(10/06/2016) Having Not The Law?

Today, points are shared on the diffusion and spread of atonement for sin, covenant, divine law, and salvation through Jesus Christ.  Even where believers unintentionally have transgressed divine law through ignorance, the discharge of accountability, guilt, and remission of sin are only accomplished using blood from one who is “innocent” and not at fault.  Opportunities and possibilities for personal relationship with the Creator have been extended to all the living through confession, prayer, service, and worship.  All mankind are privileged to appear in some form of judgment (i.e., the divine convocations wherein divinity assigns value and further determines eternal duration for created beings and living creatures).  While those under judgment are accused only by the record of their deeds appearing in the Book of Life, occasion also is granted sinners who may have practiced disbelief and idol worship existing within their social group to declare their individual estimation of value for the things they willingly expressed and produced when applying the multiple gifts they were given from GOD as life.  It is written:  Romans 1:  18-25, King James Version (KJV):  18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,  23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.  24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Garrett Briggs” (Level 4 with 2,738 points a member since November 05, 2010) posted the following:

Do you believe an islander or something of the like that has never been introduced to a Jewish based religion will go to hell?

If they have never been introduced to the religion then how would they know any better. Is ignorance bliss or do you believe the message will get to them someway somehow?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  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.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  (Romans 8:  1-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What True Believers Do (07/14/2016); On Carrying The Cross (02/28/2016); The Only One Sent? (02/19/2016); Why Prophets Were Sent to Israel (11/23/2014); The Need for Prophecy Then and Now (11/24/2014); GOD Angry With Us? (12/08/2013); So We Could Have Life? (12/09/2013)

“Garrett Briggs”, the holy writings include many statements that mature Christian believers embrace as assurances that the righteousness of GOD that appears as divine love also reaches those living in remote places who do not have the same sacred knowledge and law (i.e., formal covenant relationship), and who are expressing life through cultures very different and diverse from that granted by GOD to Moses and those delivered in Egypt.  For example, Romans 2:  14-16, King James Version (KJV):  14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:  15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)  16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

The covenant of Moses that stands out to many because of deliverance and punitive judgment, in fact, amplified, complimented, and satisfied terms within many earlier agreements and covenants between the Creator and the created.  Included were law and promises proclaimed to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  In the process of GOD, blood that conveys life and spirit are required to cleanse and purge away sin.  Thus, the active presence of divinity upon the earth was to be clearly expressed even among those who are carnal, material, and social through sacred priesthood, divine inheritance, and a lifestyle displaying continual worship that included offerings and sacrifices as well as sacred events (we say, miracles, prophetic demonstrations, signs) for the revelation of eternal purpose and sovereign will.

Jesus Christ has appeared among mankind upon the earth as an embodiment of full divinity (we say, the GODhead), and introduced a new covenant through his blood shed upon the cross.  What the Savior has done applies in spite of barriers and frameworks generated by time and space.  Through the ministry of Christ, spirit content from the makeup of GOD is imparted to indwell the living and to recover the dead.  For measureless ages, Deity existed as one spirit who is boundless, diffuse, formless, and limitless.  Through Jesus, GOD has also used flesh and blood to reveal authority, commitment to mankind, immutability, incorruption, multiple persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), rebirth, salvation, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Thus, it is written:  

(1.)  Hebrews 9:  14-16, KJV:  14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

(2.)  Romans 6:  16-18, KJV:  16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  John 10:  15-17, KJV:  15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:  and I lay down my life for the sheep.  16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.  17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/15/2016) A Bold Step Forward?

Points are shared, today, that expand upon a “caution” against shortsightedness when responding to transgender issues.  A few days ago, I shared an email to President Obama of the United States of America through the White House Website.   The reply I received was a message from the President regarding drug addiction.  Consider the following Note and comment from my Facebook page, and the further discussion below:

Federal Transgender Law?
Michael Andrew Williams—Sunday, May 15, 2016

The following response was just shared at “Yahoo! Answers;” the question and its explanation also is below:

I have begun to consider the demand that transgender children be allowed to participate in the same gym classes and sports teams in schools that receive Federal funds. At some point the issue of shared locker-rooms and showers absolutely must be addressed. Young girls treasure their shared experiences with field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and softball. Adults may easily become "accepting of change and differences," however, for those in the tentative times for growing up, how do you explain to children that other girls also may have male private parts. (Many mothers may have bathed their boys and girls together in the same tub at ages 3-5; so their girls are not "ignorant" of differences.  Even so, that was "in private" and at home.)  The embarrassment is not simply to the President, his wife, and daughters. The "best minds of the nation" are claiming to have examined the issues and options, and clearly, the same inadequacy demonstrated by the House and Senate in refusing to staff and support the third branch of government (the Supreme Court) has exposed America to the condemnation of the U. N. and the World.  Most tragic of all, where the shabby and ungodly thinking is not put aside, American girls will come to feel totally betrayed by their parents.

Does anyone else feel concerned for their daughters about this whole transgender bathroom issue?

I  have heard that Obama wants all public schools to allow transgender  kids to use the bathroom they identify themselves as. This really  concerns me because I have two daughters, ages 7 and 9. It horrifies me  to know that there might possibly come one day that my daughters might  be in the same bathroom with boys. This really disgusts me very much and  I'm glad Obama's time is up in office.

What has happened to our country? A president of the United States  allowing people with mental problems to use a bathroom of the sex they  identify themselves as? If this does happen, I'm not sure what I'm going  to do because I cannot afford private school. My wife and I are  contemplating home schooling if this really does happen.

Does anyone else share the same concerns as me?

COMMENT:  (Michael Andrew Williams) Some persons responding to the question (posed by Louis) associated the bathroom issue with gender, and threats of rape and sexual assault; however, the issues pertain more to coming of age, emotional, psychological, and spiritual development as well as the acquisition of sexual identity.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For the Lord will not cast off for ever:  But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.  For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.  To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth.  To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High,  To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not.  Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?  Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?  Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?  Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.  Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.  (Lamentations 3:  31-41, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross and The Pharisees? (04/21/2016); The Gender of GOD? (12/29/2015); Gender and Salvation? (10/01/2015); Religious Liberty Not Authority? (09/07/2015); Jesus As America’s President? (05/20/2015); Divine Knowledge of Human Hurt? (03/02/2015); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012)

While there should be little argument and quarrel that current Federal law is adequate to require a determined National effort to respect and uplift transgender persons regarding the use of public restrooms, it may not go without saying that a massive program of re-education also must be established, funded, staffed, and properly implemented that will erase aspects of our existing culture, and multiple layers of process for life and interaction, here.  Transgender children currently have needs for instruction and support that will require new focus, and careful attention.  Given there is great diversity for sex education in our many schools (e.g., some beginning as early as age 10, others not until middle school, still others, not until high school or after), home training and preparation must be made reasonably uniform, and brought into harmony with school curricula and programs.  Many parents will have to be re-educated where they are to answer the concerns and questions of their own children.  It sounds “innocent”, at first, to say, “girls may have a penis, too!”  As an academic statement, many can agree with a value that it should not be disturbing or embarrassing to young girls that they may see some of their schoolmates will have the same sexual parts as boys (and vice versa) when required to shower after certain activities in school (e.g., gym class; athletic competition; team practice).  However, at this point, it can not be authoritatively stated at what age children are most able to make this change, or adjustment that is more easily possible for adults.  Available developmental studies that have not focused upon such questions will have to be carefully re-examined, and new studies quickly prepared.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually taken in.  (For example, Be not deceived.  It is a legitimate argument that the public must not become focused upon the money (how bad do you want it?), because the issue of making merchandise of our children (we say, prostitution, trafficking) will linger and taint any benefit or legacy our young would have otherwise received.  Until some of these issues are properly addressed, we should not be surprised to see children insisting upon their own integrity, and “out on strike” against attending their presently “unprepared” schools.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC