(02/01/2016) GOD Is Invisible...

Scripture points are shared, today, on the  adequacy of language to describe GOD, who is unseen.  Divine spirit does not emit light waves that may stimulate the ocular nerves.  Spirit emanates spirit that can be apprehended by created beings and living creatures only through actual and current states such as awareness, existence, life, active presence, and will.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (like the many masked figures from ISIS, all showing no profile information) posted the following:


"God is invisible... like the wind, like gravity, like the magnetic field, like countless things that exist but are not seen." - Really?

Why would a Christian claim this when wind, gravity and magnetic fields can be easily measured?

Update:  https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20160131105253AARbtKQ&sort=O


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.  So then death worketh in us, but life in you.  We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  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.  (2nd Corinthians 4:  11-18, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Love That Is Spirit? (01/28/2016); GOD is Jesus? (01/13/2014); GOD is Showing You (01/14/2014); Poem for Amiri Baraka (01/15/2014); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013)


“Anonymous”, all human communication regarding the things of divinity is necessarily imperfect, for we seek to use the finite to describe the infinite, the temporal to describe the eternal, the material to describe the immaterial, the profane to describe the consecrated.  Given human consciousness and self-will only respond to the active presence that is divinity who is Spirit through features of our own makeup (e.g., appetite, sensation, mind, spirit) that are carnal, have form and measurable dimensions (e.g., depth, height, length, weight), and are social in their character and nature, “getting to know GOD” requires a radical reconfiguration of our spheres of life, and how we operate within them.  The simple language devices Christians may use (e.g., analogy, metaphor, parables and simile) are intended to support gradual growth and learning.  The awesomeness and power in the process of GOD must be fitted to minds that are at first emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually fragile.  The substance and process of Deity goes far beyond that for those who are created.  Thus, GOD does not need mankind’s acceptance, permission, or understanding to have a “son”, to operate through living relationships, or to appear upon the earth using flesh, person, and Spirit.  This said, GOD does not require the endorsement of covenant partners and those privileged to serve for sacred operations by divinity to establish forgiveness, judgment, salvation, and sanctification.  Consider again how this is stated within the holy writings: 

(1.)  John 1:  17-18, King James Version (KJV):  17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.  18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 2:  9-11, KJV:  9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 2:  12-15, KJV:  12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 1:  18-22, KJV:  18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,).  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(02/15/2014) A Valentine, 2014

Feeling that some of you may have felt a bit let down on yesterday, today, I share a poem (below) that more directly bares my thoughts and feelings as a man caught up in the romance of life.  As my readers now know, my first choice was not to share a traditional “love poem” on Valentine’s Day.  Instead, I shared my annual Black History Month poem for 2014.  Love poems are some of the most difficult to write, because they easily become dull expressions of immaturity, lust, and someone else’s private affairs (fit only for voyeurs).  Often love poems lack meaningful and memorable images; and tend to rely heavily upon childish and singsong rhymes, or over-familiar language that is dry, offensive, trite, and unbalanced.

What I prefer to speak of, then, is love that is an aspect of divinity, appearing first as a lifetime commitment and continuing as everlasting life.  (The truth being told, many of us can only confess to having been caught up in the storm of emotions we too quickly labeled “love”, and we only ever embraced ashes and smoke—the residue from fantasies of love.)  Even so, recent weather events, here, have made me more aware of my love for the sphere of our living.  We have now seen blizzard and earthquake in the Nation’s Capital.  In addition, not long ago, I saw a rare sight where one layer of clouds was being blown by the wind, all rushing to the South, while a layer of clouds rushing just above it were all being blown to the North.  I asked myself, how can that be—having never seen clouds layered that way—and knowing the answer, that nothing is impossible with GOD.  (Almost immediately a stranger came to me who said, “…it’s the Polar Vortex.”)  I thought to myself, I have completed many studies of the Arctic and Antarctic as well as meteorology, and I never came across any mention of a polar vortex.  Surely, this is another one of those pseudo-scientific explanations that do not come from GOD, and are not intended to build upon, encourage, or reinforce faith—or a genuine love of the earth as our home, and our inheritance.

 

A Blazing Heart:  Valentine’s Day, 2014 

 

I saw the hawk in flight before the snow
That elephant fat and ivory white
Invaded neighborhoods and water holes
The cold of winter savannah grass a graveyard
And had I fled the beauty that we suffer
Would have melted away in an instant

My tears instead were for a love I lost
The missing her the smothering of frost
The breath I needed to make my wings lift high
When warm air streams made impotent and dry
The land locked jumbo jets again too slow
Made me see again that none are free to fly

Should doubt or fear be master lion fierce
The tenderness of kisses do not pierce
Or penetrate the wall’s defense
And wisdom gone there is no penitence
That shovels away the cuts when we are gored
That comes by seeing others in their joy

Not envious and yet not warmed as when
We easy join and soar our hips in rhythm
Our hearts ablaze by the fire of our need
For one another fed at first with kindling
then with logs of truth not sad for him
I know that he has flown to where his love is

 

 

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

As for every poem I write, readers must now engage the piece, and come to know it.  The poem must rise or fall, speak for itself, and stand in its own merit.  As author, my final words must be (at the risk of sounding like Pontius Pilate), What is written is what is written.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.  (John 13:  34-35, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/14/2014) GOD is Showing You

The need for rebirth through baptism before one may “see” GOD is the topic, today, along with more on GOD in the person of Jesus.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers Singapore” using the ID “Jordan” (Level 1 with 142 points, a member since 16 December 2013) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers United States:


How come every time someone tells me they found god and i ask to see him?

know one ever shows me


THE BATTLE AXE:  GOD is Jesus? (01/13/2014)—As an omnipotent spirit being, GOD may appear as a human, and continue in flesh indefinitely without any damage to, or loss of divine substance.  As a carnal, human being, Jesus is not omnipotent, must acquire knowledge gradually, must complete stages of development through growth and learning, and only displays multiple aspects of Divine Person on a scale appropriate to mortal existence.  Jesus displays the more complete apprehension of divinity intended for all mankind, and that will be bestowed upon all who are his at the Lord’s coming to harvest the earth.  The dead in Christ will be raised along with those who are living, and will be made immortal and incorruptible.  Of course, Deity and humanity are not the same; and how long one may endure or remain alive is not the most important criteria for identifying the divine nature and sovereign authority of the Almighty.  Both the Father and Son transcend all differences continuing as one in divine process, eternal purpose, and sacred truth.  GOD is one, and exists completely and exclusively as GOD; yet, GOD also contains and subsumes all that is possible for the existence of mankind and other living creatures.  It will never be correct to deny that GOD has authority and entitlement (we say, the right) to assume form in flesh, spirit or utterance.  Similarly, it is absurd to argue that GOD does not have the power or any way to accomplish Incarnation.  No intelligent being throughout the universe of GOD can deny that there is a need for an extreme divine intervention that will totally preserve and recover Creation after totally eliminating sin. Correctly understood, then, questions for those who are developing faith only may focus upon describing the three aspects or persons whereby GOD has (1) appeared through sacred events among mankind, (2) are reported as having been used by GOD to function, (3) have been employed to make divinity known, and (4) that GOD continues to utilize when responding to prayer and worship.  The limitations of created beings and living creatures that permit a person to acknowledge that the GODhead exists will never also allow intellect, logic, reason, or science to generate detailed and full comprehension of the spiritual substance, exalted eminence, and supremacy of the GODhead.  While belief in the Incarnation of GOD as Jesus Christ does, in fact, express and produce faith and godliness among men, disbelief and quarrels against this doctrine repeatedly result in ignorance, morbid speculation, spiritual confusion, ungodliness, and violence.  Consider again Psalms 145: 10-13, Isaiah 9: 5-7, Isaiah 40: 28, 2nd Corinthians 4: 18, Colossian 3: 12-14 and 1st Timothy 6: 12-16, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  (Colossians 1:  9-20, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Reveal Himself To All? (12/03/2013); Is Science the Right Tool? (12/04/2013); Why Jesus Used Parables (11/03/2013); Never Taught It? (10/13/2013); Without Pointing A Finger? (10/14/2013); Come As You Are? (06/29/2013); Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013); Words Spoken by GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013)


“Jordan”, maybe it is not that no one shows you; it is that your present makeup is not open, and does not allow you to see and understand.  As a natural human being relying upon flesh (i.e., appetite such as hunger, thirst, sexual cravings; sense such as hearing, smelling, tasting; emotional and mental functions such as desire, fantasy, imagination, intuition, reason, recall) and the frameworks of time and space, it is nearly impossible to have experience and correct knowledge of being and substance that are totally spirit in their composition and nature.

As a spirit being, GOD is not a material or physical object for the awareness of created beings and living creatures.  GOD is invisible (we say), and must reveal and show himself by using flesh and blood in various ways.  This is accomplished in part by GOD having appeared as Jesus (we say, Incarnation), and by the present indwelling of GOD as a spirit imparted to the living.  In the same way the presence of the wind is made visible by its action upon things that may be seen (e.g., the clouds, the trees, a scrap of paper), GOD is made visible by his action upon the behavior, expectations, practices and utterance of the created.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, people only gain the ability to discern and recognize the actions and presence of GOD around as well as within themselves by experiencing permanent changes in the content of their own makeup.  Attitudes, focus, goals, intentions, knowledge, and sense of purpose all must be altered; so we say, a person must be born again having divine DNA.  Through baptism and multiple operations of GOD that include forgiveness, repentance, and sanctification, a natural man or woman becomes a “new creature” after the pattern of Christ.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  (2nd Corinthians 5:  20-21, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/21/2013) His Burden Is Light?

What it means to “come” or “go” to Christ is considered, today.  Also, there is more on making statements that conform to Bible truth.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Janett” (Level 2 with 511 points, a member since August 4, 2011) posted the following:


Question about Mathew 11:28 "Come to Me"?


Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
 

What does that mean and how does one "Go" to Him and "leave our burden?"


THE BATTLE AXE:  According to This Word (09/20/2013)—(5.)  Believers understand that many of the truths recorded in the holy writings, and attributed to Moses, may have been collected from oral traditions, and the priestly inheritance of families and tribes.  It is an aspect of our faith and spirit content from GOD, that this work was directed and overseen by the Holy Spirit.  Similarly, New Testament statements and quotations attributed to Jesus and others are affirmed through the witness of the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Prophecy).  Through the endowment of their own imparted, indwelling Spirit from Jesus, believers all may make assertions and descriptions of divine intent, pre-existence and heaven, for this is what it means to prophesy, and speak the word.  More than this, through ones own spirit content, the sacred truth and value of all things are to be discerned, acknowledged, and correctly applied.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  (Hebrews 9:  11-15, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  All Things Possible? (09/17/2013); Can One Escape? (09/18/2013); Gentiles and the Law? (09/19/2013); His Burden is Light? (12/10/2012); Knowing Who Your Real Friends Are (12/11/2012); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); Son of Man (11/28/2012); Given the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012)


Janett, here are some points to consider that are often shared among Christian believers, that I trust will further nourish your inner spirit:

(1.)  To “come to Christ” is to accept the divinely supplied invitation to have a closer and more intimate relationship with GOD.  While GOD is a spirit, and does not have form, or physical substance, GOD may nonetheless be known and understood as alive, real, and present among created beings and living creatures upon the earth.  In the same way we know the presence of the wind by its effect upon the trees, a kite, the clouds, believers are taught to discern and recognize when GOD is using the things of our life experience (for example, birth, family, marriage, friendship, death and divorce).

(2.)  The make-up and substance of GOD is divinity that may be described as sacred content.  Included are inseparable aspects of divine being that include faith, holiness, love, longsuffering, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  In baptism, believers receive these substances, and are spoken of as born again from divine DNA, so to speak.

(3.)  Many experience life as being full of darkness, fear, rottenness and violence.  By acknowledging Christ as an appearance of GOD in human form for the benefit of all Creation, a person may begin to experience a new awareness of human possibilities.  Their ideas about GOD must be changed in accordance with the things on record (the holy writings), wherein GOD has revealed himself to mankind using human events over the course of thousands of years, and thousands of lives.  There must be a transformation of the believer requiring multiple divine operations that may only be completed through the action of GOD.  It is in this sense that a believer rests relying upon GOD (we say, trusting divine grace).

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  For example, (4.)  Our carnal, material and social realties generate the human need for a mediator to reconnect us with the Creator.  Believers may speak to Jesus, just as to another living person, until they are correctly built up to speak directly to GOD in prayer through praise, through practice of various sacraments, through thanks giving, and through prophetic utterance.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Love has spoken.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/13/2013) A Tree Falls To The South

Proper reading of a Scripture verse often identified as being from sacred “wisdom literature” is in focus, today.  Also, there is more on why prayer may not be enough.   The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Jack Xi Jin” (Level 1 with 18 points, a member since may 14, 2013) posted the following:


What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 11:3?

deeper meaning?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013)— (4)  In the same way the absence or presence of faith is not to depend upon a person regularly hearing or seeing miracles, ones belief and trust in GOD is not to depend upon the evidence of answered or unanswered prayer.  Faith permits certainty and knowing based upon a person’s inner content being influenced by and interacting with divine spirit matter.  (5)  Until believers mature to higher levels of faith and submission to GOD, they will continue to engage ambitions, desires and hopes generated from material, physical and social objects.  While GOD has authority and power to grant all that we might ask in prayer, all things we may ask are not expedient for our service as covenant partners, examples, leaders, priests and the righteous offspring of GOD.  Nor do all things further our complete transformation into those glorified, justified, immortal, incorruptible, redeemed, and sanctified.  (6)  In addition to confession of sin, confession of need and declarations of forgiveness are aspects of effectual prayer.  Given that prayer is to be a further demonstration of humility, love and unselfishness the better content is what we give and release to GOD.  Included are acknowledgment, glory, gratitude, honor, praise, and worship.  It remains that the prayers of believers are most correct, and in greatest harmony with GOD—not when pursuing a private agenda or personal affairs—when asking for divine judgment; fulfillment of sacred proclamations, promises, and prophecies; outpourings of divine spirit; repentance; salvation; and the fulfillment of eternal purpose.  See Psalm 80:  3-7, Philippians 4:  5-7, 1st Corinthians 10:  22-24 and Romans 8:  26-30, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  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.  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.  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?  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.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.  Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?  Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.  If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?  (John 3:  1-12, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Guide to Salvation (04/10/2013); Faith, Language and “Mystery” (04/11/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012); GOD Does Exist (03/20/2012); The “Original” Bible (03/21/2012); (09/04/2011) Dispatch 25:  Comparing Spiritual Things


“Jack Xi Jin”, many serious believers in Christ would first caution you not to separate passages and verses that form a paragraph of the Scriptures.  The message immediately becomes distorted and warped when taken out of context.  The full context includes New Testament writings (see John 3, KJV).  Even so, here are some points to consider that should help you to avoid spiritual confusion:

(1)  The verse states that there are finite conditions, natural limitations (we say, laws), and peculiar sequences of events within the material sphere that holds created beings and living creatures.

(2)  With verses 1-5, the following verse (# 4) goes on to assert that a person’s focus upon aspects of the material sphere does not  produce knowledge of divinity and right relationship to the Creator any more than research and study (we say, meteorology, and science) of the wind produces authority over and control of the weather.

(3)  Mankind is encouraged to apply information, make measured choices, and pursue meaningful goals despite lacking total knowledge of the human environment, and despite not having a perfect knowledge of GOD.  Thus, unstated elements come into view that include confidence, faith, holy boldness, risk-taking, and trust.

As with all Scripture, there is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  Just as obtaining right knowledge of material reality often requires a person to take action, have contact, immerse themselves, participate in events and then wait, acquiring right relationship to GOD as Creator, Judge, redeemer, and Savior demands peculiar operations and responses through the ministry of Jesus Christ that appear to go forward or come into view only after extended periods of waiting.  Much of what believers receive (baptism, church attendance, study of the Bible, etc.) is to enable and enrich ones wait.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/23/2013) Science and the Laws of Nature?

Topics, today, include laws of nature, science, and the World. Also, there is more on why disbelief is foolish. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “David G” (Level 5 with 8,424 points, a member since August 25, 2007) posted the following:


Is it true that God created nature’s laws, such as gravity?

THE BATTLE AXE: Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013)—Given the enormous benefit that may be gained, or the horrible loss that must be endured on the basis of one having or lacking right relationship with GOD, no truly intelligent person fails to investigate thoroughly for themselves the claims of GOD in Christ. People are accounted as foolish when not believing GOD, because the Divine Person may be experienced as perfect in relationship, righteousness, and truth. The sacred motive of GOD to extend being and substance to mankind can be discovered, and correctly apprehended; and it may be known with certainty that in him there is no darkness at all. When speaking of atheism, disbelief and spiritual confusion, the word “foolish” is used to describe a broad mix of self-destructive attitudes, behaviors, character flaws and weaknesses. Included are arrogance, carelessness, ignorance, immaturity, imprudence, inattentiveness, indecisiveness, laziness, negligence, presumption, pride, recklessness, rigidity, sloppiness, slothfulness, and stubbornness.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (1st Timothy 6: 3-5, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Dispatch 25: Comparing Spiritual Things (09/04/2011); Mankind’s World? (11/20/2010); For Our Sins? (11/21/2010); Things? (11/13/2010); Mealtime Grace (11/14/2010)


Most mature Christian believers hold that the many cycles, patterns, regularities and relationships that exist within the material context of human reality, in fact, have place as aspects of divine Creation. The World, a system describing the emotional, psychological, and social frameworks for human living, is man-made. The heaven and the earth have been created by GOD as an expression of divine being, eternal presence, and sacred purpose. However, the World has been created by mankind as an expression of human makeup, a tool for acquiring, exchanging, and replenishing resources, and an array of related devices to ensure human survival. Included are agriculture, finance, education, history, language, politics, science, and technology.

The process of the World relies heavily upon measuring, observing, recording, counterfeiting, and manipulating things created by GOD. Among the various goals of science is that mankind have detailed knowledge of the biosphere and environment wherein we experience our lives. While the aims of science also include being able to control, influence and predict the behavior of objects and continuing events, present human makeup will never allow mankind to “create something from nothing,” or bestow life upon any object totally void of organic substance.

The work of science that centers upon the discovery and statement of laws to describe nature uses such methods and materials as demographics, experimentation to test hypotheses, forecasting, population sampling, statistical analysis, and theory-building. Two of the most important issues are that (1) findings from science must be reliable (i.e., others who use the same approach, materials, etc. must obtain the same outcomes), and (2) conferences, mass media, and other tools must be in place for dissemination (i.e., spreading new ideas, results from studies, etc.).

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the divine spirit that presently exists within created beings and living creatures is also identified and documented using aspects of what is called the “scientific method.” Like the wind that cannot be seen, or tasted, and itself makes no sound yet is known by its action upon objects that are visible (e.g., a scrap of paper tossed, clouds being driven, trees bending), presence of the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ absolutely is known by the demonstrations of the church, and has been described in detail through the holy writings. Science insists upon denying the Spirit as a fit object for academic discussion and study, because there can be no control or manipulation of divinity. (So to speak, GOD may not come under science; science must come under GOD.) For, full and correct knowledge of GOD only comes by such divine operations as obedience, rebirth, repentance, trust, sanctification and submission to GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC