(06/05/2020) Elephant In The Room?

Today, focus is on “the elephant in the room,” the critical issues, opportunities, and problems that are ignored, neglected and suppressed as if they do not exist at a time when public outcries are being made. The failure of problem-solving efforts to respond to the elephant in the room increases stumbling blocks that include rush-to-judgment behavior, exaggerated pride, emotional imbalance, self-promotion, silence where there should be dialogue, stubbornness, and “I’m right when I’m wrong, because...”. Rather than evading accountability, dodging duty, and selective blindness, there must be commitment to continuing practical efforts that will build lasting solutions. Healthy change will come when the people of our country realize that, right now, there are increased possibilities for benefit and good. All must see with new eyes and truly godly vision when up against the recurring issues and ungodly problems of racism in America, police violence, the goals and outcomes for protest events, and the fruit (take-away) that should come by leadership from those in the streets as well as from elected officials. Where the honest intent of everyone involved is to improve the quality of life, and share the benefits and privileges of working and keeping our homes within the U.S., the first response to arrest confrontations and similar outrages should be in providing and recording a public statement of agreement that encourages attitudes and expressions that support the lawful and thoughtful process that must be used to achieve justice while increasing understanding. A form that peaceful protest might assume that would give voice to the community at large and allow citizens to go on record would be a kind of petition or pledge to carefully investigate and pursue full disclosure of questionable, criminal and unlawful acts by public servants. Our law does not condone condemnation and punishment before the hearing of evidence and trial: those who administer the law also must minister discipline, self-control, and restraint. Consider again John 18: 19-24, King James Version (KJV): 19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. 21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. 22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? 23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? 24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22: 35-40, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Meaning Of “Persecution” (02/12/2020); White People Becoming Atheists? (10/03/2019); Catholic and Protestant Bibles? (10/11/2018); Will There Be Diversity? (10/22/2017); No Less GOD’s Creation (12/01/2016); Diversity and Divine Purpose (08/28/2016); Can Christians Be Racists? (07/25/2016); The Provision Against Racists? (01/19/2016)

While we are yet in a season of divine grace, Christian believers are to speak up and call attention to the elephant in the room, even where “the room” may be the pulpit, the Internet, the prayer chamber, the throne room, or the consecrated Sanctuary. Where earthly challenges, difficulties, and formidable obstacles are not to be downplayed or overlooked, neither are simple and godly solutions to be despised, refused, and underestimated:

(1.) There is a need for a process that will not employ violence where public expressions of protest may be openly presented, recorded, and made accessible for public exchange and response. More than simply making statements of anger, fear, frustration, and other feelings, all will be welcome to offer useful conclusions and specific recommendations that can be further researched and serve as the beginning of action plans, goals for growth, and targets for development.

(2.) Late one night, the President of the United States of America chose to walk over to a nearby church in his home neighborhood. It could not be assumed that the President would be safe to walk within his own familiar area. There were no believers on look-out to see the presidential party approaching. No one was there charged to watch and pray or to greet the President at his coming. There was no one immediately available to serve as a crisis counselor, a comforter, a prayer partner, or an emergency spiritual adviser. Even so, those “looking for an occasion” and hiding to attack came out to condemn the President for lacking and not applying the sacred knowledge found in the Bible, and they have yet to provide an authentic standard for the use of the Scriptures by those in our Nation’s public offices and worship congregations.

(3.) Where Christ prayed, Father forgive them, they know not what they do, many have come forward to criticize the President (who, like a drowning man, can be seen clutching at straws). Those who acknowledge his need and that of those around him will be making efforts (in private as well as public displays) to comfort, edify, and reinforce the faith and resolve of those in the Oval Office.

(4.) There is a need for a process where, when a police officer feels that his or her actions have initiated a pattern of arrest confrontation, (ABCDEFG, we know XYZ is coming) they should be free to negotiate a handshake agreement with the suspect that will avoid escalation of conflict and disagreement. There can be an offer to share assistance by telephone contact with an attorney, police officials, a member of the city council, or even, an emergency conference call with the Mayor. Someone trusted by all must clarify for them the rights of the many involved parties, the lawful process, and their questions on what they are to do next.

(5.) An Archbishop of the Anglican Church (UK) with whom I have been sharing prayer and contemplation published the following tweet on June 2, 2020 that continues to advance subtlety and error as harmless and unintended (i.e., as therefore innocent and acceptable): @JustinWelby Jun 2 I pray that those of us who are white Christians repent of our own prejudices, and do the urgent work of becoming better allies to our brothers and sisters of colour.

9:11 AM · Jun 2, 2020·Twitter for iPhone My response was: @JustinWelby The battle is for the mind; and this is the gulf between us: There are no white Christians; there are no black Christians; there are only developing and mature Christians. Saying this another way, Ephesians 4: 4-6 (KJV): 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, from the music ministry of John Michael and Terry Talbot (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4TP81Uy72Q.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 6:12 PM, June 04, 2020 @ https://bassamsalem.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/elephant-in-the-room.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/10/2017) What Can Canvas Show?

Today, focus is on depictions of Jesus Christ shared by creative artists and painters.  Images can be very graphic and memorable that, in truth, are only intended to fuel the “lusts of the eyes.”  As believers in Jesus Christ, our discipline must become to “walk by faith, not by sight.”  I continue the  conversation begun with PTF, a writer at thoughts.com who commented on the photograph shown with (10/30/2016) Frequency of The Lord's Supper? (see below) by stating: 

The photo by the way is the wrong depiction…he looks colored. There are actual true depictions of Christ Jesus.

My reply was: 

Be encouraged! Many mature Christians believe as I do that no artistic rendering of Christ will be accurate and trustworthy as a tool for the church that is "realistic" and accurate in detail. At best, they "suggest" to a mass audience what the Savior may have looked like; and so eye, hair and skin color do not really matter. In the experience (some would say, prophetic vision) granted me through the Spirit of GOD more than 40 years (a generation) ago, neither his nor my skin color was an issue between us.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.  (John 7:  24, King James Version, KJV)
 


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Law and Divine Process (05/28/2017); Divinity Must Be Proclaimed? (05/09/2017); Convicted By His Humility (09/10/2015); GOD Appearing in Dreams? (05/03/2015); Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012)


In my understanding, where we truly seek the Lord, our vision should be directed upward to recognize and respond to spirit content, rather than appearances, apparel, fantasies, and sentiments aroused (e.g., anxiety about judgment, bereavement, fear, friendliness, intimidation, sorrow).  Images that convey inseparable aspects and qualities from the makeup of divinity should appear projecting such substance as balance, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, peace, person, presence, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

At one time, I avoided using all religious illustrations and photographs, here, because I felt they often foster unwanted conflict, controversy, disagreements, and fleshly errors.  Developing believers, who still lack the maturity provided by the Holy Spirit, tend to receive simple things (that in fact are profound) as final, “literal” and suitable for broader application and use than are fitting.  They even may respond displaying patterns that are little different from idolatry and false worship.  We find this is true whether the images presented are supposed to be of Jesus, his mother Mary, the apostles, or even “ordinary believers” within the church engaged in practicing such customary activity as praise, prayer, and the Lord’s Supper.

Unlike Islamic believers, the followers of Jesus Christ need not hesitate to use drawings, images and photographs feeling that they blaspheme and offend divinity, or insult fellow believers.  There is no exalting of carnal reason, deceit, guile, and senses of the flesh (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) above receiving imparted spirit content from GOD; and there is no unhealthy dependence on products from finite human imagination.  Sinners may approach the living GOD without fear of being rejected or denied on the basis of many features from the ministry of the Risen Lord that appear as his love for the Father, his reconciliation to sinners, his resurrection to serve as High Priest of the heavenly Temple and to preside as Judge over the Eternal Tribunals, his full embrace of the Holy Spirit, and his soon to be revealed ascendance to the Throne of Glory in addition to his rule from the Throne of Grace.  Going further, Christian believers may approach the Most High on the basis of their own faith received from Christ, their own meekness (i.e., willingness to learn and accept correction) received from the Holy Spirit; their own awe, respect, and reverence; their own willingness to be joined to Christ; their own willingness to obey; and their own willingness to trust.

The issues of eternal life and spiritual growth should be a Christian believer’s continual focus.  We must choose what we say and see with a sense of its eternal meaning, quality, and value.  Our goal should be to prophecy, that is, to comfort, edify, exhort and nourish.  Thus, it is not a transgression of divine law, or a violation of genuine faith to carefully consider alternative ways of sharing the oneness without sameness that resides within us and around us as deposits of sacred truth.  Because through Jesus Christ we are called to “see with new eyes”, we even may behold and consume with the artist Salvador Dali, The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper as a spiritual act through visual behavior, not only as oral behavior, and a ceremony of eating and drinking.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 2nd Corinthians 4:  17-18, King James Version (KJV):  17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:  for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/10/2014) All Who Read Convert?

Today, points are shared on salvation as a work by the imparted Spirit of GOD, and why readers often are not converted or saved by only studying the Bible.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers Canada” using the ID “prayasmangurung” (Level 1 with 248 points, a member since September 18, 2014) posted the following:


Why do some religious people think that everyone who reads the Bible will become a Christian and convert to their religion by reading Bible?

No disrespect to anyone but a year ago a Christian man gave me the Bible and he said I know you will become a Christian he seemed full of himself and over confident that I will actually become religious by reading some Bible?

I've read the Bible and I didn't convert it was a shock to him. And I thought that the Bible is more a fictional book mixed with supernatural stories of God and childish genesis stuff for example?

Adam and eve stuff I don't believe that humans were first here on earth since dinosaur's were definitely here for longer about 64 million years ago.

and Noahs ark of the flood was real wouldn't there be grand canyons all over the world and middle east where The flood took place?

Why do some Christians give you the Bible and they think they know you will convert when I didn't I find the Bible is nonsense that constantly contradicts itself and Bible stories all lies!!


THE BATTLE AXE:  Made in the Image of GOD? (10/09/2014)—(5.)  Men and women are said to be made in the image of GOD when they continuously acknowledge sacred law, divine order, and spiritual standards for their relationship as sons and daughters to GOD.  Believers in GOD through Jesus Christ are accounted as those who receive the same spirit content that was revealed through GOD appearing incarnate as a son of Adam.  Those who demonstrate response to the influence of divine will within their ongoing routines for life are seen as vessels filled with divine content, who therefore depict and portray aspects of GOD within their own expressions of character and personality.

(6.)  The apprehension of GOD is not through mechanical processes for the flesh that occur as vision.  Human eyes do not detect spirit.  By hearing, created beings and living creatures are to secure awareness of spirit content, the active presence of divinity (we say, acts, events, occurrences), sacred knowledge and discernment, rather than on the basis of carnal, material and social routines that center upon appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual contact), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), or emotional/mental functioning (e.g., anger, desire, dreams, fear, imagination, instinct, recall).  GOD is a spirit who exists without dimension (features that are measurable).  GOD is to be known by fundamental truths imparted and revealed by GOD himself.  Thus, GOD may only exist within ones consciousness in conformity to specific principles of truth, and upon a foundation generated by divine substance.  Consider again Exodus 33:  13-23, Romans 8:  8-10 and 8:  28-30, Romans 10:  8-18, Romans 12:  1-3, Philippians 3:  7-14 and 1st Corinthians 3:  11-20, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.  (2nd Timothy 3:  16-17, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Faith Comes By Hearing? (09/03/2014); Stories Repeated in the Bible? (08/30/2014); Why Similar Accounts (08/31/2014); Why Bother to Read? (10/31/2013); GOD Speaking Through Songs? (11/01/2013); Was Jesus Literate? (10/04/2013); Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013); Sacrificed and Risen? (10/06/2013); “Soul” Food? (12/06/2012); About Conversion (09/03/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012)


“prayasmangurung”, here are a few points that will help set you apart from the childish people who think they may save themselves from the wrath of GOD against sin by reading a book, and not also receiving the imparted Spirit of divinity:

(1.)  Many read the Bible with the intent of attacking all religious belief, displaying their finite intelligence as superior to that of others, and defying those they perceive as seeking to have authority in their life (including Christ and Almighty GOD).  Because such persons operate in ignorance of sacred purposes, and are blinded by pride, they fail to see that the Scriptures are comprehensive, organic, and systematic.  The holy writings convey aspects of the same spirit content that was imparted to Adam as the breath of life, and are correctly received and understood as no less than the content and makeup of eternal divinity (e.g., faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, wisdom).

(2.)  Those who prayerfully and respectfully engage the Scriptures also develop discipline, insight, emotional and psychological strength as well as discernment (ability to use their own spirit content from the makeup of GOD to recognize and respond to the sacred spirit as it appears in such life experiences as events, objects, other persons, prophecy, and writings).  Thus, instead of contempt, spiritual confusion and disbelief, mature Christians consistently show forbearance, forgiveness, hope and supportiveness.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  The process of becoming a Christian requires multiple operations carried out by the Spirit of GOD that occur through fellowship among believers, practice of sacraments such as baptism and confession, and regular study.  Salvation is not the outcome of human self-will.  It is not that all who read the Bible are converted; it is that all who read are permanently changed, and even sealed, so that they may not change again.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/06/2012) To See With New Eyes

      Today, I expand upon some ideas (see below) shared at thoughts.com in a reply to a comment from Southern_Grace re (11/03/2012) The “Lake of Mercy.” As developing believers we do not always display the balance, consistency and stability that identify mature faith. We must become rooted and secure in the divine perspective we call “the mind of Christ.”



Be encouraged. Believers have a tendency to embrace the contradiction. We say "GOD is love" and add "GOD is hate" for GOD is all things (?!!?*). Careful (i.e., prayerful) reflection cautions us to be consistent (i.e., mature). Once we agree "mercy" is not a feeling and emotion, we see its place in judgment a different way. We see with new eyes.



THE BATTLE AXE: A Partnership? (11/05/2012)—Curiously, what appears to mankind as a bitter conflict between GOD and Satan does not emerge so much from anger and malice as from insurmountable disparities between corruption and divine intent, sacred person and created being, or self-will and divine will. It has more to do with imperatives of being and existence than choice and volition. Thus, relative to mankind, Satan and his followers function as having no other purpose than to exercise authority and power in heaven and earth. Relative to Almighty GOD, the limits upon the angels may be spoken of as ignorance, lack of understanding, and simplicity. Through the exaggeration of self-will, what would otherwise appear as innocence becomes seen, instead, as deliberate disobedience, iniquity and rebellion. Christ and his church are to be a demonstration from the earth even to those of the heaven, and a more complete revealing of divine love, holiness, and sovereign majesty (Ephesians 3: 10-12, KJV). The partnership to recover both heaven and earth from sin—we may say “the series of covenants”—is not with Satan; the partnership is with mankind, and is directed to eternal life, forgiveness, repentance and salvation, rather than to punishment.



THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 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. 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. (2nd Corinthians 5: 17-20, King James Version)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012); Double Standard (10/12/2012); Family and Romance (10/13/2012); Contradictions (09/21/2012); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); Begotten not Made (09/08/2012); Beer in My Milk? (09/07/2012); About Conversion (09/03/2012)



      Believers in Jesus Christ “see with new eyes” where they consistently apply the frameworks and truths from the Gospel to recognize, understand and value experience and spiritual truth. When the Gospel is used to provide definition and meaning in making life choices and decisions, the foundations of logic and reason shift to maintain clarity and consistency for the things given to mankind through GOD incarnate as Jesus. The Gospel along with the full content of Scripture determines ones perspective, and resolves all questions regarding whether events and ideas are canonical/apocryphal, good/bad, false/true, holy/unholy, real/unreal, right/wrong and righteous/unrighteous.

      Believers come to know GOD as their human nature is transformed, as their sacred knowledge is expanded, and as they take on divine attitudes, goals, purposes and perspective. The conscience, mind and self-will of those who submit to the influence of Jesus are cleansed, purified and revived. The endowment of divine substance imparted at Creation is increased through the imparted, indwelling spirit, the Holy Ghost. Thereby, mankind becomes capable of operating through sacred proclamation, promise, and prophecy that speak to things that have been, are now, and are yet to unfold. (See Isaiah 42: 5-9, Isaiah 43: 18-20, King James Version).

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the ongoing revelation of divinity to created beings and living creatures is an eternal process, and has no close or end. Along with the damage and weakness resulting from sin, the various limitations established with the initial deposits of sacred substance now require such divine operations as death, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification whereby the consciousness and makeup of all living are repeatedly reconfigured, and raised to higher levels.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC