Confidential: It’s eight o’ clock. Where are we in the construction of the chambers?
-.-. — .-.. ..- — -… .-: There has been a clearing of the foundation so that there can be a restoration of the basement. You must be patient as irrigation is needed to clear out toxicity.
Confidential: Understood. I assume James and Rod are still recruiting the others.
-.-. — .-.. ..- — -… .-: Yes, although James has had trouble getting people to commit to the cause. That last betrayal and ambush really wounded him.
Confidential: So we heard…at least he’s reconnected with his core team again. There maybe hope that God may end the cycle once and for all.
-.-. — .-.. ..- — -… .-: I would certainly hope so. Come LORD Jesus. Make haste to your people.
The Cure – Nas
Many aeons ago, there was a group of teachers that imparted esoteric knowledge. Because of their secretive and often Xtra-Biblical nature, they were shunned by the Church. They’re known as the Gnostics; name coming from the Greek word Gnosis meaning having knowledge. The Gnostics took learning very personal and allegedly were critical thinkers often challenging the Orthodoxy of the Day. For any outsider, they would agree that Gnostics were merely rebels and false teachers unless:
They understood the promise given to the church of Pergamum.
17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the HIDDEN MANNA, and I will give him a white stone, with a NEW NAME written on the stone that no one knows EXCEPT the one who receives it. Rev 2:17 Emphasis added
Teaching esoteric and wait for it…
wait for it… . . . . . . . . . . wait for it… . . . exoteric knowledge was a part of Discipleship.
25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they had called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. 26 So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. Matt 10: 25-27 ESV
Now as ambassadors of Christ, let’s redeem some aspects of their teachings and throw away the others. For it will be useful in the future. Gnostics believed that the material world is inherently evil due to its flawed nature. (An objective truth if you do not subscribe to the Monist philosophy). Where it gets fuzzy is that they believed the material world is unredeemable and NOT created by the true God. It came from a lesser deity called the demiurge. The problem of this teaching is that it allows for complete denial of Jesus Christ. It is one thing to deny Jesus by name, it is more dangerous to deny him in essence.
Erica: Could we change the pronouns from him to her?
Me: Yes. It’s implied through the text.
Pamela: What if we’re non-binary? Can we use other pronouns?
Me: The text uses inclusive language ‘all’ so that would permit other pronouns.
Now we have been able to redeem LBGT & Gnosticism. For what purpose though?
It gives stronger premises to redeem the New Age Movement.
It provides systems of knowledge to recover lost narratives.
My hope after we deal with the LGBT community is further talk about what true perfection looks like in Christ, and uncover mysterious teachings in love. I am eager to do the latter in the context of music as I want to share all the things I learned from my mentors when I left music behind. When I get to my safe place, I’ll really start recording music again. I’m so excited! Lord please keep me alive until my work is done! Let my life be an inspiration to many to be their true selves in Christ. Let me free recording artists to not worry about having fans or making hits unless it is about tearing down the Kingdom of Evil. In your matchless name, Amen.
CONFIDENTIAL: I see you passed one of the gates. Good job. You’ll need to get stronger if you are going to continue to safely merge dimensions. We’ll see you on the other side….
Passage To Dissect
Look at the following passage:
2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
Deuteronomy 4:2 King james version
What rules can you perceive goes with Exegeting passages from the text? What rules should follow when it comes to adding to a text?
What secrets or hidden implications can you find in the passage? What does that tell you about HIDDEN MANNA?
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been here; shut-up but content. Powerless to do the impossible, yet powerful enough to do the incredible. As much as I’m behind proverbial chains, I’m becoming more OK with not being released. And the sorrows I feel are more healing than hurtful. Healing because it is for and from love; true love. Let me re-write a message.
I’ve hinted applications about this passage before and while some may not have gotten the memo, there are others who are becoming familiar with my blogs. We’re gonna do a quick devotional before we jump into this series so that people can know my context; why I say the things I say the way I say it, so that we can clean up any skewed theology.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the LORD, or who has been his counselor?” 35 Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Rom 11:33-36 ESV
Questions to Consider
What is Monism? How does this concept translate into the passage? How would a Monist compare and contrast God with the believer?
What is exegesis and eisegesis? Where are they BOTH helpful? Hurtful? Is it appropriate to prefer one over the other? If not, what is the reason?
Now let’s once again go back a few chapters and chew on something else. Billy genie is not my LOVER.
4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written,
“That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”
5 But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.)
6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not do evil that good may come? – as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. Rom 3:4-8 ESV
Questions to Consider
How do you escape or reconcile, ‘the liar’s paradox?’
How do you apply Paul’s self-referential statement, ‘but if through my lie’ to the letter? Is he only speaking to:
Which answer do you think leads to more unity in thought? Not to encourage uncreative group-think here.
The Genious of Christianity
As you’re discussing these topics among yourselves, remember to take note of the context. I have been writing with these concepts in mind. This will also give you greater insight on recent events. Having a solid understanding of these ideas set the stage for the New Era in Christendom. I’ll be doing another prelude before we dive into examining the LGBTQ community just to provide further clarity on how a person can get it wrong regarding Divine Love. I’ll be saving two birds with one net as I’ll redeem a topic that has been historically shunned for centuries. Can you guess what other topic I’ll be discussing?
Boo! Did you jerk back? Nah? You from the Wild Wild West? Oh ok…you self-made I feel ya. Free…not everybody have the luxury of avoiding traffic jams; to be cooped up in the hot sun with no AC in your hoopdie; thinking about your next vacation on some remote island hula-hooping to the tunes of an Ukeke. Yeah I’m being sensitive here. It’s a learned habit from rejecting the norms of insensitivities and growing til’ there are no more mental or emotional impairments. I slid back from that journey though, and now I’m regaining ground with many others. For many who are empaths and healers, here’s to becoming whole again; here’s to a love in whose bond can never be broken.
Somewhere, sometime over the rainbow; in the days where beliefs in gods were fashionable, extreme rituals were performed. Temple prostitution and sacred sex rites were common in these days which may have set the atmosphere for other lascivious practices. However, our focus is not on trying to bring sexy back, rather we’re focusing on a special group called the Galli. Eventually you’ll understand why.
The Galli or Gallus in singular were eunuch priests said to come from the deity Cybele or Agdistis known at the time as the Great Mother of the Gods. You can say the Galli were a peculiar bunch – often dressed in bright female garbs with long hair and with sweet perfume. They wore makeup and typically bleached their hair, wandering about taking donations for divination. What makes them odd for Western culture was more of their ecstatic religious rituals; one of them involved castrating themselves.
While others play the flute and they get into a trance, the young priest gets naked, screams and runs to the middle of the circle of priests, where he grabs a sword and castrates himself immediately. Then he throws them through a random window and out of that house he shall receive his clothing and jewelry.
Lucian, De Dea Syria 51
As obnoxious as it may sound, we shouldn’t be surprised if intense practices like this abounded. Of course, the notion of these events not happening are plausible too, as self-mutilation of this sort could lead to death by bleeding. What we want to consider is the amount of ludicrous actions that takes place within charismatic circles. It doesn’t take long before we find some records of absurdity taking place within the church. After reviewing certain instances one must ask, “What is the spirit behind such ‘erratic behavior’? Just how ‘wrong’ is it? Is there a point of view that makes these occurrences redeemable? In regards to the Galli, a gospel reading comes into play.
Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can. Matt 19:12 NLT
Now because of the practices of the Galli, some scholars suggest that these priests were some of the earliest forms of transgender women. In fact, Firmicus Maternus said in his treatise, “De errore profanarum religionum” that they asserted they were not men. Apparently they wanted to pass off as women as a homage to Caelestis the goddess. What isn’t widely known is the dynamic of public acceptance of such practices verses its persecution especially with the rise of Christianity. The significance of this is two-fold:
If there was much persecution of transgenders, there may also have been lost stories as well. This is similar to the traditions AA have lost due to slavery.
To recognize the cycles of persecution between the sexually deviant, the sexual ostrich, the leper, the eunuch, and the pious.
I said once before and I will say again that there was a certain time in the Black Community where being effeminate was scorned arousing violence. Here we are in 2021 and cishet Black Men are considered the worst and the weakest link. Karma has a way of paying back doesn’t it? Let me take the moment here to apologize on the behalf of Straight Black Men for the cruelty we have done in our community in the past.
Maverick: When is it ever going to end?
Rodriguez: Hopefully when Jesus gets back because I’m over it!
Phillip: I feel you man. Ay James…did you do you know what?
Me: Yeah bro…I called her. It was awkward, but I had to do it.
Montara – Bobby Hutcherson
The purpose of this post was to lead into a new series touching on the LGBTQ community and how should Christians regard them in the light of the gospel. You can expect me to posit my view from many different angles; Historical, Cultural, Science, Philosophy, and Religious. Biblically speaking, you’ll hear me give an accurate Biblical view pulling from texts and explaining them from what they ACTUALLY say versus how you WON’T it to say. I don’t care WON’T you think it says, this is how it reads and we look it things objectively to discover it’s implications. Now here’s the caveat: I am not transgender, bisexual, gay, or any of the aforementioned. Nevertheless, through the context of marriage, BI am a straight man. And as one whose learning more and more to accept and love all that I am, you’ll hear me empathize with those struggling with these issues. But I’m not gonna lie, I’m going to wed BOTH fundamentalist and progressive ideas together as any true ambassador of Christ would.
I am Her – Shea Diamond
Just giving you the heads up so that we know I will be bringing convictions without condemnation and encouragement with warning. Hell is real. I would know, because I been there. And what I don’t wanna see happening is people getting caught off guard because of presumptuous assessment of themselves. Like what the HELL are you talking about?! Beware of speaking your truth. Because a half-truth is still a whole ________. I’m probably already hated for saying this stuff but who cares. I’ve been cancelled. But at least I will die knowing that I didn’t delude myself. Until next time my beautiful people, I love you.
One day I told someone special how adverse I was to taking pictures. I always felt it was unnatural and if it was candid, let it be done with consent. Being reflective as I am, I try to test my own beliefs to see the merits of it. There was a point of time where I had a healthy dose of self-hatred seeing the future of all things WAAAY ahead of time. Somewhere down the road though, I became foolish and unbalanced; what should’ve merely been a cocoon became a donjon of endless rejections. I’m getting better though. We’re getting better. Keep on praying for my family as I pray for yours.
Remember when Phat Farm and Baby Phat was hot fashion? I just recently found out why these brands died down. It’s sad when certain language becomes dated because the fashion is no longer in style. Like girl, you ‘thicc’ and I like that Phat; that Baby Phat. I don’t know what’s more tragic, realizing you’re getting old, learning about the vice that surrounded Phat Farm or being ignorant of it’s phantom twin being virtuous. Sorry guys, I’m still recovering from being fed partial truths for a good portion of my life. So bear with me here. I’m not trying to be irresponsible with my words. I’m doing my best to convey invisible realities. Shout out to Russell Simmons for setting the standard that you can be more than a recording artist.
Blue Ice
Today’s Gospel reading comes from Revelation 21:
6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. Rev 21:6-8 ESV
Now I typically don’t like teaching from Revelation because I believe if you were misreading the Old Testament and the Gospels, you have a very funky view of this book. In other words, if you took for granted small details in earlier passages, more than likely you’re overlooking nuggets in the Book. Never mind getting into details within the Creation Story and other stuff; the point I’m making is that there is a particular nuance here: for now we’ll focus on the word ‘sorcerers’.
In the Greek, the word is pharmakeus, which may play a role in where were get the word Pharmacy. The idea is that potions were magical remedies that brought about healing. It would be incorrect then to use this word as an indictment against pharmaceuticals much in the same way that saying affirmations are casting spells. After all, Jesus did say he would cause those who believe to drink from the spring of the water of life…
Evie: You just had to go there didn’t you?
Me: **shrugs shoulders**
7 Illegal Drugs that Can Be Used AS Medicine
Now I’m not here to pull your strings and somehow delude you to become an addict. As many doctors have found positive uses for what is typically known as recreational drugs, I reveal them to you. My advice is to be cautious when using any substance whether prescribed or not. Neither the judgment of you or doctors are infallible. So as Paul would say, “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. With that in mind, let’s move forward.
Cocaine – Did you know that this drug has been used as a topical anaesthetic in South America because of its numbing properties? These effects are known to also alleviate headaches. How sway! Doctors are discovering its advantages to treat irritable bowel disease and other problems with the gut. I wonder when did people decide that putting Coke in Coca-Cola was a problem?
Heroin – Is commonly used as pain management in hospitals. Avoid using pain killers as a way to relieve pain as it is highly addictive.
Magic Shrooms – Another remedy against headaches, obsessive compulsive disorder, and can even remedy depression and anxiety. But being honest here, people turn to shrooms for their psychedelic properties.
Ketamine – also known as ‘Special K’. No, no, no not the cereal here. Ketamine is found to be helpful in tranquilizing horses. There have been studies to suggest ketamine can also cure depression.
MDMA – Otherwise known as ecstacy, E, or X. Studies show it has the potential to treat PTSD. Don’t use it as some caffeine stimulant though.
LSD – Weird fact! In Norway, LSD is known as a possible treatment for alcoholism. I’m not exactly sure if it truly makes them clean, or give them side effects considering their hallucinogenic nature.
Cannabis – Long known as pain relief for chronic illnesses, it has been proven to relieve PTSD, nausea, and some cases of glaucoma and Crohn’s disease.
The Beastly Cures
Not to put some lofty – I told you drugs aren’t that bad – in your face. In a society where black and white thinking abounds, there is more room for the virtue of moderation to take center stage when forming an opinion. A mature person will weight the pros and cons of any issue, Biblical or not. Again, this isn’t to say that all things are redeemable. There are certain things that should be avoided at all costs. Nevertheless, all things can be reconciled to Christ and is the job of true ambassadors to facilitate His work.
Between ten and twenty/
I was a silly rabbit/
Stuck in a compound/
Between proteins & fatty acids/
I begged for magic/
You should’ve seen my top hat/
Sleight of hands hating/
The pitiful poor cat/
Eyes peeled to her smile/
Got them screamn’ loud/
Searching her head like I brows/
Free from corruption/
As I sit in this luncheon/
Our love’s sky-rocketing/
Throughout every function/
F3, F3, was that the right key?/
It can’t be fantastic without the Trinity/
You got 33 seconds to fulfill your ministry/
So eat and have faith/
Here comes the end of History/
Natural High – Blood Stone
The shortcomings of man should not persuade anyone to lose hope in the Final Consummation. It’s unfortunate of what we’re hearing in marriages; Derrick Jaxson and Chris and Paige comes to mind. For those who are married, now is the time to look to Jesus to make every crooked place straight & rough place plain. He will lead us into all truth in His righteousness. So therefore in honor of the National Drug and Alcohol Awareness week, I say to you love Christ until you reach your natural high.
Until next time,
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
During the days of dancing between angels and demons; waffling through the genius of light and darkness, comes another shuffled cue from the archives. The days of sitting at the dock is over. If you were thinking you can catch a part of the wave now, that ship has unfortunately sailed. But don’t worry, there’s likely another buzz going on that people will let fly. Don’t let noncrucial matters keep you from living your best life.
The Evil Residence
Last time I wrote about abortion, I brought up additional perspectives that justifies abortion in its proper context. While not condoning irresponsible or cruel behaviors, we took note that:
God causes miscarriages
There is plausibility one can have spiritual children at no cost
If children are the greatest in the Kingdom, it is Logical to infer that fetuses in faith can bear the cross while in the womb.
If we would abort lusts and other carnality to not give birth to sin, it is appropriate to see abortion of unwanted pregnancies as Biblical.
Finding such unconventional assertions as dubious is understandable. My only hope is that final judgements on the matter are reserved until all pertinent evidence is revealed; whether through investigation or in Providence.
The gospel reading I want to use to build my final case on abortion is below:
In The Water – Cory Henry
24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
Jn 12:24 ESV
In cooperation with those who examine text in its context, we’ll affirm that this passage foreshadows the way Jesus would be crucified. Additionally, this verse would speak to following Christ as a living sacrifice…Let’s read the next verse:
25 Whoever loves HIS life loses IT, and whoever hates HIS life in this world will keep IT for eternal life. Jn 12:25 ESV *Emphasis Added*
SIDEBAR: I try my best to makes things as clear as possible, and give people information in a way so that they can go about their lives making the best decisions. When it comes to Christianity, there seems to be this ongoing notion that people are adding or twisting the text to fit their own agenda. While I don’t deny the notion that this may be true in some cases, there needs to be an equal amount of consideration given to those who may not comprehend well, weakening the potency of words and failing to apply the Spirit of God’s Word fully.
CASE IN PONT: Considering the fact that God sent His own Son to die, how can we apply following God’s example personally, relatively, and collectively? I used the word relatively as an intentional pleonasm, knowing that the full definition of words are not commonly understood. Would a correct assessment of the Scripture involve a Lieutenant sending a fellow soldier on a kamikaze mission? A company releasing a beta project for testing marketing demand? Why wouldn’t this include the relationship between a parent and a fetus?
Somebody needs to soak their toes in the tub for an hour because they’re funky. No really, these questions are asked to probe insight around the text and to fill in applications that are normally overlooked. Otherwise, we’re in danger of speaking in a feedback loop or engaging in unhealthy group-think. It’s not flattering to be rounded up as chickens in the coup.
Pop Quiz
Who is responsible for creating the earliest form of chicken incubators and around what time were they created? In the business world, what are incubators?
What is a cooperative? Name four types of cooperatives? How can you build one within your own community?
Disunity is prevalent is society and unfortunately more so within the Black Community. What ways can we restore harmony without destroying individuality?
So far that was 10 questions. Only eleven more to go….just kidding. Be inquisitive my little kittens. Just remember the old cliche and don’t eat that pizza Garfield.
However, those who have been completely sanctified by the Spirit of Christ will experience Agape love in every place and at all times. Because true love is transcendental, a person who achieves this state will find themselves in Paradise.
22 And thou shalt be loved by all for the glory of God: but the one who falls short of completion shall suffer tribulations. 2 Matt 10:22 TPV (The Prototypical Version)
Herein is a hint for the justification of abortion. For any loving parent would want the best for their child and their partner. Whatever is birthed through the spirit will lead to Eternal Bliss while those who give birth to children in the flesh may experience troubles. May God cause all who are parents to find all their children to be a blessing.
Cruel Unctions
There is a double-edged sword when it comes to finding solutions to climate change. Because some are convinced that humans play an integral role in the current shift, measures have been taken to curb human output through population control. Perhaps controlling the populations makes sense with the ever-increasing rise of water scarcity. It’s threat challenges the future of the human race. On the other side of the ring are people who want to control the population for the manipulation of people to preserve a heirarchy of classism. Guard against those who wish to destory in the guise of nurturing and those who hide their intentions to oppress through the flattery of words. I hope you are wise enough to discern the nuances now.
The Social Mirrors
If you want to experience agape love quickly, social media maybe an obstacle for you. Remember as long as your heart is not converted, the world and the people in it will lack the character to love you well. Guard your ways be learning to love unconditionally – even if that means isolating to love and enjoy your own company – and you will do well.
Pop Quiz
This water bottling company can be found in megastores like Walmart and Safeway and is named after a waterfall. What is the name of the company?
What is the double-slit experiment and what is it’s significance in quantum physics?
In Economics, there is a study on game theory. What is simultaneous and sequential game theory? How can it be applied to Spirituality and Epistemics? Under what context should zero-sum games be adopted?
Of Wombed Sacrifice
Cruising right along here. Are we bored yet? I’ll admit, I have a lot to work on in regards to my pen game. Great communication isn’t my strongest trait. I wonder if that makes me an anomaly.
*Looks to see if he can fly this cycle somewhere*.
Any hints Steve?
Well the last reason abortion can be justified is in pious sacrifice to God. To recap, there are irresponsible and immoral reasons to abort a child. The point that is being made here is that there are scenarios where such practices are acceptable, i.e rape, death of mother or child, abandonment etc. To confirm this, let’s look at a well known scripture:
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Rm 12:1 ESV
Compare with an earlier passage:
12 So then brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Rm 8:12-13
Being basic is giving low vibrations/ I’d rather drive a hoop-dee/ than pay for a car note/ That’s education for ya/ I’m not toying with ya/ If you wanna stack paper you’re gonna need to change/ ya nature/ You don’t have to be a student before you become the teacher/ When you look beyond the surface/ You’ll see the special features/ Like Mister, Where did these footprints come from?/ Look like Bruce Wayne but Shorter/ Brother must be from another kingdom/ You know why I hate chitterlings?/ They’re pig intestines/ Somewhere down the line someone thought this makes a healthy helping/ Like ok! Who would ever go for seconds?/ And that concludes my 21 questions/
Kill the Director – The Wombats
I know some of us would rather stay young, but who would really want to go back to Middle School? There were too many restrictions at that time. And if you think that is bad, just think about how it would be returning to become a fetus! If you’re in Christ, you perceive everything before you’re brought into the world. Otherwise, you’re ignorant and dependent on the care of your mother. Yeah, I said mother. If an unborn child cannot bear the cross through Christ, then the only other option that is justifiable is the parent crucifying the child by agency of the Spirit.
Not the most palatable food, I know. I don’t do simple chit-cats. And I don’t wish to put stumbling blocks before anyone’s path. I just get upset when people are being condemned for something that is Biblical all because others overlook small details. Well anyways, did we really write this thing together? I wonder how many thoughts were exchanged without speaking to one another. So about that flick…we making this movie or nah?
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Me: Dennis, why don’t you know how to act? Dennis: What you talkin’ about? Me: The people sayin’ you causing trouble again. Why you gotta be a problem these days? Denis: I’d rather be a menace to solve, than be a mace forgotten and discarded.
Being an artist myself, it’s easy to predict who is good as opposed to who will be great. Good artists are either naturally talented or have charisma. The greats I’ve studied all possess a similar characteristic; a strong work ethic. Following Jeff Bezos’ philosophy, the men I’ve admired either worked hard, smart, long, or a combination of the three. There’s this nagging urge to improve – to do better than what they did yesterday. As a Christian man, I too adopt this passion not to be great, but to be whole. I desire perfection because I believe it’s the best way to reflect the glory of God in this age. It’s relieving to know that perfectionism doesn’t have to stem from a desire to be accepted or feel superior than others. There’s the possibility for it to be healthy as it arises from a certain unction:
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Cor 13:11 ESV
Ready
Typically, people won’t gain interest in something unless it is accepted by others and gives them an advantage. No call is more compelling than having the upper hand no matter how often the deck is shuffled. The allure of living the Supreme Life and being Ultimately Loved in community with fellow believers is the selling point of the Christian faith. If this is something that one desires, how should they be prepared in practicing godliness and circumspection! Practice makes progress which is within perfection.
Practice makes progress which is within perfection.
The prototype
Set
Dennis the Menace
To give a solid premise for such a pursuit – as idealistic and unreal it seems – let’s reexamine the existential claim against perfection: perfect doesn’t exist and nobody is perfect. While this maybe the prevailing opinion, it deserves a challenge. For those who assert these notions have already disqualified themselves as arbiters to reality. If nobody is perfect, neither are you, so why should we take your postulations seriously? But we understand that the ideas around restoration exists – at the very least – nominally. And if we are honest enough to admit our judgments are NOT ALWAYS sound, we can begin to explore three hypothesis:
Someone is perfect
that someone is NOT you
that someone IS you
You mean to tell me that there may be someone out there right now that is so smitten about you that they are doing everything within their power to be with you? Have you ever felt that way about someone? What exactly does it mean to be perfect? This is what I want my journey to be all about. In this blog however, we’re talking about what perfect love looks like and how can we grow into loving in this manner.
The Building Blocks to a Fulfilling Love Life
1. Philautia
Philautia is what should be the base for all other loves. Now for many Christians, this may run counter to their viewpoint that agape is the base and we don’t want to disagree with the philosophy of how man has the capacity to love. We start with self-love to avoid the sinister arbitrariness of dogma and allow men to experience the love of Christ AS they love themselves.
1 Be aware children, that in the midst of perils, times of restoration will come in the last days. 2 For as God loves the world, people will love themselves, filling their storehouses with the treasures of charity. 3 They shall wax self-confident in Christ and boast in the LORD; destroying every lofty thing opposed to DIVINE KNOWLEDGE. 4 No longer shall they listen to the wicked advice of their ancestors, but they will learn the Law of Christ. 5 Contentment for mediocracy and evil shall no longer be commended, and thanks shall be given to God for the power to overcome. 6 Piety shall no longer be practiced in pretense. It shall be developed in the light of God’s Word. 2 James 3:1-5 The Prototypical Version
Excerpt from the Lost Letters – James Richardson
2. Pragma
Pragma is practical love and is the natural overflow of Philautia. While self-love is consistent with the traditions of Soliphism, it’s difficult to reasonably ignore the sense of duty. Arguably self-love is the most subjective of loves. Pragmatic love is the beginning of making relative progress – or to put it more bluntly – pragma love deals with what who or what one can love in their present circumstances. Unfortunately this type of love if left unfulfilled will be less fun or stimulating. Wedding reason with imagination may help one assess options that will allow them to realize the freedom of Christ as opposed to being a slave to situations.
20Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 1 Cor 7:20
Will – Joyner Lucas & Will Smith
Me: Bro, when you gonna get out of yo’ man cave and hang? Dennis: ****** I’m snoozing out here, lemme get back with you. Me: Aight bet. Hit me up!
If you have made significant deposits of benevolence, it’s easier for your love to pass through the storge phase; familial love. We do not choose the families we are born into, but we have the freedom to surround ourselves with a family integral to our growth. Now storge love is normally reduced to love between parent and child, it can additionally be associated with uncles, cousins, nieces, etc.
5. Ludas
Somewhere between reaching out to having your deepest desires met, and behaving in a becoming way, is the need to break the rules. Enter Ludas love, which is more playful and flirtatious is nature. Just like self-love has negative and positive aspects to it, ludas love should be approached with caution. Non-committed love, if casually practiced can lead to breaches in health and relationships. This is especially true if one is seeking sexual liberation outside of the light of the Holy Ghost. A simple way of avoiding such vices is looking to Jesus as you relate to people. Lead through the transformation of your heart, and not through the appetites of your body and you will do well.
Non-committed love, if casually practiced can lead to breaches in health and relationships.
Can I get it on a platter, shatter your bladder And put so much light in yo’ life I’ll make the roaches scatter – Ludacris
6. Eros
Practice Ludas long enough and you’ll enter Eros love. This love is the most passionate of the rest as it includes romance and sex. For Christians, this love is reserved for marriage nevertheless it includes the mystical union of being joined to Christ. It’s been said that Eros is by instinct the natural course of life to survive. This resonates with me as I’m compelled by an innate desire to have what is purely pleasing to me. And I am certain that neither ecstasy or heaven can be real without God.
Warning about Eros
It should be noted here that only in the context of the mystical union of Christ can porneia be redeemed. Porneia is the greek word for any extra-marital relationship carried out by body, soul, and mind.
Greek word Porneia
To be clear, to physically carry out fornication, adultery, pedophilia, incest and the like goes against the will of God and is deserving of damnation as one corrupts themselves. But those who diligently look to Christ, who richly provides all for our enjoyment, will be transformed in a way where pursuing conjugal relationships are consistent with Divine Law and it’s consummation acceptable to God and man. May this word serve both as encouragement and conviction to those who have pure desires but have stepped out of Divine will; who exchanged godly transformation for artificial substitutes and therefore fell short of reflecting God’s full glory.
It may be hard to imagine a love that is better than romantic and platonic love; tell certain people that sex is overrated and they might look at you funny. The pinnacle of all loves is the love God has for humanity and inversely the love man has for God. It’s this type of love that I desperately long for. The hope of restoration is found in this affection.
And if we’re honest enough to admit our judgements are NOT ALWAYS sound, we can begin to explore three hypothesis: 1. Someone is perfect 2. that someone is NOT you 3. that someone IS you
Go!
Who needs perfectionists in an age where Narcissism abounds? Can the world sustain more people with inflated egos? There needs to be a distinction between one who is arrogant and selfish, one who is self-confident and generous, and one who has God-esteem and is benevolent. While much has been written about the former and has caused much grief and problems in our world, there is much room for the latter to heal and restore the world around us. God-esteem by definition is ascribing God to be Immaculate and by union, a reflection of His perfection. And just like how Christ’s Incarnation was birthed to build a meaningful relationship with the world, Christians ought to strive to build a profound fellowship with each other.
God-esteem noun
1. The practice of ascribing perfection to God and by extension yourself.
In conclusion, perfect love is immanent in all the other loves discussed. However, agape love is transcendent and is where a person may find the awe and sublime of God. So therefore, what is holding you back from becoming a true worshipper of Christ? Do you doubt that a full reward awaits you as you give Him your all? Are you still feeling like you can never be deeply loved? There are yet sublime experiences to be had in marriage. Your marriage does not need to burn out. There is a passion even the singles can feel alone. And it’s all found in Christ:
You didn’t get tired of me/ When I brought you hell/ Ice fell as an epagoge/ Rock bottom now I found a gem emoji/ Thank you LORD for loving me/ Even when I was unloveable/ You gave me faith & believed in me/ With a grace so incredible/ I laugh with joy unspeakable/ It preaches to the unreachable/ LORD cause me to not save face/ All day long may I give you praise/
So Israel left Egypt which is called Babylon to serve the LORD.
Me: Yo’ Dennis are you up yet? Dennis… DENNIS!!!
14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
