence, politics, or self-promotion. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “She Dances With Love” (Level 7 with 59,145 points, a member since August 27, 2007) posted the following:

 

Why isn’t Absalom pardoned?

The king said, “Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king’s presence.

(2 Samuel 14:24)

David shows mercy to Absalom. He does not enforce the penalty of the law that condemned his son. But Absalom is not pardoned. Why?

There is no reconciliation. Why? What was missing?

Romans 3:25 speaks about what God did for his people until the coming of Jesus Christ into the world: “in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.” God left the matter of justice for another time. Is there a connection to us in the story of David and Absalom?

That is what God had done with regard to David’s sin, and that is what David did with regard to Absalom; he “passed over former sins.”

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. (2^nd Samuel 15: 1-6, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Descendent of David? (03/18/2018); The Operations of Sin (07/25/2017); Reconciliation Provided By Christ (05/30/2017); Carrying Out Divine Law? (03/20/2017); Restoring the Divine Presence? (03/09/2017); The Death Penalty? (10/08/2015); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013)

 

“She Dances With Love”, here are some points Christian believers may consider to further apprehend mankind’s inheritance from divinity and the figures of David and his son, Absalom:

1. While fratricide by Cain, the son of Adam, was a terrible transgression and violation of divine law, Cain also transgressed by dishonoring his father and mother, Adam and Eve. More than this, Cain despised and rejected his inheritance of divine priesthood with its sacred operations for atonement, judgment, offering, sacrifice, and salvation for the earth that was modeled after the divine priesthood within the temple in heaven.

2. While GOD set a mark and seal upon Cain for the defense and protection (we say, deliverance; salvation) of one who committed murder, and Cain goes on to live a life of repentance, Cain is not to be seen pleading for or acknowledging divine forgiveness; thus, reconciliation does not appear so much as the divine bestowal of mercy that is revealed and made visible primarily through judgment. It is Seth, the son of Adam, who appears as the chosen heir to the priesthood, and who prefigures the ministry of Jesus Christ on the earth.

3. While Absalom also was guilty of killing his own brother, his transgression attacked the dynasty bestowed to David through divine promise. Absalom denied and despised the divine anointing of David as the monarch (chief; king) over Israel, his own accountability as an heir to the throne of David (not that of his grandfather), and the duty of his father David to deliver justice and serve as the chosen spokesperson (we say, prophet) from GOD to administer and proclaim divine law.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Absalom as the son of King David is most a figure of Jesus Christ when he is ordered to be killed by Joab (the commander of the army, and nephew of the king). The hair on his head became entangled in the branches and limbs of a tree, and Absalom was plucked from his mount, and suspended in the air. The betrayal by Judas is depicted, and the rejection of Christ by the elders of Israel.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/16/2018) An Account of Lawlessness

A depiction of the Levite whose concubine was attacked at Gibeah by men from the tribe of Benjamin.

 

Today, points are shared on topics that include accountability, covenant law, priesthood, reconciliation, and sacrifice within marriage. Divine justice and the sacred process of judgment are ongoing, and do not depend upon human institutions, politics, or secular knowledge among men. Early Israel was not organized as a kingdom, and neither law enforcement nor judgment were administered by a centralized government, or by one who was anointed to be chief and ruler. Their struggle continued to complete driving from the Promised Land the original nations that were in covenant with GOD. The voices of those serving as Levites, priests and deliverers (judges) were often contested. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “Pat C.” (Level 7 with 49,625 points, a member since December 10, 2011) posted the following:

 

What’s the moral of the story of the Levite and his concubine? It’s ok to send a girl out to be raped all night then cut her into 12 pieces?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah. And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father’s house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months. And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father’s house to Bethlehem Judah, and was there four whole months. (Judges 19: 1-3, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: That GOD Is Judge (11/01/2018); Divine Law Is Demanding (04/10/2018); A Lawless, Violent GOD? (11/16/2017); Making and Keeping Justice? (05/25/2017); No Excuses For Judgment (07/26/2016); To Study the Book of Judges (09/09/2015); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Why GOD Does Not Tell All (09/11/2013)

 

“Pat C.”, here are some points of consideration shared among Christian believers that provide divine correction and proper understanding for the account you refer to from the Book of Judges that resulted in civil war, and the near destruction of a single tribe:

1. The framework of divine law is provided to permit choice guided by consciousness and self-will, rather than appetite, sensation, emotion, and mind. In the language of the holy writings, the hosting of sin within the heart and pursuing the operations of sin appearing as desire are iniquity, lawlessness, and wickedness. It is because of sin that divine instruction and law have been proclaimed for created beings and living creatures.

2. While an entire generation of those from Egypt heard the voice of GOD proclaiming covenant law for their affiliation with divinity and for themselves to continue in association with mankind as a full nation rather than a family or collection of tribes, a single figure (monarch) or mechanism to enforce the sanctions within the law was not established.

3. The pattern for government provided by Moses centered in collective worship with the daily and routine resolution of conflicts and the settlement of disputes being performed through the system of captains and judges over units that increased in size (10s, 20s, 50s, 100s, etc.). Every member within the camp was to respond with self-government displayed as commitment, conscience, faith, and obedience to the law.

4. The pattern for holy matrimony in the Scriptures is that of offering and sacrifice wherein a woman leaves her mother and father; is joined to her husband to be one flesh before GOD through operations performed by the Spirit; comes under the authority and law of her husband; and continues in shared, unselfish commitment.

5. Outrage, transgression and violations of the covenant law were to be published and reported throughout the entire covenant community as admonition, correction, guidance, and rebuke.

6. The wife who left her husband and returned to her father’s house (we say, returned home) is characterized as having “played the whore” (i.e., offered herself as a sex object and romantic partner to men outside the marriage relationship for gifts, goods, favor, payments, etc.).

7. The 27,000 men of Benjamin refused to be held accountable, or take responsibility to investigate and punish the crime that had been committed among themselves; and the tribe determined to withstand the condemnation of the more than 400,000 fighters with the collected elders and spokespersons of the covenant.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 8. During the course of warfare, the combined tribes pronounced a curse on Benjamin, and swore to never intermarry with that tribe; however, when only 600 men from Benjamin survived the armed conflict, a solution through marriage was chosen to continue their divine inheritance, and repopulate their lands.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

 

(05/13/2018) The Elimination of Death?

 

Today, topics include annihilation, holy fire, and the second death.  The Lake of Fire represents divine wrath against sin.  To comprehend the purpose, sacred themes, and operations of divinity regarding the Lake of Fire, ones thoughts on common fire and natural laws must be put aside.  Also, where fairness (justice), punishment, and reconciliation are the primary goals in ongoing divine judgment, the goals of final judgment should be understood as the fulfillment of the law, salvation, and the elimination of death.  Just as the workings of holy fire separate material and spiritual substances placed as a single offering together on the altar, destroys all that offends, and conveys the holy portion up to GOD, in the Lake of Fire, divine content is preserved, purified and returned to GOD while only such things as corruption, decay, wickedness, and vanity (things empty, void, lacking spirit matter from the makeup of GOD) are consumed.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

 

Explain how “death” can be thrown into the lake of fire?

If the lake of fire is meant to be literal fire, how can a condition like death be put into it? Only flammable materials like wood can be put into fire, not abstract things like death! That would be like having a bonfire and putting in joy, sadness, tiredness, envy, etc
Update: That is found in Rev 20:14 by the way

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat:  I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:  I was a stranger, and ye took me not in:  naked, and ye clothed me not:  sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.  Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment:   but the righteous into life eternal.  (Matthew 25:  41-46, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  GOD’s Will Be Done (04/27/2018); The Origin And Source (04/26/2018); Incurring “The Second Death” (04/02/2018); “I Am The Resurrection” (03/25/2018); The Vengeance of GOD? (10/01/2017); Temporal and Eternal Judgment (02/15/2017); Reflections on Existence (12/19/2016); Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013)

“Anonymous”, consider the following points and how they apply to the second death, and the end of sin:

1.  Annihilation (final, irreversible destruction) is an aspect of the divine judgment depicted throughout the Bible by using the emblems of burning and fire. 

2.  Fire from GOD (we say, holy fire; fire of the burning bush) on a consecrated altar is used to purify offerings and sacrifices by destroying defilement, profanity, and sins they may bear at the same releasing the intended gifts to GOD (e.g., gratitude, glory, love, obedience, peace, repentance, reverence).

3.  In the same way multiple denotations and connotations  for the single word “law” occur throughout the holy writings, there are multiple applications of the word “death”. 

4.  Death is no ordinary object or thing; is finite and temporal; and is to be understood as a condition, an operation, an outcome, a process, or a purpose. 

5.  Death is not presented as a spirit substance created by divinity; death has not been endowed with personhood; and the heart, mind, personhood, and sovereign will of GOD are not subject to death as are created beings and living creatures.  

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 6.  Using language from the Bible, the operations of GOD equally may be brought against carnal, material, secular, social and spiritual things.  It is written:  Hebrews 4:  12, King James Version (KJV):  12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(02/25/2018) Arrayed In Sacred Favor

 

Today, reply is on recognizing poetry and prose, and a third poem is shared as Black History Month begins to conclude.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” Arts & Humanities:  Poetry forum who uses the ID “ugly duckling101” (Level 3 with 1,221 points, a member since August 25, 2014) posted the following:

Is this poem or prose? comment if you wish?

The little lunch box

She packed all of her favorite
puzzle pieces neatly inside
the numbered, shapes
and lettered ones.
Closing the lid with Yoda on top
she grabs the white handle
and places the little black box
into the now repurposed 10 gallon
blue diamond toy crock
stained with wine on the inside
and pulls out her etch-a-sketch
and gives it a shake
wiping it clean.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things:  and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.  (Matthew 12:  35-37, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Bloody Sunday — Black History (02/14/2018); Black History — Johannesburg Gold (02/05/2018); Poem:  Adam’s Time of Sleep (01/016/2017); 1st “Poem-fall” 2017: THE SNOWFLAKE BALL (01/10/2017); Where Should We Look? (02/04/2015); Spring-training (04/11/2014); Kill the Blog Writer! (04/12/2014); A Valentine, 2014 (02/15/2014)

 

“ugly duckling101”, here are some ideas I am willing to share:

Even where no one else “gets his thought,” or they may fail to “make their  point,” creative writers always must know their own intent and purpose.  Many professional writers will agree that the identity and process of their own works only emerge by accord and covenant (i.e., silent, unspoken agreements and contracts with those who will critique, examine, and read as mature literary persons including editors, publishers, reviewers, and teachers).  To be recognized as the work of a specific writer, a poem, essay, novel, etc. must display, express and impart a familiar style coupled with the peculiar insights, purposes, favored techniques, and understandings of its creator while also being congruent with, expanding on, and mirroring elements within the fullness of a reader (e.g., desires, longings, memories, thing that are now forgotten).  In the effort to achieve the highest levels for freedom of expression, many today are abandoning the formal models and patterns once used to establish discipline and provide standards for excellence among writers of both poetry and prose.  Hip hop will be heard as sophisticated oral and performance poetry, and part of its richness is that it blends techniques from cultural celebration and oral tradition along with devices for preservation and survival of intellectual property.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, my personal approach that acknowledges the need for simplicity and surprise can be seen in the following piece suitable to be shared as Black History Month 2018 begins to draw to its close.  The work is intended to be plain, yet, comprehensive and instructive in its focus:

 

WHAT SHALL WE WEAR TO FREEDOM
[A Citizen King’s Day Poem – January 15, 2007]

What shall we wear to freedom come the morning of the march?
Blue overalls or dungarees, white shirts with heavy starch?

New fiber, new resilience, just to walk a simple way
That may end in jail or bloodshed by the finish of the day?

A soft and easy armor for the farmlands where we toil?
The clothing of oppression for the Mississippi soil?

For the Alabama courthouse?  For the network TV news?
Our best suit from Sunday’s sermon, and our polished Sunday shoes?

Work boots from a Georgia chain gang?  Or the running shoes for play
And the things we may dispose of when the blood won’t wash away?

What shall we wear to freedom, all the tears we shed last night,
Now invisible and hidden as the morning starts to light?

Daubed in color, clad like rainbows, and in celebration best?
Draped in black to bury evil, putting racism to rest?

Sporting Irish green, or turquoise, russet, lavender or pink?
Naked?  Unashamed?  Non-violent, and secure in what we think?

Shall we not stand in our honor with our eyes fixed on the prize,
Answering the tattoo cadence taking not one step for lies?

Knowing death will come on quickly if we fly or sound retreat,
Let us steel our hearts with purpose, and go voting with our feet.
What shall we wear to duty, given wars are won by deeds,
The shackles of enslavement?  The innocence of needs?

A mask of feigned devotion to disguise a boiling rage?
A cloak of prowling power like a panther in a cage?

For the streets of Cicero, or Harlem, Oslo, or Hanoi?
Where the sacrifice of blood will purchase neither peace, nor joy?

Shall the promise of America, an equality of men,
Be forgotten in an instant because we don’t wear the same skin?

Those with whom we cannot reason can be bullied, can be bought,
Can no longer be inspired, followed, trusted, led or taught

True democracy is more than where you sit upon the bus
For it speaks to human dignity and touches all of us:

It’s a quality of being in our future and our past,
It’s a light shone on our children, and the things we build to last

More than all our secret longing, our opinions, our desire,
Our shared duty and shared privilege, and a flame of common fire

Fueled in spending of our taxes, and enacting all our laws,
Fanned in choosing all our leaders, and in purging out our flaws.

It’s the heartbeat of our nation, how that all may have full voice
Saying what we wear to freedom is a matter of our choice.
What shall we wear returning once the sun begins to wane,
And the shadow of the twilight swallows up the ground we gain?

Battle scars? A badge of courage?  All the horror of the day?
Having worn respect and laurels we should never cast away?

Put on smiles of hollow victory, the grimaces of sorrow,
In an agony of knowing we must trek again tomorrow?

Where imperatives of meaning and compassion fall to lust
Every covenant is broken, and we dare not yield or trust.

We must put on lasting values, and a strength that will renew
Through the righteousness and justice in the simple things we do

Where the process of believing and receiving truth through grace
And the march of faith toward Zion will continue to have place.

What we seek is that perfection where the things of light endure,
All the balance and completeness men achieve as they mature,

The fruit of silent struggle where the mind and heart once closed
Become open to discover through the values once opposed.

It comes down to understanding, and a dream we all may share
Even where we seek a freedom just to choose what we shall wear:

We must call to the Eternal, then step forward unafraid
To be damned or crowned with glory for the choices we have made.

 

What shall we wear to judgment, then, to bow before the King,
At the throne of purest worship where the holy angels sing?

Don the garments of his priesthood, or the jewels of his crown,
Our humility and reverence, casting every idol down?

For Chicago, Selma, Little Rock, Montgomery, tears afresh?
An uncircumcised religion, or the arrogance of flesh?

The water of baptism?  Lips seared from the altar’s fire?
The diadem of deeds that godly blessing will require?

Shall we rise up in that dawning wrapped in mantles of his grace
Golden sandals on our feet, and free to look upon his face?

In a coat of many colors, or a fragrance of the saints?
With a scowl of our defiance, or the curse of our complaints?

We ourselves create the record heaven holds until the time
We are called before the universe to answer every crime.

There’s no entry on our ledger introduced by demon foe,
Only wanderings and journeys where our spirit chose to go,

True salvation from the Lord is never won by sword and spear:
By each honest step in patience we elect what will appear,

What the Son of GOD will cover by his blood from Calvary
Will remain un-resurrected and no living eye shall see.

Should the books reveal our trembling, unadorned, barefoot, unshod,
They must also show this wisdom, that we humbly walked with GOD,

That we marched for heaven’s governance and liberty’s increase,
Having cast our votes for mercy and the flowing robes of peace.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

©Michael Andrew Williams.  Washington, DC.  February 2011.  All rights reserved.)

Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/15/2018) A Response For Survivors…

 

Today, a response is made to encourage accountability, healing, holy boldness, and new strength throughout our communities.  In times of crisis, hardship and suffering, caretakers, parents, teachers and others who are close must not fail to share with our youth the very beliefs and understandings teens often find most difficult and strange.  Christian believers rely upon the sacred things imparted to us from the makeup and substance of GOD for the comfort and reinforcement we need to carry on and to persevere.  It is not always a matter of asking for, or expecting sudden changes and miracles (we say, sacred events) so much as it is one of ourselves realizing and helping others to recognize that GOD continues to be an active presence among us who becomes “visible” through his creation and those who are vessels of divine spirit.  The living become the offspring (sons and daughters) of GOD, heirs with Jesus Christ, and saints within the divine kingdom through divine DNA, so to speak.

Those “born again” must “grow up again” by enduring “growing pains” and meeting the same life challenges as all others on the earth.  There must be discovery, gradual growth, fellowship with other believers, unselfish service, and becoming mature.  In addition to faith, developing believers receive inseparable spirit content from the makeup of divinity that includes balance, forbearance, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider again the following that may already be familiar from the Bible and from four contemporary music ministries:

 
(1.)  1st Thessalonians 5:  11, King James Version (KJV):  11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

“Be Grateful” (Original, 1978) Walter Hawkins, Lead by Lynette Hawkins Stephens, written by Walter Hawkins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-UdwIHSyqo

 

(2.)  Psalms 23:  1-6, KJV:  1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:  he leadeth me beside the still waters.  3 He restoreth my soul:  he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:  for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:  thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:  and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

“No Need To Fear” Wintley Phipps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=359&v=eV37H4sjbok

 

(3.)  2nd Timothy 1:  7, KJV:  7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

“Worth” (Official Music Video) Anthony Brown and grouptherAPy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX59fjowutw

 

(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.

“Be Grateful”
Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Roots at the Terminal 5 in New York City, on 23 September 2010.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd8LsuqzHpY

 

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

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/14/2018) Bloody Sunday — Black History

 

Today, a second Black History Month poem is shared acknowledging faith as a grain of mustard seed, American democracy, and some of the special, present-day work of former civil rights leader, Congressman John Lewis of Georgia.  I was very impressed by a news broadcast that included the congressman responding to questions from elementary and high school aged children, their parents, and teachers.  Congressman Lewis explained to one student that when he first met Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the famous leader for social justice asked Lewis whether he was “the boy from Troy?”  [Troy, Alabama], and that was how Lewis at first would be known (see John Lewis Teaches Md. Students About Civil Rights Movement, by Meagan Fitzgerald, News 4 @ https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Rep-John-Lewis-Teaches-Md-Students-About-Civil-Rights_Washington-DC-473990323.html).

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.  Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.  Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain:  and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.  (Zechariah 4:  5-7, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Black History — Johannesburg Gold (02/05/2018); Secular History, Sacred Revelation? (01/11/2018); George Washington Owned Slaves (08/17/2017); Righteousness Exalts A Nation (07/04/2017); Fulfillment of His Dream? (04/05/2017); Can Christians Be Racists? (07/25/2016); Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth? (07/10/2016)

 

 

BLOODY SUNDAY

A Poem Acknowledging the courage of Congressman John Lewis and the Young People of America Willing to Recall The Civil Rights March, Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, (03/07/1965) – Black History Month, February 13, 2018.

The Congressman was called to work, today
Among the young to point the path and way
A span to reach tomorrow that would arch
From yesterday that taught the bloody march.

The elder sat with sprouts and budding youths
Who showed a hunger for the lasting truths
To let them tap his courage once again
With wisdom words and answers that were plain.

Too often, we leave needed things unsaid
Because we fear to have them in our head,
Our heart, deep wounds that only close
When truth is shared and everybody knows.

Black students understood for things to change
The promise of America can’t be strange
Or foreign to those born, raised in this land.
For power of the vote, they took a stand.

On U.S. Highway 80 was the site
Where lawless pride created darkest night
With death and oppression threatening to destroy
The hope for freedom in the Boy From Troy.

S.N.C.C. rallied those who dared to walk in peace
So being without voting rights would cease.
After years of work, the time had come to go
But brutal police power told them, NO!

To register to vote at freedom’s call
Should never be a cause for one to fall
To fail in fear, or die, or run and scatter
As though it is not true that Black lives matter.

Corruption, hatred, rot, should not prevail
Even where it means you go to jail
The justice of the cause can make men strong
To be steadfast, and work to right the wrong.

When children look into the past to learn
Their lessons must surpass “burn, baby, burn.”
We fashioned then a voice to crack the silence,
Insured their home through patience and nonviolence.

The future leaders for our land have shared
With one who held the line that day, and dared.
They too will live the dream in victory
Casting the single vote to keep all free.

©2018.  Michael Andrew Williams.  All rights reserved

 

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/06/2017) Seek First His Righteousness

 

Today, reply is made on covenant relationship, divine law, salvation, and the righteousness of GOD.  The rule of “an eye for an eye” expresses a demand for fairness, justice and revenge (we also say, “pay back” and retribution) that do not appear through operations of the Holy Spirit so much as by the flesh and the mind (e.g., appetite, emotion, fear, rage).  Only by using spirit substance imparted from Christ can the mind, heart, and sovereign will of divinity contained in the law be correctly discerned and recognized as active and present.  Both to manifest the intent and eternal purpose of the law as well as to reveal further the character and righteousness within the law, Jesus cautioned all to receive a fresh endowment of spirit content from the makeup of GOD saying, You must be born again.  The living do not receive law willingly by formal mandate and obligation, and so are led to “discover” the law as the expression of their own and divine love.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Jay-dub” (Level 2 with 259 points, a member since November 21, 2008) posted the following:

 

What exactly is meant by “God s laws”.?

I understand the 10 commandments etc., and that they are immutable and can t be changed, even by Jesus. But what about “eye for an eye etc.”? I know it was part of secular law, but is it also one of God s laws? If so then did Jesus change it when he proposed turning the other cheek, or was he simply refuting secular law?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight:  for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:  for there is no difference:  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness:  that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:  20-26, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Wrath Against Sin? (10/17/2017); The Vengeance of GOD? (10/01/2017); GOD Indwells Divine Law (07/14/2017); Righteousness Through Jesus Christ? (12/15/2016); Choice, Duty, and Obligation? (11/17/2016); The Covenant of Noah? (12/16/2014); Atone, Judge and Replenish (12/17/2014); Beyond Punishment (03/21/2014); A Guarantee of Heaven? (03/22/2014)

 

“Jay-dub”, the word “law” often is a source of confusion.  Christian believers are to acknowledge that multiple meanings for the word “law” appear throughout the Bible.  In addition to commands that require obedience to expressions of divine will (e.g., Thou shalt have no other gods; thou shalt not steal), the word “law” is used to speak of (1) formal covenant agreements with divinity such as the covenant of Moses; (2) the decisions, renderings and verdicts determined through a lawful process of judgment; (3) and the five books of Moses (also called “the law and the prophets;” the Pentateuch); (4) patterns and regularities in  attitude, behavior, and speech (e.g., habits, impulses, lusts; “a law in my members”); and (4.) principles and standards for godliness that are imparted as spirit content.

The end (aim, goal, objective) of the law (not its annulment)  is to make divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable.  The operations of sin that were begun through the disobedience of Adam continue to exist within mankind.  The limitations for law from GOD appearing through the nation of Israel include that, participating in covenant relations, and obeying the Ten Commandments and Levitical law do not eliminate sin; does not restore the inseparable aspects of divine content that were lost through Adam (e.g., faith, holiness, righteousness, wisdom, wrath against sin); and human behavior and works do not earn or justify necessary divine responses such as forbearance, forgiveness, grace, and mercy.

Christ does not change the law; he changes sacred knowledge, and he requires discernment of the Spirit content of the law.  In the same way, Jesus Christ dies on the cross as an embodiment of sin to demonstrate the destruction of all that opposes the continued existence of law, the Son of the Highest also is the embodiment (Incarnation) of divine righteousness (penalty) that must be returned to GOD.  Becoming “born again” through baptism (the death, burial, and resurrection of our inborn spirit) joins us to divinity as offspring of GOD and joint-heirs with Christ.   Developing believers are to display sacred content through their lifestyle and daily living routines.  Consider again the following:

1.  Romans 7:  22-24, King James Version (KJV):  22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

2.  Roman 7:  12-13, KJV:  12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.  13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

3.  Romans 10:  2-5, KJV:  2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.  5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 4.  Romans 5:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC