Monday, January 25, 2021

(01/25/2021I) The Growth Of Faith


 

Faith is described, today, as a divine substance imparted from divinity to transform the life-process and spirit-maturity of created beings and living creatures. It is written: Hebrews 11: 1-7, King James Version (KJV): 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. One of the writers at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


what exactly is faith in God? what causes faith to mature?


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ephesians 4: 11-16, King James Version (KJV): 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Recognizing Authentic Christian Believers (12/21/2020); The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); Why Are Sinners “saved?” (10/11/2020); Spiritual Integrity and Maturity (05/12/2020); Divine Protection Against Covid-19? (04/26/2020); Endure Trials Through Faith (03/31/2020); While We Are Growing (03/09/2020)


Anonymous”, like existence and life, faith is a spirit-substance that exists among the inseparable aspects that are the makeup of GOD (we also say, the divine fullness; the Creator; the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Where one appears, all the others appear, though not always in the same measure. Included within the complete array of sacred being are holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Faith as an element within the consciousness and makeup of created beings and living creatures should be understood as imparted or transmitted from divinity, and is spirit that manifests only its own authority, character, operations, and power. Thus, faith is only made up of faith, just as holiness consists only of holiness, righteousness consists only of righteousness. GOD did not create life as a separate element that could later be used to make mankind a “living soul;” life essence (breath; utterance; word) was provided to Adam and later to the female directly from GOD. Only GOD is immortal, and while the living may be consecrated and sanctified to have duration, exist as offspring to GOD, and to serve divinity, the living must become transformed to have eternal life. Faith and life exist as perfected, however, the life process for those on the earth now goes forward by degrees, and is progressive from birth to the completion of mortality. Water baptism depicts the death, burial, and rebirth/resurrection of ones inborn spirit. Those who become born again also must grow-up again (we say, must develop; be edified; gradually grow; become accountable, consistent, stable, etc.). Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, sinners receive a fresh endowment of the same spirit that was provided to Jesus while he served on the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Acts 20: 32, King James Version (KJV): 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

(2.) 2nd Peter 1: 2-7, KJV: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

(3.) Romans 8: 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, eternal salvation with divinity is not determined by ones behavior, knowledge, service, and suffering so much as by their content of divine substance and their continuance under grace.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


Image downloaded 4:05 PM, January 24, 2021 @ https://www.facebook.com/JesusChrististheonlyway100/photos/1347198372152438



THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Friday, January 22, 2021

(01/22/2021) So Help Me GOD!

 



The United States of America continues as a unified nation through the operations of faith appearing as commitment, integrity, and promise.  The following poem, America Is An Agreement, is shared in remembrance of Reverend, Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., to express gratitude that Americas Constitution and process of government have been elevated and reinforced through checks and balances, and for our reflection on the Inauguration of our 46th President, Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr.  Nonviolence is not to be associated with cowardice, ignorance, fear, exaggerated pride, or racial inequality so much as with discipline, duty, godliness, maturity, mercy, respect, and self-control. It is written: 2nd Corinthians 10: 3-5, King James Version (KJV): 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;



THE GOLDEN ARROW: 1st Samuel 17: 44-46, King James Version (KJV): 44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. 45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Made The World (12/19/2020); Always Connected By Spirit (08/30/2020); The Visibility of GOD (01/20/2020); The Meaning Of “Persecution” (02/12/2020); Sword Of The Spirit (11/20/2019); Patriotic Songs To Worship? (11/10/2019); Spiritual Combat Against Sin (10/11/2019); Arrayed In Sacred Favor (02/25/2018)


Image downloaded 9:45 PM, January 21, 2021 @ https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/06/02/tennessee-national-guard-troops-lay-down-riot-shields-at-protesters-request/



AMERICA IS AN AGREEMENT


A poem for Citizen King Day, January 17, 2021


America is an agreement among people high and low

To share, to trust, to show respect, to build, to learn, to grow

To live as diverse cities, counties, territories, minds

Free people in a covenant that seals, demands, and binds


True sons of the 3-Branch Nation stand guard in the some-day State

Nonviolent demonstrators who display what makes us great

The Executive Branch the Judicial, the only active voice

The House without the Senate endorsed the Peoples choice


The Capitol shrine of freedom had no war force posted there

Its gates were open welcoming all those who would declare

This land a home of Liberty through Justice and through Law

Protected by democracy, humility, and awe


A winter chill confronts us now beneath the righteous dome

Its winter in America, yet, this is our one home

We are still to strive for honor giving life to higher vision

Manifesting our integrity expressed in shared decision


No single man or woman rules despising common cause

Or overturns the mandate because they seek applause

For blind-justice will be roused in truth and armed to press the fight

A battleground appearing in the Citadel of Light


Our process must be one to focus what we will become

And not a game of placing blame to scourge the deaf and dumb

The conduct of a President should not incite complaint

Their balance fosters equity, forbearance, and restraint


Our errors need correction, and with every vote we cast

We come near the day where all may say, “USA is free at last, at last

Thank GOD Almighty, we are free at last.

We agree to be free, at last.”



THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC




©Michael Andrew Williams, 2021. All rights reserved.


Friday, January 1, 2021

REQUIEM

 

Death can not be

the wrath of GOD

to take the sweet and victory

from our sin

to punish pride and arrogance

rebelliousness in men

so much as separation's sorrow

a suffering imposed, fresh wounds

among divinity that must by love

be closed, anointed, an unction

the reborn glory shine

and death is sign of majesty

all sovereignty is thine

not mercy cloaked in mystery

the chaos once that reigned

serenity and respite

a new creation gained

a consecrated blessing

recovering the fall

a tool assigning value

lost by lack of full recall

a holy sleep provided

memorial connection

used for woman shaped from bone

continuing perfection

the grave to call forth

honest tears

and change that could not be

a revelation of true love

none otherwise would see



Copyrighted, Michael Andrew Williams.  All rights reserved.  Washington, DC.  January 2021.