(02/01/2021) The Place of History

Historians and poets are called to serve no less than griots, prophets, those who can reveal, the unseen levels of truth surrounding events and lives. Because the accountability, process and substance they bring to market are priceless, seeking their wares requires deep humility, respect, and wisdom provided by the universe. The following original poem is offered in exchange during Black History Month 2021 and is titled, The Place of History. It is written: Ecclesiastes 7: 9-12, King James Version (KJV): 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Acts 17: 23-31, King James Version (KJV): 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: So Help Me GOD! (01/22/2021); The “History” Of Christ (10/08/2019); Black History Month, 2019 (02/24/2019); Arrayed In Sacred Favor (02/25/2018); Bloody Sunday -- Black History (02/14/2018); Black History -- Johannesburg Gold (02/05/2018); Secular History, Sacred Revelation? (01/11/2018); The American Covenant? (03/03/2015)

THE PLACE OF HISTORY

A Poem for Black History Month, February 2021

Talking History can not be cheap-talk and talking smack.

There are some who say the place of History

must be the mind, and not the heart. For the

heart is turned too easily by keys of feeling,

passion, archtypal hopes, and fantasies, the wisps

of legend and dream, all ancient power

magic, death, and lies. The mind engages knowing

as a firmament and platform to continue sacred order

and imparted consciousness. What is uttered

breathed as spirit, poured forth as word

the sound of many waters finds focus firm

direction, through desire, strength by action

with presence and fulfilment, and must explain itself

when historians and poets are no longer there to defend.

America cannot be the primary place for our History

for our trek has been like that of the Hottentots

who rose from the South of Continent exploring north to

east, east to south, and sowing Amazulu seed

and returned the way they came till times of Diaspora.

Ours has been a truth declared by drum,

right-knowing, and shared by foot, by tongue

by brighter minds, by stars that lead to freedom

by sorrow songs and chants of victory.

This place where Senates dripping shame

bitch-slap the Nation day-by-day

announce the verdict of impeachment trials

two months before any evidence is heard or the

Judge has banged the gavel to begin

can be no home of righteousness, where sin

called by its proper name is “sin”.

Should Black Americans endorse as truth

I’m right when I’m wrong, because...​?

I’m Republican, I’m elected, I am wealthy, I am white.

The claim we’ve made is not to be dismissed,

ignored or perverted because some clearly have lost

their way, and more than ever stand in need of what

we have to say.

History does not dictate our purpose; we often err and may become misguided. Without our contribution there is no USA.

Our History is written into the life of every nation on the earth

speaking, yes, about our ancestors as well of

future daughters and our sons. Those claiming part

in this universe must acknowledge inseparable facts of

life. A single Creator, with no Big Bang or

expanding time and space void of genuine purpose.

We have pitied those in confusion whose maturity is not yet

come, yet we will not let their chaos reign. Black History continues

and the Chronicles of heaven must contain us until

all eternal purpose has been done.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Ecclesiastes 3: 14-17. King James Version (KJV): 14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. 15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. 16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. 17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:32 PM, January 31, 2021 @ https://talkingdrumsblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/african-diaspora_slave-trade.gif

©Michael Andrew Williams, 2021. All rights reserved.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/30/2020) Always Connected By Spirit

Today, focus is on the content and process of the church founded by Jesus Christ that now is to be continuing on the earth as a spiritual body, rather than as a man-made institution fashioned to secure human prosperity and well-being. All Christians are connected wherever they are located within the frameworks of time and space. Because the church has been fashioned to reflect the image of GOD and properties of the Holy Spirit, the church is more than merely a local organization. Those who now become saved also become celestial, eternal, individual, indivisible, international, virtual congregants, and those knowing Christ in the life through multiple denominations. Even so, just as Jesus prophesied, as a Christian believer who acknowledges an eternal connection to divinity through Jesus Christ, my friendship, spiritual gifts, sacred knowledge, my willingness to learn, my willingness to serve, my willingness to share, my willingness to teach, and even my love have been unwelcome among many other believers. Included have been fellow Americans, family, former schoolmates, neighbors, and those in other nations. To me having a commitment to Christ has not meant being a member in a church community that has a rich and respected patriotic, racial, or social history. Belonging to a local congregation, and becoming prominent through my financial donations or serving in many important and needed roles has not been meaningful for me. The spiritual transformation sinners are to seek from GOD requires repentance and permanent change of ones consciousness and self-will that result by workings of divinity. Despite speaking of law and social justice, often issues of our flesh and protests within the community where the church is placed (i.e. the world) such as BLACK LIVES MATTER (BLM) can be distractions and sources for error and spiritual confusion. The challenge of Christ to me has been to operate as the Savior does within the divine fullness (i.e., the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). While yet on the earth, I am to display the consecrated spirit of oneness without sameness that is inseparable from the other aspects of divine makeup that are imparted to mankind as the breath of life. Included are balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. In the holy writings, that one spirit is also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, a spirit of judgment and burning, and the Spirit of Truth. It is written: Mark 6: 3-5: King James Version (KJV): 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 4 But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1^st John 1: 5-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: He Commanded Our Fathers (08/09/2020); Pure Religion And Undefiled (08/07/2020); The Sons Of GOD? (07/19/2020); Uniting In The Struggle (06/17/2020); White People Becoming Atheists? (10/03/2019); Catholic and Protestant Bibles? (10/11/2018); Fulfillment of His Dream? (04/05/2017)

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, I responded to a clergyman who had written on the Internet that he is a “white Christian.” Using the technology that allows us to travel the globe in moments, I replied to him that such thinking placed a gulf between us: there are neither white nor black Christians, only “Christian Christians”. Many of the same persons who will agree that they have been created by one GOD also will argue their independence and separation from every other person created by GOD. Thus, I am impressed to say that commitment to share and work as a follower of Jesus Christ requires the practice of discernment to correctly acknowledge and respond to others who are authentic members of the Savior’s church and kingdom of GOD, rather than apostates, deceivers, heretics, slanderers, or counterfeit and unclean spirits. Even among the clergy, there now are many wolves in sheep-clothing. Believers are to recognize one another by the operations of the Holy Spirit, even where there are differences in age, ethnicity, formal education, gender, language, nationality, political affiliation, race, the practice of ceremonies, rituals, and sacraments as well as the possession of property and wealth. The Holy Spirit who is manifest in local COGIC (Church of God in Christ) congregations of Detroit (Michigan, America) is the same that must appear in cathedral worship at Protestant Canterbury (UK) and Catholic Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Spain). Surely, every believer having a fresh endowment of the Spirit from GOD through Jesus Christ should find welcome within the gatherings for guidance, instruction, praise, and thanksgiving held among others naming Christ as their head. Most obstacles to godly communication can be reduced and removed through humility, meekness, and genuine reverence. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Acapeldridge:

(1.) Ephesians 4: 4-7, King James Version (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. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

(2.) Romans 8: 35-39, KJV: 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(3.) Revelation 5: 9-10, KJV: 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzVaX3wwUyE.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:48 PM, August 30, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2c/13/1a/2c131a0735ec9f833f15280b8b9e92c4.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/21/2020) TWO Kinds of People?

A depiction of final judgment where those who inherit the kingdom of GOD with Christ are sheep on the right hand, those denied are goats on the left.

Today, reply is on describing the character and nature of people on the earth as that of covenant believers and sinners, rather than that of builders or destroyers. It is written: Malachi 3: 13-18, King James Version (KJV): 13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? 14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? 15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. 16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Luminous” (Level 2 with 595 points) posted the following:

Are there only TWO kinds of people?

Builders and Destroyers....People who bring out the best in you...or the worst.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12: 18-29, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Judge Not The Appearance (01/12/2020); The Judgment For Rewards (01/10/2020); The Place to Start (12/23/2019); Counsels On Shunning Sinners (05/03/2019); On Diversity and Equality (05/22/2018); Destruction of the Adversary? (01/06/2017); Sheep of His Pasture (09/09/2016)

“Luminous”, here are some points I can share: The major distinctions mature Christian believers acknowledge among people are those presented in the holy writings. Black and white, Jew or non-Jew, rich and poor, educated and uneducated are less relevant, for the focus should be on the spirit makeup and substance one displays through their attitude, behavior, lifestyles and living relationships. Creation and the entire universe are to be shown respect as expressions of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Mankind is to make visible and present the same divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) on the earth that exists in the heaven. Humanity is to bear the image of GOD, and is to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the earth as a sphere of life. While sin is no spirit object or substance put forth by divinity, sin may dominate awareness and self-will (willpower) within the living. Where Christians acknowledge the teaching that all have sinned, and must be recovered by operations of GOD through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, the distinction is made that there are 2 kinds of sinners: unrepentant and penitent. The perpetual covenant grounded in sacred law that was provided to benefit all mankind through the prophet Moses is not the same as the covenant of grace provided through Jesus as Savior and as the Son of GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Sandi Patty:

(1.) John 3: 1-7, King James Version (KJV): 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

(2.) Matthew 12: 30-35, 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. 33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

(3.) John 10: 10-12, KJV: 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

(4.) Romans 4: 13-16, KJV: 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:  15 Because the law worketh wrath:  for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

(5.) Galatians 3: 13-28, KJV: 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

(6.) 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, (7.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcC2x0go5R8.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 4:27 AM, February 21, 2020 @ www.mostholyfaith.com/images/Adam_to_Zion/SheepGoats.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/05/2019) No Wall of Partition

Today, reply is on the prophecy of 144,000 Jews who will be separated to Christ, and the oneness without sameness that will prevail within the heaven and earth made new. Hierarchy as a tool for divine order will likely continue to appear; yet, there will be no ambition, covetousness, distrust, or envy. However great or small the full number of Jews will be among those that appear in heaven (like the amount and size of ones faith and the measure of ones works), the amount or quantity of Jews will be neither an indication of divine imbalance, nor partiality on the part of GOD. Distinctions of ethnicity, national origin, and race will not be meaningful within the new heaven and earth. Moreover, such labels as Catholicism, Judaism, and Protestantism will have to take on new substance. Merit and reward will be on the basis of adding value, the perfection of fit and supply through shared duty, the merging of multiple contributions, and the unselfish service of those who make up the kingdom. It is written: Judges 7: 1-4, King James Version (KJV): 1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 2 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. 3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. 4 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “black hawk” (Level 1 with 10 points, a member since June 18, 2017) posted the following:

The Jews will be vastly outnumbered by other Christians in the new heaven and earth: Revelation 7:4-8. Do you agree or not?

Revelation 7:4-8 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND OF ALL THE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL WERE SEALED: of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.

The above Scripture (bold type) has served to highlight the FACT that there will be no more than 144 thousand Jews in the new heaven and earth and New Jerusalem. Revelation 21

Consequently, the Jews will be vastly outnumbered by other Christians in the new heaven and earth.

Because the New Testament says that only a FEW people from every nation and tribe will survive to enter the new heaven and earth: Matthew 7:13-14 and 22:14.

But what exactly is a "Few"?

A "few" could be any figure between 1 and 100 million people, which is still a FEW compared to the +7 billion who are alive on this earth.

Update: Consequently, any nation with 100 million people could easily OUTNUMBER THE JEWS in the new heaven and earth.

Therefore, we know that the JEWS WILL NEVER DOMINATE the new heaven and earth due to their lack of numbers.

Because 144 thousand Jews would stand no chance at all against 100 million Christians in terms of their military and economic manpower.

Therefore, the JEWS WILL NEVER DOMINATE the new heaven and earth due to their small numbers.

Update 2: However, the New Jerusalem will be DOMINATED BY OTHER CHRISTIANS who would vastly outnumber the Jews in the new heaven and earth.

Do you agree or not?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (Revelation 21: 21-23, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Scripture Has No Ethnicity (05/27/2019); An Irreplaceable Nation State? (12/05/2016); Does GOD Hate Jews? (10/03/2016); Christ Brought A New Nature? (07/15/2015); A Wandering Jew? (04/09/2015); One Faith, One Lord? (09/26/2014); Healing is By Relationship? (09/27/2014); One Root, One Harvest (11/12/2017)

“black hawk”, within the perfected sanctuary of the heaven and earth made new, meaning for “the number” of Jews will not derive from cultural, material, ethnic and social differences that once existed. There will be no “middle wall of partition” based on kinship and tribe; covenant laws; peculiar observances for offerings and sacrifices; languages and tongues; and determination of fitness to serve divinity through clean and unclean, pure and impure. Even so, there will continue to be diversity in acknowledgment and worship. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Ephesians 2: 11-17, King James Version (KJV): 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

2. Romans 10: 1-4, KJV: 1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

3. Romans 11: 16-24, KJV: 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Ephesians 2: 18-22, KJV: 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:55 AM, July 04, 2019 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Z-X7GBKHWPozjL7dt71MoEcqosiKJrsQ9pdyVwQInyaSkYSPo51qiKo11-g3cy_Hc0llbSubrriMA8iZtHS0hnlFichWBNvqnyvFMQf4eOhKkMSUS1tWKc5fGHnbO1a6cyysE9MJxiI/s640/Temple+Court

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/27/2019) Scripture Has No Ethnicity

A depiction of the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God

Today, reply is on continued Christian acceptance of the ancient holy writings as authentic sacred documents from divinity. Correctly understood, the Scriptures contain sacred mysteries, secrets, and knowledge preserved and shared exclusively as an inheritance to those families and believers set apart for priesthood and godly offices such as counselors, scribes, and teachers. It is written: Hebrews 4: 12, King James Version (KJV): 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The writer at Yahoo! Answers” in the Religion and Spirituality section who uses the ID “Nin-Em, Priestess of Nidaba” (Level 6 with 15,909 points, a member since November 13, 2009) posted the following:

Christians why do you follow Jewish scripture?

Hear me out, Jesus came correcting the Jews' misconception of God and his true will. If Judaism at the time was corrupt, what point is there in using their scripture in your new fixed religion?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6: 10-17, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Single Sacred Revelation (01/09/2019); Catholic and Protestant Bibles? (10/11/2018); Mysteries Of The Kingdom? (09/28/2018); Appearing Above In Flesh? (09/16/2018); The First “Chosen” People (05/03/2018); Does GOD Hate Jews? (10/03/2016); The Remnant? (10/12/2015); Correctly Knowing Israel? (03/01/2015); One Faith, One Lord? (09/26/2014)

“Nin-Em, Priestess of Nidaba”, this may surprise you. Sinners who become developing Christian believers are to regard the holy writings as having no cultural identity, “ethnicity”, or race. Mature Christian believers will respect the holy writings as an embodiment of sacred truth, and an authentic vessel filled with spirit substance from the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). The full collection of holy writings provide sacred knowledge to mankind in place of secular knowledge; and documents the appearance and operations of divinity in continuing relationships with created beings and living creatures on the earth. A divine point of view is shared wherein GOD appears using thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. In addition to ceremonies and practices that address atonement for sin, there are chronicles and records from men operating as leaders, judges, kings, parents, priests, and prophets. Accounts also are shared that allow a reader to apprehend the immutable, and unchanging purposes of GOD as well as such topics as the origin, process, and divine use of angels, demons, and sacred beasts.

Christian belief continues to acknowledge Abraham as “the Friend of GOD,” and as a man from the earth chosen to demonstrate the workings of faith required to complement the workings of sacred law. Through the ministry of Jesus Christ as the heir of Abraham, sinners receive a fresh endowment of the life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup of divinity. Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. These divine tools allow and encourage communication, exchange, and interaction with GOD through multiple covenant relationships (e.g., clergy, disciples, heirs, servants). Finite human tools such as intellect, logic, philosophy and science can not be relied on to establish the awareness and self-will (willpower) that make active presence knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Isaiah 63: 16, King James Version (KJV): 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.

2. Galatians 3: 26-29, KJV: 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 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.

3. Colossians 3: 5-13, KJV: 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 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.

4.  Romans 3: 1-3, KJV: 1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Romans 2: 28-29, KJV: 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:23 AM, May 26, 2019 @ https://smbuick.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/the-sword-of-the-spirit.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

(01/016/2017) Poem: Adam's Time of Sleep

Still from a film reading Genesis 2
ADAM & EVE (THE TRUE STORY)

Today, a poem is shared recalling Citizen Martin Luther King, Jr.  Surely, the legacy of Reverend King began in Father Adam, the inheritance of priesthood and service to a righteous Creator.  The first man was granted an unexpected rest, and perhaps, a vision of family, a sharing of unity and peace, and an image of his sons as life to overspread the earth.  For mankind, the lasting gifts of life all follow some form of death and release (we say, rest, sleep) that signals continuity and the fulfillment of eternal purpose.   There are to be multiple transactions of purchase through sacrifice (Psalms 50:  5, King James Version, KJV).  (See the film from 4thaluvofit @https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xxx7m-1iik&t=423s)

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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?  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.  (Isaiah 63:  15-16, King James Version, KJV)

ADAM’s TIME OF SLEEP 
[For Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 2017]

Supposing Adam dreamed
What do you think he saw
new formed, the shafts of time
And vision fearless still

Lives that do not matter?
His own sons wearing chains?
King Cotton and Jim Crow?
Mammon the Oppressor?

There was no darkness then
His mind the lamp light flame
His heart a candle glow
Sleep oozing like an oil

He drifted from command
Surrendering his sense
And body to be made
A new creation two

For names the beasts had come
Yet all as kinds and pairs
Sparking a vague regret
There was no vessel meet

And death would have to be
the tool to bring release
From agonies of fear
unutterable pain

And unnamed loneliness
Seed from the earth could be
Seed in the earth could not
And so must spring from he

A she whose work to sprout
A race of living seed
Bold heirs of breath and grace
An heritage from GOD

Awakening he saw
The one whom he must know
Oneness without sameness
To overspread the earth

It was his Son who came
With miracles of love
To die upon a cross
A testament in blood

Why do you pale or shrink
That other sons dreamed too
Who heard our father’s voice
And spoke sight to the blind

News of new creation
The coming of brief sleep
That we would overcome
That justice would prevail

That the liberty bell
Of life would sound and ring
Divine glory will shine
The Father’s face will beam

Anointed with gladness
His true sons will embrace
Crowned with honor and peace
Free at last, Free at last

Awake clear eyes receive
The earth made new our hope
Black and white together
Eternally alive

Unchanging, so diverse
The family of man
In the full strength of love
To study war no more

©Michael Andrew Williams, 2017.  All rights reserved worldwide.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC