(12/13/2020) No Forgiveness For Racism?

Racism should be understood among mature Christian believers as a sin that will not be forgiven by GOD because racism is a disguised form of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy can be easily recognized in verbal behavior that dishonors and insults divinity, and is more difficult to acknowledge where it is a lifestyle and ordinary living routine. Even so, among the primary aspects of divine fullness that must be acknowledged and appear within the living upon the earth are divine grace and oneness without sameness. Men have been known to exalt race as a false god and an idol claiming that race is the explanation for their benefits, privileges, problems, and sufferings. Blasphemy can be without words and embedded within the emotional, psychological, and spiritual content we convey to others. Repentance for sin does not appear within created beings and living creatures without operations by the indwelling Spirit of GOD. Those who refuse and shut out the presence and operations of the Holy Spirit deny and dismiss their own sacred inheritance as the offspring of GOD, and they can no longer apprehend the authority, dominion, and sovereignty of GOD who practices righteous judgment. GOD then is falsely accused of abuse, malice, and partiality. On surface, racism appears to be anchored in intelligence, carnal reason, and operations of the flesh that direct attitudes and behavior expressing bitterness, enmity, and hatred against persons within minority groups of a population. More carefully considered in the light of Christ, racism is exaggerated pride that condemns the sacred process for transforming mankind to exist as a companion to divinity, and denies the holiness of the spirit-content imparted from the makeup of GOD that must reside within all who become followers of Jesus Christ. Insisting that racism is not a matter of ones religion and spiritual beliefs, those who practice racism continue to promote their offense against GOD as merely a finite, human expression of bias, false judgment, prejudice, and presumption against others within a shared community on the basis of their ethnicity, origin, skin-color, or socioeconomic status. It is accounted as correct, justified, and “natural” that imbalance and injustice characterize the distribution of major opportunities and possibilities for all the forms of educational, financial, and social advancement; and the opposition to displaying, giving, receiving, and sharing divine spiritual gifts are accounted as a necessary evil. It is written: 1st Corinthians 12: 3-6, King James Version (KJV): 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. Mankind is not to trifle with the Holy Spirit, even where he appears on the earth using human form and life-process.

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Uniting In The Struggle (06/17/2020); Elephant In The Room? (06/05/2020); The Meaning Of “Persecution” (02/12/2020); Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); White People Becoming Atheists? (10/03/2019); Black History Month, 2019 (02/24/2019); Arrayed In Sacred Favor (02/25/2018)

Thus saith the Lord:

(1.) Matthew 12: 30-32, King James Version (KJV): 30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. 31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

(2.) Hebrews 10: 28-30, KJV: 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

(3.) John 6: 63, KJV: 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 8: 37-47, KJV: 37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. 39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 8:05 AM, December 12, 2020 @ https://www.bibliatodo.com/En/christian-news/files/2020/06/christian-magazine-calls-on-churches-to-restitute-racial-sin-repentance-is-not-enough.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/14/2020) Was Divine Power Squandered?

 

Today, reply is to complaints that (1) Jesus Christ failed in his mission to provide salvation to mankind; (2) the Savior should have re-written the holy writings to fix human social problems such as bias, discrimination, and prejudice; (3) the Savior did not apply all the ability, authority, and power of a god; and (4) the Lord did not perform the necessary good works that could improve mankind. Jesus not only came to provide atonement for the sins of mankind; Jesus was sent to fulfill divine promises and prophecies; and to establish the new creation. Spiritually immature and immersed in worldliness, many feel it is correct to criticize and condemn Christ for having as his priority such elements as forgiveness, healing, mercy, ministry, praising the Father, reconciliation and suffering, rather than sending the wicked to hell, punishment, and the second death. It is written: 2^nd Corinthians 5: 17-21, King James Version (KJV): 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. A fighter in the “Yahhoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

 

What you think? Do you agree?

If Jesus is God, then why didn’t Jesus use his omniscience and omnipotence to actually do something magnificent and beautiful on earth rather than squandering his “power” as he does in the Bible?

Think about all the problems that Jesus could have solved. At the very least, Jesus could have transcribed passages into the Bible that would have ended sexism, racism and slavery forever.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. (Luke 4: 14-21, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Only Divine Resurrection Saves (12/24/2019); Sin Depicted Using Flesh (11/22/2019); Christ Displayed Authentic Humanity (10/09/2019); The “History” Of Christ (10/08/2019); We Must Acknowledge Christ (08/08/2019); Prophecy And Divine Process (04/15/2019); These Three Are One (10/03/2018); The Divinity Of Christ? (06/14/2018)

 

“Anonymous”, GOD has done what only a righteous God may do, and what you count as essential guidance for mankind must be imparted through an indwelling Spirit. The opportunity and possibilities established in the appearance of divinity on the earth using flesh and human form (we say, the Incarnation) as Jesus Christ were presented following multiple operations by GOD across time and space on behalf of all Creation, and were carried out to fulfill the requirements of sacred law, judgment, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. During his appearance on the earth, Jesus Christ demonstrated authentic humanity, how mankind is to exist acknowledging the supernal, and how the living are to serve as vessels displaying the image of GOD. The followers of Jesus are to resemble, reflect, and reveal his character and likeness through their own ongoing lifestyles and daily routines. GOD, who is an immortal, incorruptible and invisible spirit, was made known and revealed using carnal, material and social realities that are accessible to the living. Although mankind was fashioned to exist as a companion to divinity, the operations of sin generated mechanical and natural laws that render all who inhabit the earth subject to conditions of death, decay, mortality, and spiritual confusion. Sin promotes nonexistence and a return to the chaos, flux, and incoherence that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth (preexistence). Sin is indiscriminate, irrational, mindless, and without personhood. Sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, divine order, the Lawgiver, and the further of the universe. Sin is no created object, contains no spirit substance, and presents no material form that may be eliminated or undone by a simple act of divine destruction. Even so, sin has direction, effect, and “presence”. Sin has not been put forth by GOD, yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will (willpower) within all created beings and living creatures, including angels. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 1^st John 3: 4-8, KJV: 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

(2.) Romans 6: 3-12, KJV: 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

(3.) Luke 7: 18-23, KJV: 18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ1-75WEYMA&list=FLD-fEmPQDdXFIv9qj8rBJVA&index=4&t=0s.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 5:52 PM, January 13, 2020 @ https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_OLO1EZW78/XGVs6RQtMKI/AAAAAAAAL-4/Dx6nCEmKdXMlQwXKf1Zy

X4kkOWR2pRneACLcBGAs/s400/hid%2Bgospel.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/18/2019) Upon All The Glory

 

Today, reply is on the provisions from divinity such as fellowship, glory, inheritance, and salvation as being benefits from divine judgment shared only with those who are joined to GOD through Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit, rather than through favoritism that expresses bias, partiality, and prejudice. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “shoeshopper3” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since November 22, 2017) posted the following:

 

If God is so fair, why doesn’t he defend everybody like he says in the Bible?

Seems like it only applies to some people.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7: 21-24 King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Divine Covenant Partner (06/11/2019); The Saved Are Numberless (04/29/2019); Chosen Through Sacred Process (09/06/2018); The Shared Divine Glory? (01/15/2018); From Glory to Glory (11/14/2017); Becoming Joined To GOD (10/13/2017); The Hope of Glory (03/02/2017)

 

“shoeshopper3”, our Creator and Maker also administers divine law and sacred judgment. Protection from GOD is bestowed on those who are joined to GOD through Jesus Christ and Spirit. In the same way you carefully choose those who will be your most trusted companions and friends, immortal, invisible divinity carefully selects those who are to be entrusted with the sacred seed and spirit substance that will elevate the living to exist as the heirs, offspring, and children of GOD. Those who are joined to GOD having oneness without sameness will display and make visible the image of GOD, who is spirit. Those who belong to GOD as his new creation through Jesus Christ all contain a fresh endowment of inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of divinity. Included are balance, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. So to speak, only those who share the sacred substance of GOD will share the glory of GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible to explain grace, sacred integrity, and divine prerogative:

1. Isaiah 48: 9-12, King James Version (KJV): 9 For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. 10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. 11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. 12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.

2. Psalms 34: 17-19, KJV: 17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

3. Romans 3: 5-6, KJV: 5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

4. Isaiah 4: 2-6, KJV: 2 In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. 3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: 4 When the LORD shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. 5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. 6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. 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 10:24 PM, June 17, 2019 @ https://biblepic.com/53/29847.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/25/2019) No Respecter Of Persons

 

Today, reply is on the favor shown to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, and behaving as a respecter of persons. There are two forms of “respecting persons” that appear within the holy writings: 1. judicial respect of persons is the transgression of sacred law that sees bias, influence and partiality in carrying out tribunals, applying sacred law to resolve conflicts and settle disputes, or in determining outcomes and sentences of trials; and 2. social respect of persons that sees undue favor and preference shown to someone on the basis of such features as their formal education, their ethnic background and national origin, their family connections, their office and position, their reputation, their status, or their wealth. Early Christian believers were commanded to maintain decorum, hierarchy and order among members within the church and the larger community by showing obedience, respect and reverence. Thus, Romans 13: 7-8 King James Version (KJV): 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Owner Of All Cosmos&Universes” (Level 1 with no points shown, a member since May 18, 2018) posted the following:

 

Luke 1:28 says that Mary is very favored, so how is God no respecter of persons(Rom 2:11)?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2: 1-10, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Virginity of Mary (01/14/2019); Chosen Through Sacred Process (09/06/2018); Divine Law Is Demanding (04/10/2018); A Descendant of David? (03/18/2018); The First To Help? (12/22/2017); Will There Be Diversity? (10/22/2017); Laws Favoring the Poor? (03/06/2017); The Respect of Persons? (10/14/2016)

 

“Owner Of All Cosmos&Universes”, there are multiple differences among created beings and living creatures, yet, GOD has authority to set apart (sanctify) individuals to himself, and to punish or reward according to the provisions of divine law. In the holy writings, divinity is revealed as the Creator and Maker who has put forth all existence, life, and duration. Divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is known through active presence; by sacred operations and divine processes such as forgiveness, healing, judgment, praise, prayer, thanksgiving, sanctification, and worship; by such inseparable attributes as faith, forbearance, holiness, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, and wisdom as well as by being the embodiment of dominion, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will. While the divine work of final judgment expresses the wrath of GOD against sin, all divine judgment is carried out with balance, impartiality, restraint, and righteousness. The spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that resides within the living is examined using the record of a person’s deeds appearing within the Book of Life. Influences that would result in errors of judgment are not indulged. Included are ethnic and racial bias; age discrimination; caste or class distinctions based on finances, poverty, and wealth; marital status; national origin; prejudice based on employment and vocation (e.g., sanitation workers); and ones sexual purity. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Deuteronomy 1: 15-18, King James Version (KJV): 15 So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. 16 And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him. 17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. 18 And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do.

2. Psalms 4: 3, KJV: 3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

3. Psalms 7: 10-11, KJV: 10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. 11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

4. Ezekiel 16: 49-50, KJV: 49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

5. Acts 10: 30-35, KJV: 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 6. 1^st Peter 1: 16-21, KJV: 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

 

(09/06/2018) Chosen Through Sacred Process

 

Today, reply is on the participation of mankind in divine revelation, racism, and the elements created beings and living creatures must use to be in continuing sacred relationship. Racism does not make visible the authority, character, integrity, power, purity, and righteousness of GOD. Only where the living continually embody inseparable substance from the makeup of GOD can a true sacred relationship with divinity appear. Included must be such elements as faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, reverence, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Those who are beloved and chosen of GOD appear as having a special relationship because of sacred operations such as divine chastisement, inheritance, judgment, oneness without sameness, ordination to minister godliness, and suffering with praise, thanksgiving, and consecrated worship. Being divinely chosen is to demonstrate sacred possibilities, and should remove bias, hate, malice and unlawful judgment (we say, prejudice) among men, for there is no assignment of benefits and privilege intended to create or maintain exploitation and imbalance. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

 

Why is God, creator of all humankind, a racist who chose only a certain people?

Why didn’t he give his message to ALL people?

How did people invent so many other gods? I mean, what gave them the idea that those other gods were real, when, clearly, their beliefs were a delusion?

Why did God need the Israelites to tell people they were delusional, because only God is real? Why couldn’t God reach them the way he reached the Israelites?

What was the point of his racism? What was the point of talking to a select few? Why not talk to everyone?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. (Deuteronomy 14: 1-2, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Judgment Against The Canaanites (08/01/2018); Deposits Of Sacred Substance (06/27/2018); When Speaking Of Christlikeness (06/25/2018); Changed And Made Christ-like? (06/19/2018); Tools for Revelation? (10/26/2015); Few Are Chosen (07/06/2015); Why the Jews Were Called Out? (06/15/2015)

 

“Anonymous”, racism is a finite, carnal, and temporal social process found within groups of men, and is not an appearance or expression of divine personhood, a spiritual operation performed by agents and spokespersons sent by GOD, or a sacred process carried out by divinity. Even so, there are many patterns in human affairs that are mistakenly taken to be displays of favoritism and preferential treatment by GOD shown to mankind on the earth. The errors that appear derive from many sources. Included are sanctions and other aspects of divine law (e.g., admonitions; correction; curses; punishments); differences that result by genetic diversity, culture and tradition, education, personal maturity, home-training, and nourishment; events and occurrences expressing divine blessing, disfavor/favor and wrath against sin; relying on secular knowledge (e.g., academic studies; recorded history; logic; philosophy; politics; science) in place of sacred knowledge (e.g., divine covenants; proclamations; sacred promises; prophecy; visions) as well as cynicism, disbelief, ignorance, and skepticism.

While the present revelation that makes visible the unseen divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit; the Trinity) does not expose all of the mysteries and secret truths from GOD, revelation can be clearly understood as the process GOD is using to make divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. In addition to the appearance of divinity using human flesh as Jesus Christ (we say, the Incarnation), there are displays of spirit presence and power that include imparting endowments of sacred substance (we say, breath; life essence; spirit; word) and that use mankind as instruments having divine consciousness and as godly vessels containing divine will. The living are to become set apart (many say, anointed; chosen; sanctified) by their responses to the revelation they receive. Thus, as developing believers they will display accountability, commitment, dedication, a lifestyle proclaiming divine righteousness, and willingness to continue unselfish service to GOD.

Living in ongoing relationship with divinity is not a process that originated and has been maintained through exercise of human consciousness and willpower; and because devices used by GOD to provide his revelation to all Creation include familiar human elements of family, inheritance, judgment, and tribes, the error persists that mankind’s focus should be upon human achievement. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Deuteronomy 29: 29, King James Version (KJV): 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
2. Exodus 19: 3-8, KJV: 3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. 8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
3. Titus 2: 11-15, KJV: 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 14: 21-26, KJV: 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/17/2017) George Washington Owned Slaves

John Trumbull, 1780 – George Washington and William Lee, the enslaved personal servant, who for many years spent more time in Washington’s presence than any other man.

 

Today, in response to a recent statement from President Trump, topics include cultural history, sins of America’s past, our present-day accountability, and spiritual confusion.  The President could be discerned to be warning the public against impassioned, yet, ungodly pursuit of judgment.  The process and substance of judgment that would meet the standards from GOD must include balance, clarity, impartiality, integrity, thoroughness, and transparency.  In speaking about the tragic event in Charlottesville, Virginia where Heather Heyer was killed during what were to have been lawful protest demonstrations for and against continuing civil war memorials, the President did not condemn any specific groups and organizations thought responsible for the violence.  When challenged by the media, President Trump cautioned that attacks against historical figures such as Robert E. Lee (the West Point graduate who led the Confederate Army during the Civil War), may also be made against others including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.  By asking, Where will it end?, the President suggested that many who were indispensable to establishing the principles for what has been the world’s most enduring democratic government also advocated and practiced many of the attitudes and prejudices of their times that we now condemn; and none of our early “heroes” will be found guiltless and without flaws.  Thus, for example, on February 2, 2017, PBS News broadcasted that five American Presidents owned slaves while they were in office:  President George Washington (1789-1797), Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), James Madison (1809-1817), James Monroe (1817-1825), and Andrew Jackson (1829-1837).  Christian believers are not to rush to judgment, as the third world continues to do, condemning every American leader, and all Americans who ever were or ever will be.  The following was downloaded from Wikipedia, the online Internet encyclopedia 1:37 PM, August 16, 2017 from the article George Washington and slavery:

 

George Washington, the first President of the United States, held people in slavery for virtually all of his life. His will provided for freeing the enslaved people he held upon the death of his widow Martha Washington. In January 1801 Martha freed her husband’s slaves, just over a year after his death.[1] However, while she lived, Martha did not emancipate any of the people she held, because she held only the lifetime use of them. When she died, on May 22, 1802, at the age of 70, all of those enslaved people went to the descendants of her first husband, Daniel Parke Custis

When Washington was eleven years old, he inherited ten slaves;[3] by the time of his death, 317 slaves lived at Mount Vernon,[4] including 123 owned by Washington, 40 leased from a neighbor, and an additional 153 “dower slaves.” While these dower slaves were designated for Martha’s use during her lifetime, they were part of the estate of her first husband Daniel Parke Custis, and the Washingtons could not sell or manumit them.[5] As on other plantations during that era, Washington’s slaves worked from dawn until dusk unless injured or ill; they could be whipped for running away or for other infractions. They were fed, clothed, and housed as inexpensively as possible, in conditions that were probably meager.[citation needed]

Visitors recorded varying impressions of slave life at Mount Vernon: one visitor in 1798 wrote that Washington treated his slaves “with more severity” than his neighbors, while another around the same time stated that “Washington treat[ed] his slaves far more humanely than did his fellow citizens of Virginia.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:  the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.  But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him:  in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.  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?  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.  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?  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.  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.  Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  (Ezekiel 18:  20-28, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Righteousness Exalts A Nation (07/04/2017); Fulfillment of His Dream? (04/05/2017);  Joy, Survival and Worship (06/21/2017); Divine Law Expresses Love (05/10/2017); Covetousness, Slavery and Sin (09/16/2016); Called Slaves by GOD? (02/10/2016); The Provision Against Racists? (01/19/2016); Slaves to Sin? (04/13/2015) 

 

(1.)  Even where we attempt to apply the patterns and standards from the holy writings, law and the judgment of men on the basis of their deeds and works must be approached as involving multiple occasions—and the likelihood for—irreversible error.  Often, no single event or set of actions can be identified as including the full panorama of any man’s accomplishments, desires, efforts, expressions, motives, quality, and value.  With this in view, the determination to be made when courts and juries assemble are the actuality of specific contributions and participation of an individual during specific events, and is not a matter of their overall eternal value, merit and worth.

(2.)  Mature Christian believers usually agree that awareness and self-will may be dominated by sin.  The operations of sin may be invisibly embedded within customs and traditions, and can be regularly expressed through cultural, interpersonal, political, and social practices that appear historically acceptable, natural, and normal; and sin will not appear to be contrary to human character, continued existence, godliness, and truth. 

(3.)  Slavery as an institution to decimate and exploit Africans began in the markets of Portugal, Europe, fifty years before Columbus would land in the New World seeking to become wealthy through slaves and spices.  As practiced in America, slavery was a form of imperial idolatry like begun in Egypt where, during the years of famine, in order to survive, the Egyptian people (and not the Jews) sold everything they had to Pharaoh:  their livestock, their property and themselves.  Using dynasty and inheritance, the Pharaohs exercised a control that amounted to abuse, promoting themselves as gods over their own people.  Using bigotry, discrimination, racism, and hate there have been those promoting an American nightmare in place of the American Dream.

(4.)  Growing up under the influence of Jesus Christ in my life, I have been able to truthfully say neither that every Black person is my friend, nor that every White person is my enemy.  The issues of belonging, brotherhood, and separation because of ethnicity, origin, race, and skin color repeatedly destroy confidence, curiosity, discovery, flexibility, belief in a future, and hope for the higher levels of accomplishment among the young.  Anger and hate are thought to be forms of strength that allow us to confront death, however, the serious work of growth and learning that must be done to maintain life requires balance, concentration, dispassion, level-headedness, maturity, and sobriety.  Like many others, here in America, I discovered the more correct focus in deciding affiliation and to whom I connect has been the separation because of differences in sacred commitment, and ones own endowment of spirit content from the makeup of GOD.

(5.)  Patriotism and love of ones homeland are passing and temporal.  They even may be seen as a form of idolatry.  In the understanding of mature Christian believers, all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD.  There can be no lasting display of mercy and righteousness without divine judgment; and the provisions of GOD through Jesus Christ include atonement, forgiveness, redemption and repentance as well as reconciliation.  For George Washington, Robert E. Lee, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, the “escape” from “all or nothing” condemnation that we will embrace as victims of our own cultural and historical limitations comes by continuing in sound covenant relationship and the testament of sacred blood.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  In our god-given oneness without sameness, every American wants to be free.  It would be fitting that the President of the United States issue a new call to end equivocation regarding American slavery.  While it continues to be correct to acknowledge George Washington, the founders of the Nation, and the many others who have contributed and served to create a way of life that may ultimately become a standard for the universe, none are to be celebrated, lauded, or regarded as having lawful justification in our present system for their earlier crimes against Africa, America, and all mankind.  Because we have distance, maturity, perspective and sobriety, we now can see more correctly their actual achievements and errors; and, because we seek to give and receive forgiveness, to maintain reasonable balance, and to go forward on the diverse paths of prosperity, we are to call “sin” by its proper name.  Continuing the commitment necessary to deal with the lawful issues of differences among us, diversity, and “State’s rights” while putting aside all issues of anyone being “holier than thou,” (1) there can be no equivocation; and, (2) there can be forgiveness:  There are no “kind” and “understanding” slave-owners; there are no men of honor and higher nobility who maintain others as slaves; there have never been, are none now, and will never be “good” and “wise” leaders of men who make merchandise of others, that feed on the misery and pain of others, and who arrogantly traffic in other men’s lives.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(10/14/2016) The Respect of Persons?

 

Today, response is made to the notion that diversity and social hierarchy are divinely created and maintained.  The GOD we serve as Christian believers is not a sovereign over a geographical region or areas within the partially charted universe.  He is a Deity having authority and rule over life essence within the living (i.e., breath, spirit, word).  Respect of persons pertains to the World system in terms of such features as bias, discrimination, favor, influence, injustice, preferential treatment, and prejudice in support of those displaying prestige, privilege, prowess, and economic status.  Respect of persons as an aspect of Christian belief addresses acknowledgment, blessing, judgment, and promotion by divinity to continually manifest existence as well as oneness without sameness, carryout divine operations, fulfill promise and prophecy, and to accomplish eternal purposes.  While imbalance and inequality can provide benefit by provoking action, adjustments, corrections, and movement that cancel inflexibility, rigidity and stagnation, the advantages from consistency, equality, maturity, and stability are often more fruitful and abiding.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Political Commentator” (Level 1 with 6 points, a member since December 03, 2015) posted the following:

 

Do you know that the social hierarchy is God ordained instead of a man made construct (Isaiah 45:9-11, Romans 9:21)?

Romans 9:21 – Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?

Isaiah 45:9 – Woe to you who strive with your Maker, earthen vessels with the potter! Does the clay say to the one who fashions it, “What are you making”? or “Your work has no handles”?

Isaiah 45:10 – Woe to anyone who says to a father, “What are you begetting?” or to a woman, “With what are you in labor?”

Isaiah 45:11 – Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Will you question me about my children, or command me concerning the work of my hands?

—————————————…

Romans 9:21 has made it clear that God (Creator, Potter) has purposely created human diversity, such that one person would always have greater honour, prestige and social status than his neighbour/brother.

Such differences are innate and God ordained according to the meaning of Romans 9:21.

As God has given some individuals innately more prestige, honour and social status than other people.

Romans 9:21 is unequivocal on this point – That God is merciful to have purposely created some people to have greater honour, prestige and social status than other people; and this social hierarchy was part of God’s divine plan from the very beginning.

Update: So what are you going to do about it if you don’t like God’s creation and the social hierarchy ordained by the Creator – knowing that it would be folly, misguided and a sin to question/deny God’s preordination, creatorship and His sovereign right over human life?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:  But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.  For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.  (James 2:  8-10, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Diversity and Divine (08/28/2016); GOD’s Way Not Equal? (07/17/2016); Purpose Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth? (07/10/2016);  Hierarchy For Mankind (01/24/2016); Hierarchy Among Christians (01/22/2016); Where Society Is Headed? (01/11/2016); A GOD of Judgment (12/01/2015);  Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015)

 

“Political Commentator”, for many mature Christian believers the divine use of hierarchy is in the nature of bestowing accountability, charging and entrusting servants with duties, delegating tasks, and structuring divine government.  Thus, the Creator revealed himself to Moses as a god having authority who also requires impartiality, judgment, justice, mercy, obedience to sacred law, reverence, and righteousness.  The platform for assignment of value as a “life companion” to divinity (we say, salvation) is not the collection of standards historically promoted among men such as ones carnal attributes (e.g., eye color, hair, height, physical strength, weight), ownership of material goods (e.g., car, horse, house, luxuries, weapons), and their personal relations (e.g., business contacts, children, friends, spouse).  Another mindset must be employed wherein divine gifts (we say, the imparted, indwelling spirit) establish capacity for growth, humility, learning, ministry, service, sharing, and suffering.  Inseparable aspects of the makeup of GOD are bestowed that include faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider again how these ideas appear within the holy writings:

(1.)  Psalms 15:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?  2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.  3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.  4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.  5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

(2.)  Isaiah 57:  15-16, KJV:  15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.  16 For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth:  for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.

(3.)  Deuteronomy 1:  13-17, KJV:  13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.  14 And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do.  15 So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes.  16 And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him.  17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.

(4.)  Isaiah 57:  1-5, KJV:  1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart:  and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.  2 He shall enter into peace:  they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.  3 But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.  4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood.  5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?

(5.)  Acts 10:  34-38, KJV:  34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:  35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.  36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:  (he is Lord of all:)  37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;  38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:  who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, the words of Jesus, (6.)  Luke 12:  15, KJV:  15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness:  for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(04/22/2016) It Takes The Cross

Points are shared on mankind’s need for the cross as a divine response providing support to human efforts that address relief for death and suffering.  The need for love that operates as unselfish action is not simply an imperative for mankind.  The entire universe and all Creation must have elements from divinity that appear as divine order, eternal purpose, and sacred process. It takes the “hand of GOD” to maintain ongoing existence with life, death, hope, and multiple possibilities for change; and it takes the cross as a ground for believers to be rooted in assurance, balance, empathy, imparted spirit content, and truth.  Mature Christian believers are to trust that answers are continuing to flow to us across time and space through operations of the Holy Spirit, and blood and truth from the cross are reaching to here and now.  Bias, prejudice, and error in judgment persist primarily through false assumptions, vain hopes, sentiment, and inability to restrict ones focus to the specifics of faith and sacred evidence.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Methane Mama” (Level 7 with 87,759 points, a member since November 02, 2010) posted the following:

 

Christians, why would you want to worship a God that bestows blessings upon you, while ignoring the desperate pleas of dying children?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  (1st Peter 5:  6-11, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sign of Divine Love? (04/14/2016); A Guarantee of Judgment? (04/15/2016); Love From The Cross? (04/08/2016); Faith and The Cross? (03/30/2016); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015)

 

“Methane Mama”, experienced persons in our world who actually do the work of seeking to save the dying (and don’t just talk about it) all understand that, because we  have only finite abilities, crude skills and tools, and may only truly address the things that are external, mechanical, and surface, another dimension and level of “possibility” must come into ones understanding.  To care and dare, is to risk failure, frustration, and betrayal of everything that makes you feel good about yourself.  Despite its fixed patterns for assigning value, decision-making, and exchange, the strength of intellect, mind, and self-will easily become battle-worn, fatigued, and overwhelmed without the safeguards and shields derived through ones inward spirit content.  The assurances provided by divinity, such as Jesus Christ dying upon the cross, provide distance and perspective essential for binding death, and breaking the chains from despair, fear, ignorance, and hopelessness. 

Mature belief in the divine operations pertaining to life are a crucial platform for being focused, grounded, and stable.  The acknowledgement of GOD (we say, praise, reverence, worship) is “existential”, meaning, like having to breathe in and out, taking in food, and putting waste away from ones organs, it is an unavoidable condition for mankind to continue as “alive” upon the earth.  Accepting the limits imposed by our Creator include having no ability to fashion  or acquire knowledge about Deity except through blessings (we say, gifts), divine revelation, and spirit provisions from GOD.  While social importance, carnal pleasure, and satisfaction through material things are possible for created beings and living creatures, desire, self-promotion, self-will and “will power” alone can not eliminate, remove or undo sin, suffering, and wickedness.

It is by the blessing of GOD that we are not emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually crushed by the continuing presence of death in the earth.  Tragedies occur that may be as far away as Ecuador, Houston Texas, or Japan, yet, without strength from GOD, we are impotent, and may only be onlookers who feel a deep sense of loss within our own homes, within our own hearts.  The cross has been granted as an inarguable evidence of divine love, and it is a “good-faith” gesture proclaiming that believers will receive a divine inheritance.  Consider again how these ideas are shared using language from the Bible:

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

(2.)   2nd Corinthians 1:  21-22, KJV:  21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;  22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

(3.)  Romans 8:  22-25, KJV:  22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.  23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.  24 For we are saved by hope:  but hope that is seen is not hope:  for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually taken in.  (For example, (4.)  1st Peter 2:  6-10, KJV:  6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious:  but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient:  whereunto also they were appointed.  9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;  10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:  which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(01/19/2016) The Provision Against Racists?

Continuing to acknowledge Citizen Martin Luther King, Jr., topics, today, include covenant, election, godliness, and racists.  Racists are those who use physical and other differences among and within social groups as a license to abuse authority and privilege; to create conflict; to defy civil law and overthrow government; to express deep-seated bitterness, cowardice, envy, hostility, and fear; to display ill-will and resentment as well as to show undeserved contempt, disrespect, and prejudice against others.  They insist their actions and attitudes have been forced by the threat of inferiority, lowliness, or a poor quality of life that will result from others being dealt with as equals, or acknowledged as superior.  The provision of GOD arrayed against racism includes comfort, forbearance, forgiveness, final judgment, longsuffering, mercy, patience, promise, and truth.  The blood of the cross does not endorse or justify any behavior and conduct that defiles the shared communion, fellowship, praise, service, and worship that exist as the Kingdom of GOD.  Consider again the following Scriptures and the points appearing below:

Romans 3:  29, King James Version (KJV):  29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Ezekiel 20:  8-10, KJV:  8 But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me:  they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt:  then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.  9 But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.  10 Wherefore I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness.

Isaiah 63:  15-16, KJV:  15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory:  where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?  16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not:  thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.

Colossians 3:  9-13, KJV:  9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:  11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free:  but Christ is all, and in all.  12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;  13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Galatians 3:  27-29, KJV:  27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:  for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Is the Christian God racist?

why doesn’t the christian god care about black people my ancestors have been raped slaved abused and held against their will and what does this loving god do absolutely nothing god doesn’t care about me my people or any minority in this world whites haven’t experienced anything as bad as blacks have and what makes me so mad is that you whites act like slavery wasn’t that bad or you say stop complaining slavery is over you whites never will and never have experienced the things blacks did during slavery

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God:  the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.  The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:  But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.  (Deuteronomy 7:  6-8, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  African American Christmas? (12/15/2015); Tools for Revelation? (10/26/2015); Why the Jews Were Called Out? (06/15/2015); The Curse of Black Skin? (02/05/2015); Not Yet Delivered From Racism? (12/21/2014); Racism Is Not From GOD (12/22/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, Ahmad, Kwame and Ausegiere want me to tell you, there is much to learn of a spiritual—not secular—nature when speaking about the character and substance of GOD as distinct from that for created beings and living creatures.   Educated men and social science professionals generally agree that “race” is a classification created by men through custom, culture, and tradition that actually describes nothing that can be scientifically measured and studied.  Therefore, we are pressured to accept that the notion of race pertains primarily to skin color and attributes assigned on the basis of hostility, ignorance, prejudice, and pride (e.g., laziness; love of peculiar foods such as fried chicken and watermelon; size of ones private parts; sexual prowess; tardiness).  Those who accept racial labels upon themselves are as much in error as those who impose racial labels upon others.

Christian believers acknowledge that the natural world (we say, earth) has been created by GOD, and displays great diversity and variety among created beings and living creatures who must co-exist within a single sphere of life.  As an expression of divine consciousness and eternal purpose, the earth is an incarnation of Deity, and reveals or shows divinity through physical forms.  Thus, we also say, mankind is made in the image of GOD.  Belief systems generated for mankind by divinity since Creation are described in the holy writings as “covenants.”  “The world” is a man-made belief system developed for communication, exchange, and survival; and it is the world, a finite product of men, not GOD, that generates and maintains racism.

Covenant with Abraham and his descendants has been established as an aspect of full transformation for mankind and the earth to exist without corruption, death, mortality, and temporal limit.  Through the operations of sin, the world system that generated cities through Nimrod the Hunter and a one-world empire through Egypt (during famine the people sold their property and themselves to a single person, Pharaoh, who then owned all the land and people on it), and made possible levels of violence previously unknown, also embraced multiple flaws that included the ethnic arrogance found among Jews; exclusion and selection on the basis of language acquisition, dialects, and rhetoric as well as genocide and political intolerance on the basis of ethnic origin, religious beliefs, and vocation.  Perhaps unintentionally, nonetheless through “human error” and sin, everywhere the Jews have gone in Diaspora, conflicts centering upon racial identity also have appeared.

Blessing, covenant, forgiveness, and the salvation of GOD, have never been on the basis of race; however the gifts from divinity have been maintained upon earth through the devices of family, inheritance, and nation.  In the true process of GOD, all must endure the same challenges from change, growth, and nurture.  Divine law is proclaimed that establishes and upholds all form, order and process for existence (including galaxies, and the universe).  Sacred law should also be understood as the expression of divine love, righteousness, eternal purpose, and sovereign mind.  Christian believers receive deposits of spirit substance from the makeup of Deity whereby they are “born again” having divine DNA (so to speak); and must mature upon the earth to become perfected at the Advent of Jesus.  It is the imparted, indwelling Spirit that makes possible godly endurance for all life challenges.  Included are bereavement and loss of loved ones; enduring discrimination, prejudice, and heathen cruelty; overcoming bad habits and error; self-deception, self-pity, and self-destruction; poverty; exaggerated pride; and suffering.

Of course, there is far more to be considered and embraced by those who are seeking godly wisdom.  Along with your study of the Scriptures, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(06/21/2015) No Cause For Alarm?

More Scripture points are shared, today, on commitment, persecution, and suffering among Christian believers.  Black and White Americans, believers and non-believers alike may not continue as though we can conduct “business as usual.”  On the one hand, the recent massacre in Charleston, SC is no more a despicable and shocking betrayal than the slaughter of schoolchildren in their classroom, the murder and use of worshippers as hostages in a mosque, or the destruction of a trade center using a passenger jet.  On the other hand, it is in the light of such incidents, we who count ourselves civilized are required to make the needed response whereby no such events will ever be repeated among us.  It never fails that, when religious fervor expressing only bias, hatred and prejudice are unleashed, obedience, respect and love to GOD are replaced by cruelty, malice and murder.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Gino Hunter” (Level 4 with 2,772 points, a member since March 21, 2011) posted the following:

 

Christians, what’s the difference between Dylan Roof killing and the Apostle Paul killing?

Dylan killed less Christians did Paul.

Preachers number one books they quote from is from one who had Christians killed.

People are making a big deal because of the killing in South Carolina like this is something new.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.  And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.  And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.  Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead:  but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.  And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.  And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.  (Luke 9:  57-62, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  One Faith, One Lord? (09/26/2014); Healing is By Relationship? (09/26/2014); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Remembering the Holocaust?  (12/14/2012); A Slaughter of Innocents (12/15/2012); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012)

 

“Gino Hunter”, the tone of your question suggests you feel there should be no public outrage, collective repentance, and private introspection (i.e., “soul searching,” self-examination) as a response to the recent massacre in Charleston, SC.  Saul of Tarsus committed atrocities against the early church as a legitimate representative of the High Priest, and in the role of a special prosecutor.  Saul served as an officer of the court in the same way as do all executioners who must perform punishments in judgment.  The acts, goals, intent, and motives of Dylan Roof and Saul of Tarsus emerged from two very different spirits; and we have yet to see what divine and eternal purposes will be accomplished in the recent event.  Here are a few of the admonitions, encouragements and reminders that help Christian believers maintain a correct balance, and avoid spiritual confusion and error:

(1.)  2nd Timothy 3:  12, King James Version (KJV):  12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

(2.)  2nd Corinthians 13:  3-5, KJV:  3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.  4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.  5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

(3.)  Philippians 3:  8-11, KJV:  8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:  for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

(4.)  Galatians 2:  20, KJV:  20 I am crucified with Christ:  nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (5.)  Galatians 5:  19-25, KJV:  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.  24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC