(10/14/2019) Everywhere In The Universe?

Today, reply is on whether the knowledge of divinity and consciousness of the divine presence exists throughout the universe. Men upon the earth have received anointing and divine commission to proclaim promises, prophecy, and the eternal purposes of divinity as spokespersons of GOD sent to “all the world.” While many believe omnipresence (existing as active, or on hand in every location and place) and omniscience (existing as all-knowing) to be attributes of divinity, neither are among the inseparable aspects of divine fullness imparted to mankind through water baptism and rebirth whereby sinners become the offspring of GOD, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and the new creation. Developing and mature Christian believers are to display their own fresh endowment of sacred seed from the makeup of GOD. Included as their “divine DNA” are balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  It is written: Mark 16: 14-16, King James Version (KJV): 14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Bearly” (Level 3 with 1,286 points, a member since June 23, 2018) posted the following:

Do Christians believe God's presence is made known everywhere in the universe (Is 66:1-2, Lk 1:32-33, Jer 23:23-24, Job 38:19-20)?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. (Psalms 19: 1-6, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Spiritual Confusion About Heaven (05/31/2019); The Option of Atheism (02/11/2018); Wisdom In A Mystery (11/22/2017); Making Sense of Preexistence? (10/06/2017); Time and Sacred Events? (03/30/2017); Abstractions, Atheism and I.Q. (08/18/2016); The Three Wise Men? (08/05/2015)

“Bearly”, the idea of a “universe” promoted as a concept from Astronomy—the academic and secular study of planets, their moons, stars, the possibilities for the existence of extra-terrestrial life forms, and the various phenomena within outer space—should not be thought of as the “universe of GOD”, meaning the man-made World system for exchange and survival, all the earth, or the totality of Creation. Two very different systems of belief and organization of mind are involved, therefore, mixing and interchanging content from the two discrete frameworks for knowledge can result in spiritual confusion. The universe can not be both an abstraction and an organic sphere of life. Among Christian believers, time and space are not extrapolations and mathematical projections that derive from the measurable dimensions of material substance, physical objects, and the unseen fields that surround them (e.g., gravity, magnetism, radioactivity, sonic waves). Divinity as the focus for Christian believers centers on such interests as the origin of authority, existence, divine order, and sacred law; life essence (breath; spirit; word) within mankind from the makeup of the Creator (we also say, the Godhead; the fullness and sum of all spirit substance; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit); the apocalypse entailing a completion of mortality and sacred judgment; and the continuation of ongoing communication and interactions with divinity that suppress the operations of sin. GOD is held to be a diffuse spirit who displays and expresses direction, immortality, immutability, oneness without sameness, personhood, eternal purpose, and sovereign will. GOD is immortal, invisible, and without measurable form, yet, divinity may put forth material objects with patterns and sequences that serve as mechanical and natural law. The holy writings are intended to document and provide witness in tribunal (judgment) pertaining to divinity who has appeared on the earth using thousands of events, occurring within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. GOD appears within the consciousness and self-will of created beings and living creatures; and many are convinced that material objects influence one another and respond to GOD through operations that can not be spoken of as life, mind, or discursive thought (e.g., attracting/repelling; hardening/softening; obeying/disobeying). The word “universe” does not appear in the King James translation of the Scriptures; however, consider again the following that uses language from that presentation of the Bible:

(1.) Isaiah 55: 6-13, King James Version (KJV): 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

(2.) Hebrews 11: 1-3, KJV: 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

(3.) Romans 8: 22-31, KJV: 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Matthew 24: 6-14, KJV: 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:58 PM, October 13, 2019 @ https://thebethanycenter.org/the-whole-creation-groans/

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/30/2017) GOD Is Imparting Truth

Depicts the mezzotint by John Martin, The Creation of Light (1827)

Today, topics are the authenticity of accounts within the holy writings, and the creation of light.  While the Bible is a single source of truth for all believers, including the young, the Scriptures may not be read and correctly applied by small children and those who are immature, simple, and underdeveloped.  The young must have added guidance and structure from their caretakers and parents, for the holy writings present sacred information not usually focused on in our day-to-day conversation and worldly pursuits.  The sun, moon, and stars were created to permit the ordering of events among mankind, not to serve as the vehicles of light for divinity.  The GOD we serve as followers of Jesus Christ is one who imparts truth.  Revelation to make divinity properly known, exalted, and served by created beings and living creatures in a way that is heartfelt and reliable can not be tainted by deceit, malice and manipulation.  There must be responsiveness, righteousness, and continuous interaction between the Creator and the created.  Devotion, exclusiveness, faith, and loyal love are called forth by divinity using platforms of clarity, communion, oneness without sameness, security, and genuine trust.  It is with this in view that the Bible has authority, power and value for mankind as a document correctly expressing the heart and mind of the Creator.  Just as the sphere of life and all within it are characterized by diversity of form and process, truth also may appear having different forms and be proclaimed using different methods (e.g., sacred law, parables, preaching, principles, promises, prophecy, testimonies in judgment).  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


The bible is wrong from the begining?

God said, "Let there be light" but how could there be light before he created the sun and the stars? He created them after he allegedly created light without the sun or stars. This is very contradictory.


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.  (1st John 1:  5, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Undergoing A Sacred Transformation (10/24/2017); Becoming Joined To GOD (10/13/2017); Making Sense of Preexistence? (10/06/2017); Our Glory From GOD (09/24/2017); Sun Worship? (07/27/2015); Living In The Light? (01/18/2015); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); The Obedience of Jesus? (04/15/2013)


“Anonymous”, your credentials are questionable, here, and to many of us, you are “wrong from the beginning.”  How could you think the Almighty would not know?  Mature Christians disagree with you because their understanding provided from GOD is that sacred things must be examined and endorsed on the basis of their containing and displaying the same inseparable spirit content from the makeup of GOD that is imparted through water baptism to transform sinners to exist as developing believers.  Included are life essence (we say, breath, spirit, Word), faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Both existence and life contain aspects of “divine being” that must be imparted to objects, persons, and processes that will have duration before GOD; therefore, divine order must respond to the active presence of GOD appearing as sovereign will.  The revelation whereby GOD is made known, knowable, accessible and approachable employs multiple streams of sacred truth that have been embodied through the Incarnation of Deity in Jesus Christ, who is called “the 2nd Adam.”  The guidance and instruction from GOD allows us to understand the calling forth of “light” as a presence before the creation of diverse forms and objects to direct, emit, and focus light (such as the sun, moon, and stars) in discrete amounts, and for set periods.  Thus, light can be received as an aspect of supernal glory, and the ceaseless effulgence and emanation of the persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) who are the fullness of divinity.

In addition to acquiring sacred (not secular) knowledge, all who come to Christ that are “born again,” also must “grow up again” and become mature through life experiences on the earth that include “growing pains,” suffering, and unselfish service.  Commitment and discernment (the ability to recognize and respond to ones own spirit content from the makeup of GOD as it resides within events, other persons, prophecy, the holy writing, etc.) are increased through growth and practice.  Believers who will be “ripe” when Christ appears to remove those who belong to him from the earth (we say, the Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming) will be lifted up and transformed in the “twinkling of an eye,” to meet the Lord in the air.

While still on the earth, believers are to rely on the holy writings as an authentic appearance of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity, for the Scriptures share a “divine eyewitness” to the operations of GOD using thousands of events and thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.  In addition to emotions, motives, and thoughts in the living, such features as the praise, prayers, errors, and repentance of sinners also are displayed.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the Creation that has been put forth.  Sin contains and imparts no divine substance; thus, sin, that may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures, can never be correctly spoken of as a “product” or “work” from GOD.  Sin promotes nonexistence and return to the chaos, flux, and numberless levels of darkness that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth.  To accomplish the eternal purposes that have been revealed, the “tools of GOD” (so to speak) can not be such elements as division, hate, ignorance, indifference, lawlessness, lies, exaggerated pride, and unrighteousness.  Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 32:  1-4, King James Version (KJV):  1 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.  2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:  3 Because I will publish the name of the LORD:  ascribe ye greatness unto our God.  4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect:  for all his ways are judgment:  a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

(2.)  Isaiah 43:  9-11, KJV:  9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled:  who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified:  or let them hear, and say, It is truth.  10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen:  that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he:  before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.  11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.  12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you:  therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own spirit makeup.  (For example, (3.)  1st Corinthians 15:  39-45, KJV:  39 All flesh is not the same flesh:  but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.  40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial:  but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.  41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars:  for one star differeth from another star in glory.  42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:  43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:  44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.  45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/05/2015) The Three Wise Men?

How human curiosity, divine intent, and godly wisdom may come together are themes, today.  Asked why the three wise men (some prefer, astrologers or astronomers) investigated the star that appeared over Bethlehem, many would want to say the three did so only because they were driven by a hunger for secular knowledge.  Similarly, we could ask the question, Who sent Moses to view the burning bush?  The case of Moses, allows us to see more quickly, the process was more that the Prophet was drawn, not that he was sent.  Moses was on his way home after a days work, and did not turn aside with the intention of acknowledging GOD, offering devotions, or making some prayer.  Yet, a sacred event of revelation became actual through the agreement of operations from both divine will and flesh.  The birth of Jesus as an heir to the throne of David was more than a routine, natural occurrence.  It was also a celestial, cosmic, political, prophetic, and sacred event (we say, miracle).  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Silas” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since August 04, 2015) posted the following:


Who sends the three wise men to birth place of Jesus?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.  (James 3:  13-18, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  It Is Our Wisdom To Ask (05/18/2015); The Christmas Spirit? (12/23/2014); Peace The Gift of Christmas? (12/24/2014); Science and the Laws of Nature?  (03/23/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013); About the Star? (12/24/2012); Without The Noise of Battle (12/25/2012)


“Silas”, most mature Christian believers agree that all the different events announcing and proclaiming the virgin birth of Jesus Christ were orchestrated by the Spirit of GOD (also called, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) as the fulfillment of covenant, divine promise, prophecy, and a continuing revelation of divinity.  For many among us, discovery, inquiry and investigation are naturally occurring aspects of life experience.  Therefore, methods and materials have been developed over time that permit us to speak with great confidence as historians, men of wisdom, thinkers, and scientists.  It remains, however, that only the things from GOD permit the most correct sacred knowledge and insight regarding the things from Deity such as Atonement, Eternal Life,  Incarnation, Redemption, Salvation and Sanctification. Here are some points from the Bible that speak to finite mankind’s search for transcendent wisdom:

(1.)  Matthew 2:  2-3, King James Version (KJV):  2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,  2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.  3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

(2.)  Jeremiah 33:  2-3, KJV:  2 Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; 3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

(3.)  Psalms 119:  98-101, KJV:  98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies:  for they are ever with me.  99 I have more understanding than all my teachers:  for thy testimonies are my meditation.  100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.  101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

(4.)  James 1:  5-8, KJV:  5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

(5.)  1st Corinthians 3:  18-20, KJV:  18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.  19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.  20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

(6.)  Proverbs 9:  10, KJV:  10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:  and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example (7.)  1st Corinthians 1:  18-21, KJV:  18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/27/2015) Sun Worship?

Today, Scripture points are shared specifically forbidding worship of the sun, moon, and planets.  Because they are also called the host of heaven, many confuse the astronomical bodies with the holy angels, who are also called “stars” and “the heavenly host.”  Those who properly understand and practice the sacred law, recognize that the same principles and rules that forbid exalting divinely created beings, living creatures, and physical objects appearing in the sky (including asteroids, cloud formations, comets, constellations, falling stars, galaxies, meteors, and nebulae) also extend to terrestrial and earthly bodies (including the errors of worshiping breast size, skin color (we say, lightness, pigment, race, tan), gender, genitals, or acts of fornication as with nymphomania, penis envy, sexual addiction, and worship of the lingam and yoni, the womb and phallus).  Believers in GOD are to avoid all disproportion, exaggeration and imbalance for things carnal, material, social and psychological that contend against conviction, faith, divine law, and Spirit.  All the covenant agreements and sacred law from divinity require devotion and worship be only to the true and living GOD.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (profile information not shared) posted the following:


If God created the Sun, why is sun worship wrong?

If God created the universe and all of the planets in it.. why is it wrong to worship the biggest planet that gives us light if we are aware that god made it..how is that wrong?

And what consitutes as worship?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.  And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,  And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down:  for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee:  and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.  Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan:  for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.  Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.  (Matthew 4:  1-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Meaning not the Object (05/26/2015); Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014); Divine Law Speaks of Spirit? (07/30/2014); The Meaning of Worship? (07/09/2014); To Serve GOD Acceptably (07/10/2014); Worship Him? (02/12/2014); What is Worship? (10/18/2010); No Free Will (10/19/2010)


“Anonymous”, some of the most serious admonitions and warnings from the holy writings pertain to the wrath of GOD against giving glory to idols that is properly due to Deity, and  worship promoting false gods.  Here are a few of the answers shared among those taking responsibility as Christian believers, who acknowledge GOD by obedience to the spirit of his word, and rely upon sacred responses published from GOD as aspects of full divine revelation:

(1.)  Exodus 20:  2-4, King James Version (KJV):  2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.  4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 4:  15-19, KJV:  15 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:  16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,  17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,  18 The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:  19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

(3.)  Deuteronomy 17:  2-5, KJV:  2 If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,  3 And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;  4 And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:  5 Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.

(4.)  Ezekiel 8:  15-17, KJV:  15 Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these.  16 And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD’s house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.  17 Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger:  and, lo, they put the branch to their nose.

(5.)  Jeremiah 8:  1-3, KJV:  1 At that time, saith the LORD, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves:  2 And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped:  they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.  3 And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the LORD of hosts.

(6.)  Job 31:  24-28, KJV:  24 If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;  25 If I rejoice because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;  26 If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;  27 And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:  28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge:  for I should have denied the God that is above.

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example (7.)  Romans 1:  20-25, KJV:  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/19/2015) Poem, 2015: MOONLIGHT

Some thoughts as shared through poetry are presented, today.  Readers are asked to continue using discernment as they consider MOONLIGHT addressing America, civil rights, idolatry, nonviolence, and sacred process.

MOONLIGHT

[A Poem Celebrating Citizen King Day, 2015]

The light seen from the moon is not its own
A dead world shining in the night
Cold, indifferent without the heat of love
Divine order establishing its right

A Georgia boy, a colored man to some
Proclaiming gospel truth received
Igniting hearts and minds, a soul
To liberate the ones deceived

Many curse him still for being flesh
Mere mortal, just another coon
Fleeing from the hounds having his scent
Condemned, revealed, betrayed by the full moon

Because the many stars are not enough
Until they focus beaming over all
The stripes of hatred, poverty and war
Are felt by true men great and small

A nation without light to guide the world
A flag stained with the blood of innocents
A sign promising tomorrow will be soon
The blessing comes because the land repents

His doctrine may not have been his own
Neither the spirit putting forth its might
Buddha? Gandhi? Nehru? Or Jesus Christ?
A manifesting of Eternal Light

The victory of Selma shines today
where streets of Ferguson now gleam in blood
The lives of children may never be our prey
or shackled marchers tramping through the mud

Immigrant youth, black teens, and those suspect
Regarded as “the problem” and “the least”
Are no less due freedom, law, and our respect
For theirs is not the nature of the beasts

It is the life for creatures of the night
To live by noose, evasion, knife, and gun
To quench the flames of brotherhood and trust
The healing light provided through the sun

Beneath Diana’s light, sport reigns supreme
And graven images are hailed unseen
The lunatics prevail.  Yet by the King’s great work
We know the color for all lawns is green.

Suffering done in silence done
Creation words that made a thunder sound
Let there be light, diversity, and unity
The rainbow of the Maker’s common ground

The sweet sonata must not be dismissed
Ignored, manna rejected, heaven’s dew
The callings of our duty, righteousness
Let them awake and fall afresh on you






©Michael Andrew Williams, 2015.  All rights reserved worldwide.

(01/05/2013) Two Different Testaments?

      Whether Christians should continue reading the Old Testament is considered along with more on Sabbath keeping by those having newness of spirit in place of the law. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “acid cat” (Level 3 with 1,288 points, a member since May 9, 2012) posted the following:



Are Christians not supposed to read the Old Testament in the Bible?

I was raised in a Christian household, and I was always told that we were supposed to read the WHOLE Bible, because it is all God's word and so on and so forth.

Obviously, I'm not into all that jazz, but just recently I keep seeing people who say that the Old Testament in the Bible is for Jews. Therefore, Christians don't follow, the uh, the Old Testament. Just Jews.

I'm super ignorant when it comes to religion, so any help would be appreciated. It would kinda make sense to follow all of the Bible, as it seems it's all from God. But I don't get why Jews get the Old Testament, and Christians get the New one.

Thank you in advance! :)



THE BATTLE AXE: Newness of Spirit? (01/04/2013)—Believers are not saved by Sabbath keeping (i.e., the works of men), however they are cleansed, refreshed, and set apart for fellowship with GOD, and divine service (i.e., sanctified). Understood as an aspect of being and existence residing within the fullness of divine will, the Sabbath is eternal, and is more than simply a period of time, and a measure of temporal duration. The change a believer undergoes from being energized and motivated to acknowledge the Sabbath by law to being ignited and sparked through holy wisdom and zeal is so all-encompassing that we speak of it as dying to sin and the world while being reborn to GOD. The new spirit imparted from GOD that accomplishes re-birth within believers also deposits divine intent, sacred purpose, sovereign understanding, and a self-will that conforms to hallowed law. The motive to unselfishly benefit others (called “love”) dominates awareness; and is inseparable from humility whereby awe before GOD is translated into submission, obedience, conviction and commitment. As carnal realities and operations of the flesh, celebration, rejoicing, rest and worship are not the same; however, as manifestations of the Spirit from GOD, the four are one in their nature and sacred content. Divine law given to provide knowledge and awareness produces the same Sabbath keeping as obedience to law by faith; a single divine Spirit produces the gifts, fruit and sacred substance of the Sabbath. For the believer walking in newness of Spirit, freedom and reconciliation through Christ does not mean what once was sin and wickedness have become pleasing to GOD; nor are the first things of eternal righteousness now deprived of power and value.



THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 31: 31-37, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); The Old Testament and Parables (08/12/2012); Reading Only The Red Part (11/19/2012); Repelled by the Bible? (08/13/2012); Marriage and Civil Law (08/14/2012); Support For The Bible (03/11/2012); Idols of Flesh (03/12/2012); New Covenant? (01/08/2011); Annulled? (01/09/2011); Holy Writings? (11/02/2010)



      Here are some ideas that may help:

      The sameness of the old and new testaments (formal declarations by a living owner regarding the lawful disposition of an estate or inheritance; a contract to transfer duties, obligations and property) derive from their shared existence as devices to portray the same, single, invisible, unchanging GOD.

      The holy writings that we call the Bible and Scripture are collections of eye witness reports and testimonies provided as evidence in judgment. Many different human events, themes and topics are recorded; however, the intent of all is making divinity known and understandable, and revealing the action and presence of GOD in the experience of mankind. As a result, material appears that addresses divine purpose, miracles and wonders, sacred processes, and the specific elements of right relationship with GOD for all created beings and living creatures.

      Covenant with GOD as our Creator—a continuing relationship generated through faith, grace, law and promise—is established and maintained through individuals as well as through nations. The word of GOD spoken to the serpent in the Garden of Eden allowed Adam and Eve to view themselves as having a promise from GOD, and the earliest covenant providing a foundation for hope (i.e., expectation). More than this, a priesthood was granted upon the earth modeled after the priesthood of the Son of GOD in heaven, that would actually bring to pass the divine word. (See Genesis 3: 1-24, King James Version.) Devices would be used including, birth, death, family, inheritance, repentance, sacrifice and suffering.

      There are many covenants recorded in the Scriptures. Believers in Jesus Christ receive a “god’s-eye” view of their many features because the Bible record details thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years. Thus, the covenant with the tribes of Jacob (called “Jews”), whereby a “promised land” is provided, had first been granted to seven different nations that occupied that area (Deuteronomy 7: 1 and Acts 13: 19, KJV).

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, a blind man may live a life filled with challenge, accomplishment, and satisfaction. He may marry, be a parent, work, or become a celebrity; yet, look at all he misses. A follower of Christ may continue in darkness regarding the holy writings, and have a wonderful experience of new life. Yet, look at all he misses! Without correct knowledge from the entire Bible, ones duty to spread the Gospel cannot be faithfully carried out.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/25/2012) Without The Noise of Battle

      Various appearances of divine person, judgment, law and sanctification are topics; however, only a BATTLE AXE and a GOLDEN ARROW are presented, today. Be blessed as you, your family, friends and other loved ones claim and receive the hope, joy and salvation from GOD through Jesus Christ.

      Merry Christmas, 2012!



THE BATTLE AXE: About the Star? (12/24/2012)—In the full declaration of sacred truth regarding the birth of Jesus, many mature believers also understand the star that appeared in the East, moved steadily westward, and finally beamed from above the inn at Bethlehem was not an angelic being (the angels are called “stars” in Revelation 1: 20 and 12: 3-5, KJV). This visible feature of the night sky was an appearance of divine person, as was the guardian to the tree of life (Genesis 3: 24, KJV) who stood with flaming sword, the cherubim bowing in obeisance before the holy ark and seat of justice (Exodus 25: 22 and Numbers 7: 89, KJV), and the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13: 20-22, KJV) that hovered above the tribes of Jacob in their wandering. The star of the shepherds and wise men pertains to the continuing revelation of GOD to all Creation and mankind, and specially serves to further prepare all for the advent and appearance of Christ in full supernal glory (Ezekiel 43: 2, Matthew 24: 25-31 and Luke 9: 26, KJV).



THE GOLDEN ARROW: For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9: 5-7, KJV)



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/24/2012) About the Star?

      The extraordinary star that appeared at the birth of Jesus, and the true miracle of Christmas are topics today. A “Yahoo Answers” writer using the ID “John” (Level 1 with 91 points, a member since December 19, 2012) posted the following:



About start and christ birth?

Hey,
I am a beliver in chirst and i am just stucked out at the concept of star in birth of christ... My question is how can star show the way to wise men about jesus birth??? As a chrstian i know it to my heart, but when ppl ask reagrding this theriotically i cannot do so....so help me out the facts how stars can show a man a way to certain place.Sorry if my question is worng inthe way i look...thank you..all glory to jesus :)



THE BATTLE AXE: The True Miracle (12/23/2012)—Christmas is celebrated as a time of social healing. Family gatherings provide unique opportunities for exchange, intimacy and sharing of emotional and psychological gifts that include affection, attention, companionship, forgiveness, reconciliation, and respect. To their parents, their caretakers, and teachers children still embody and symbolize angels, freedom, the future, goodness, happiness, innocence, and youth. For this reason, the true miracle of Christmas often seems exclusively intended for children. Exaggerations and misreading of Scripture can result in devastating idolatry and inordinate promotion of children (e.g., Psalm 127: 3 and James 1: 27, KJV). Given that children respond as flexible and teachable even when complex doctrines are introduced, the message of new life through Christ often is more quickly and correctly embraced by children. Our duty to love as sons and daughters of GOD is discharged only in part through children, family, friends and parents (Luke 6: 20-38, KJV). There also must be acceptance and commitment to GOD and Christ, the Holy Spirit, the host of heaven, with believers (and nonbelievers) everywhere. Celebrating a finite miracle of birth and the wonder of new life is not to be confused with divine grace and the eternal miracle of Christmas—new relationship to GOD for all mankind through Jesus Christ (Luke 2: 11-14 and John 1: 1-14, KJV).



THE GOLDEN ARROW: For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2nd Peter 1: 16-21, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The True Miracle (12/23/2012); Origins (01/20/2011); The Wise Men? (12/21/2010); Melchizedek? (12/22/2010); Things? (11/13/2010); Mealtime Grace (11/14/2010)



      Don’t be confused or distracted by the complexity and sophistication of today’s technology (fiber optics, GPS, satellite tracking, etc.). True, it often seems impossible to do without the man-made devices that are so impressive now, that did not exist then. However, the birth of Jesus was through an operation of Almighty GOD that embraced and employed all the various levels of existence. The birth of Jesus demonstrated divine authority over all Creation. Included were angelic beings, domestic animals and human beings; the emotions, motives, and thoughts of the living as well as clouds, darkness, light, wind, the sun, moon and stars.

      Correctly understood, GOD is a spirit, and cannot be described as having dimensions (e.g., depth, height, weight, width), form, human characteristics, shape and physical limits. The impossible appearance of GOD in human form as a baby must be accepted and understood as something brought to pass by a sovereign Person having absolute power, and unimpeachable righteousness. Faith, an aspect of the full makeup of GOD, must reside within those who believe, and operate upon and through human awareness before one may exist as a believer in sacred truth from GOD. Faith is divine substance and is inseparable from such other content as holiness, humility, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

      Initially, those we now call “wise men” (this may include the shepherds) were motivated like Moses, who took a break from his work to see a bush that burned without giving off ashes, or smoke (Exodus 3: 1-3, KJV). Simple curiosity, and other human reactions such as challenge, fear, pride and surprise were probably involved at the start. Continuous study of astronomy, current events and the holy writings influenced their thinking. As they gradually yielded to conviction, they acquired necessary levels of confidence, persistence and trust through increasing faith, just as we, today, must do.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, in those times evil—catastrophe, sudden and widespread change, upheaval)—was associated with the birth of conquering monarchs (see Isaiah 45: 7, KJV). Natural events such as comets, earthquakes, floods and meteor showers were carefully examined as being prophetic signs, and evidences that GOD, in fact, was active, fulfilling things proclaimed and promised through his word.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC