(10/12/2020) Awe Confused With Fear?

 

Today, reply is on the revealed character and nature of sacred judgment and the widespread, yet not commanded expectation of divine wrath against sin that long has appeared among mankind. Anger, cowardice, and fear are human emotions and feelings displayed through the flesh while acknowledging the awe, greatness, holy boldness and divine wrath of GOD are inseparable aspects of their divine fullness along with such features as balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: Psalms 145: 3-13, King James Version (KJV): 3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. 5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. 6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. 7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. 8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. 9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. 10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. 11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; 12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. 13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Nightwolf” (Level 5 with 817 points) posted the following:

Christians why are people afraid of God the Father?

Is it because they believe he is angry?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 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. (Revelation 21: 7-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Angels Appearing As Men (04/09/2020); Grace Abounds Much More (04/02/2020); Miracles and Christian Belief (01/30/2020); Will You Lose Family? (01/20/2019); In Fear To GOD? (12/05/2019); You Will Receive Power? (12/28/2018); Awe Through Sacred Revelation (12/05/2018)

“Nightwolf”, some confuse being in awe with being afraid. Mankind may not rely only on finite human intellect, carnal reason, and science for a right knowledge of divinity. Here are some points that are to be shared among Christian believers who are preparing to meet Jesus Christ at his coming. Mankind has not been fashioned to be cowardly and to cringe before divinity, yet, all who exist and live throughout the universe are to be conscious that GOD is awesome in every aspect. Rather than acceptance, forgiveness, and divine lovingkindness, many on the earth expect to meet GOD in a judgment that is filled with divine destruction and loathing against mankind. Divinity has appeared and operated in the Creation of heaven and earth, and is to be known as those having dominion and ownership over all that exist and all that have life. In addition to displaying authority, oneness without sameness, power and sovereignty through sacred law and acts of GOD (we say, miracles), divinity is embodied within the life-process and living routines of mankind (e.g., birth, aging, becoming mature, death). Divinity practices judgment (i.e., assessment; assigning meaning and value on the basis of ones content of the spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD; determining ones eternal duration) as a divine prerogative, an eternal purpose, and a necessary expression of celestial majesty. More than a crude and cruel demonstration of divine disfavor, judgment privileges Creation to realize multiple aspects of the character, makeup, and nature of divinity such as balance, impartiality, mercy toward those found guilty in tribunal, restraint, and consecrated righteousness. As creatures from the dust, men cannot apprehend the full breadth and depth for relationship with GOD, yet, numberless provisions have been made to embrace, guide, instruct, and sanctify humanity as companions to the Holy. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection, Draw Me Close To You, from the music ministry of Bishop Marvin L. Winans:

(1.) Hebrews 12: 6-11, King James Version (KJV): 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

(2.) Revelation 3: 18-22, KJV: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsKYmkHWxeM.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:40 PM, October 12, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/32/c9/86/32c9865b0be34d4f77ae49415b4897e7.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/14/2018) King Solomon and Predestination?

The splendor of Solomon portrayed by Edward Poynter (1890) The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon (see reference below)

Today, reply is on the figure of King Solomon, and divine process as continuous and unfolding, yet, fixed and unchanging. Mankind exists on the earth as humanity’s sphere of life, and also must respond to mechanical and natural law. The idea of predestination introduces spiritual confusion by using language that denies sacred law, eternal purpose and divine order are the primary origin for human events, while mankind’s expression of self-will is the primary determinant for the carnal, material, and social aspects of ones life experience. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “Stonehaven” (Level 1 with 1 points, a member since March 21, 2018) posted the following:

Solomon was predestined to be a Great King or not?

As Solomon was one of the Great Kings of the Old Testament it would seem to suggest that his career was predestined by the Creator.

Since we know that all of the Major and Minor prophets of the Old Testament have been predestined in some way: Isaiah 46:10.

The mere fact that Solomon was born at all is predestined by the Creator.

Which begs the question: Did God have anything to do with King David’s adultery with Bathsheba and the death of her husband Uriah the Hittite in the specific context of “God creating evil” in Isaiah 45:7?

Had David not committed adultery nor killed Uriah, Solomon would never had been born at all; but we seem to think that the latter was predestined to do great things.

So, was God behind David’s adultery and the death of Uriah in the specific context of Isaiah 45:7?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. (2^nd Corinthians 4: 6-11, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Descendent of David? (03/18/2018); Neither “All-knowing” Nor “Omniscient” (11/07/2017); The Bible on “Soulmates”? (03/12/2017); Divine Knowing, Finite Will? (09/28/2016); Solomon Punished For Sins Of David? (08/28/2015); Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013); Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013); GOD Knows Tomorrow? (04/12/2013); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012)

“Stonehaven”, here are some points intended for Christian believers that you may find useful; our focus is to be on the greatness of GOD, rather than on any carnal, material, or social element:

1. Within the revelation of Jesus Christ, Solomon appears as a figure or type (the Son of David) who is to display and embody the greatness of divinity (we may say, divine fullness; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).

2. Sacred gifts to mankind were to become visible through Israel in covenant relationship and through an inheritance of dynasty provided to King David, that included faith, forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, priesthood, prophecy, and sacred wisdom.

3. The prophetic demonstration wherein Solomon was married to 700 wives and was joined to 300 concubines speaks to the condition of Israel as married to her maker who is GOD. Viewed as a political or secular fact from the life of Solomon, his marriages appear only as abuse, exaggeration and spiritual confusion from a man in the flesh expressing sexual desire, lust, and passion.

4. The character, makeup, and process of GOD revealed to Moses was that of Lawgiver and the GOD of judgment, who does not punish the children for the sins of the parents, yet, challenges the offspring by continuing the conditions and consequences of parental transgressions for as much as 160 years (the 4^th generation). The offenses of King David included failing to command his household in the matters of Tamar and Absalom as well as the infidelity demonstrated when the King commanded that a census be taken.

5. By the workings of human events and finite self-will, rather than eternal purpose, there would be division; and Israel would become two kingdoms: the two tribes, Judah and Benjamin (the Southern Kingdom) and the ten tribes (Israel, Samaria; the Northern Kingdom). Israel existed as a united kingdom only during the reigns of King David and his heir, King Solomon. (Solomon was anointed and crowned king while David was still alive; and Israel briefly had both father and son as ruler at the same time.)

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) Solomon understood his anointing from GOD to be no less that that bestowed upon David. In addition to being authorized as builder of a permanent house for GOD (a palace; a temple), he himself would be judge, king, priest, and prophet. Even so, David’s offenses were coupled with King Solomon’s indulgence of idolatry by his foreign wives, and the arrogance expressed by Solomon’s lawful heir to the throne, Rehoboam. The ten tribes would elect as their king Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the enemy Solomon had forced out and who returned from Egypt at Solomon’s death. It was Jeroboam who then introduced worship of the golden calf in two separate places.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Edward Poynter (1890) The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon downloaded 10:00 AM, 11-13-2018 from the Wikimedia Commons Internet site @ https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/%27The_Visit_of_the_Queen_of_Sheba_to_King_Solomon%27%2C_oil_on_canvas_painting_by_Edward_Poynter%2C_1890%2C_Art_Gallery_of_New_South_Wales.jpg/1280px-%27The_Visit_of_the_Queen_of_Sheba_to_King_Solomon%27%2C_oil_on_canvas_painting_by_Edward_Poynter%2C_1890%2C_Art_Gallery_of_New_South_Wales.jpg

(06/05/2016) Poem — What’s In A Name?

Today, I share a poem to acknowledge the poet, Black American Muslim minister, Olympic gold-medalist, world-renowned athlete, and three-time boxing heavyweight champion of the world, Muhammad Ali.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.  Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation:  and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.  Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.  (Psalms 18:  34-36, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Dimensions of Death? (04/24/2016); A Note On Spirit Warfare (01/06/2016); GOD Grants License? (06/21/2013); Origin of Baptism? (06/22/2013); Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013); Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013); The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013)

 

 

 

WHAT’S IN A NAME
[A Poem Recalling a Man Who Conquered Nations, Muhammad Ali]

Shakespeare was first to speak the name to me,
“Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look”
The words from Caesar’s mouth
In that same book where he says,
Gather ye fat men about me,
such as sleep o’er nights
Little knowing his own ambition
To protect all Rome as imperator
god, would end by Cassius
And the unkindest cut from Brutus his best friend

So when I first saw young Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.
Sleek, lank, handsome and tall, ready to make history
A teenager, like myself, I wondered
Just where or when this champion would fall
His AAU and Golden Gloves careers began to jab
And the goal of Olympic heights
So strange for a youngster hailing from the South
Began to knock our sox off
Making the Sport of “fisticuffs”
A household name

Laurel-crowned in Rome, he leaves the rank of amateur behind
Becoming the professional he longed to be
In mind, child’s play, the competition of the Globe
Bear-baiting, entertainment for its day
Comes then young warrior coarse and loud
Cutting and strutting, drawing a crowd
“I want Sonny Liston!  I want Sonny Liston!”
A name from the “Gangster Chronicles”
and would say, titled “Champ” only because of bulk
Ready to put his name on the dotted line

A first-round KO, seconds off the clock
An unseen punch so swift, so strong, so dark
Confused and dazed, the crowd was stunned
the spark of recognition burst aflame, sweet science
And standing on the ropes, the prince proclaimed
“I’m King of the World!”, disputed king of the ring
A saga for the ages that would draw
All eyes, all envy, a bum for every month
The known, the unknown, the best, the just s0-so
And one who earned the name, “I broke his jaw.”

And then there was the struggle with the war
Announcing that the Muslim knight had come
Muhammad Ali, no more the wrestler Gorgeous George
The savvy mentors Angelo Dundee, Bundini Brown
Who had urged him float like a butterfly
Sting like a bee, and rumble, young man, rumble
Now Malcolm X and Honorable Elijah Muhammad
Would mold the gladiator-athlete, the poet bold
To minister Islam, justice, protest and peace
To carry the name of X in pride, in freedom

We haven’t heard the last yet of “the Lip” from Louisville
Acknowledging he did give the world a thrill
A record of 56 and five, the Greatest, he would say
A Southern boy, Olympian again in Atlanta
Leading the way having fought and won
The Fight of the Century, the Rumble in the Jungle

The kid grew up, and made a name for himself
Upon the world stage, so fast, he cut off the light
And was in bed before the room got dark
Where sticks and stones may break ones bones
Yet, names will never hurt

©Michael Andrew Williams, 2014.  All rights reserved worldwide.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC